Welcome spring as you stroll through eleven beautiful private gardens amid the lovely old houses of Waterford, Virginia, during the Waterford Country & Cottage Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2010. (Rain date Sunday, May 23.)

Find the “Secret Garden” as you wander through this charming National Historic Landmark village (which celebrates this year the 40th  anniversary of this designation) with its 1817 mill, old barns and outbuildings, and historic houses. Special events during the day include a lecture on culinary herbs by the Loudoun County Master Gardeners, another lecture on gardening, sales of plant and garden accessories, and open village artists’ studios. Photographers are welcome. Box lunches, which may be eaten in one of the gardens, may be ordered by calling 540-882-3104 or (the Foundation) 540-882-3018, ext. 117.

Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased online after April 7. For more information, contact the Foundation at 540-882-3018, ext. 117, or go to www.waterfordfoundation.org/garden.

All proceeds benefit the Waterford Foundation, Inc.