A love of gardening and flowers runs deep in Ellen Sinclair’s blood, fostered by the tradition of her mother and grandmother, both gardeners of note. Her grandmother’s expertise at flower arranging was a strong influence on Ellen’s life. “I see the construction of a flower arrangement as a form of sculpture,” said Ellen, an artist, interior designer, and chair of the April 21st Virginia Beach House and Garden Tour. The tour, sponsored jointly by the Virginia Beach Garden Club and the Princess Anne Garden Club, is part of The Garden Club of Virginia’s 77th Historic Garden Week, the oldest and largest program of its kind in the nation.

THE PAINTED GARDEN

Each year the chair of the Virginia Beach Tour places her unique stamp on the choice of homes and gardens. For acrylic artist, Ellen Sinclair, the decision was simple. “Start with the art,” she said. A graduate in art from Hollins University in Roanoke, Ellen has been in the interior design business since 1989 and through the years has kept in touch with her professor, Bill White. This year he and his wife Linda will be among the artists who have contributed paintings on the subject of gardens and nature to the companion art show, “The Painted Garden” at the Beach Gallery in Virginia Beach. Art professors from two other universities will also participate: Richard Crozier from the University of Virginia and Kathleen Olson of Washington and Lee.

“All three universities have benefited from historic restoration to their gardens by The Garden Club of Virginia,” Ellen explained. “Historic Garden Week, which is always the last week in April, is our major source of funding to restore more than forty historic state gardens.”  Beginning in 1929, the organization, which comprises 47 member clubs around the state, has invited visitors to tour distinguished private homes and gardens. From the Atlantic to the Appalachians, more than 30,000 tourists annually visit Virginia homes and through the years have raised more than 12 million dollars for historic preservation.

This is the first year that an art exhibit will be part of the Virginia Beach House and Garden Tour, but, Ellen hopes, not the last. “I wanted to celebrate the beauty of gardens through the eyes and talent of Virginia artists,” Ellen said. “The show will feature, in addition to the university professors, five local artists who have created paintings and drawings from the gardens of the five homes on the Virginia Beach House and Garden Tour and art work by more than thirty other artists from Virginia.”

DISTINGUISHED HOMES

Ellen carries forward her art theme through the selection of private homes on this year’s tour. “I wanted a variety of forms in the houses and gardens,” she said. Visitors will be able to experience architecture from a stately Georgian home to one of cottage-style design and landscaping that ranges from a rambling English garden to an arrangement of whimsical “garden rooms.” Ellen chose each of the five houses for its distinctive flavor and artistic quality.

“The Goodman House at the Oceanfront is full of incredible art work,” Ellen said. “And it’s a beautiful example of contemporary style. We’re serving tea and cookies there on April 21st.” In contrast, the Davis Home on Wilson Lane is full of surprises from a large painting of Marilyn Monroe to interesting chandeliers, colored glass, and an eclectic choice of fabrics. Ellen finds the garden filled with desirable places to sit and sip wine.

She selected the Hamilton Home on Crystal Lake for its transitional style. “This home is the newest construction,” Ellen said, “but it combines traditional elements with the spaciousness of contemporary design.” Outside she especially likes the cascade of scented jasmine, although the magnolias, hollies, and crepe myrtles are also gorgeous.

The Georgian Wynne Home on South Bay Shore Drive could be described as a garden indoors and out. “Flowers are everywhere,” she said, “from the floral prints on fabrics and wallpapers to views of the gardens from each window.” The landscaping is magnificent with two angel fountain garden areas and a lawn that sweeps down to Linkhorn Bay.

The fifth home is totally different. “You don’t feel like you are in Virginia Beach,” Ellen said. “This is an Italian villa, not your typical Virginia Beach house.” Everything is European from the antique street lamps and meandering paths outside to the artwork inside that the owners collected from France, Austria, and Holland, she noted.

HISTORY OF SERVICE

Another feature of the Virginia Beach House and Garden Tour makes it really unique. The full tour ticket also includes admission to six Historic Homes in Virginia Beach: The Adam Thoroughgood House, Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, Dewitt Cottage, Ferry Plantation House, Francis Land House, Lynnhaven House, and Upper Wolfsnare. The historic houses are open Thursday, April 22nd, as well as Wednesday to allow more opportunities to enjoy them. In addition, some of the Historic Homes are offering special events on Thursday. The Francis Land House will have refreshments and music. Visitors can learn secrets of successful flower arranging at Lynnhaven House while sipping tea, and at Upper Wolfsnare, docents offer a step back in time to experience the realities of life in the late 18th century.

Both the Virginia Beach Garden Club and the Princess Anne Garden Club have a history of service to the community since the 1930s. Over the years they have contributed to projects at Norfolk Botanical Gardens and Upper Wolfsnare Plantation, to name a few. “Our club has participated in The Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week for over fifty years,” Ellen said. “We contribute all of the proceeds to The Garden Club of Virginia for its garden restoration projects.”

It is easy to see the tremendous amount of effort that goes into such a project as Historic Garden Week. “This project has been lots of fun,” Ellen said, “but I didn’t do it alone. I’ve a long list of volunteers, and any corporation would be lucky to have these amazing women on their staff.”

For more information about the tour contact: Chairman: Ellen Sinclair 757-428-7375, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Co-Chairman: Beth Holt 757-412-0007, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Virginia O’Keefe is the author of Speaking to Think/Thinking to Speak: The Importance of Talk in the Learning Process.