Historic Gardens of Virginia 



Immediately next door, the original Coleman house will be 

 found, in the midst of a charming old garden. Here, still more 

 yellow crocus bloom in the fall, and narcissi and squills rise each 

 spring upon each terrace. 



Around the Garrett house on Capitol Street grow many 

 old-fashioned shrubs — crepe myrtle, spiraea and mock orange. 

 Bulbs, too, are here in plenty; the grape hyacinth's blue, and the 

 daffodil's gold, painting a gay picture each spring. But the queen 

 of this garden is the red amaryllis, which opens its petals in the fall. 



Within a stone's throw is the home of Dr. Peachy, who played 

 host to General LaFayette during the Revolution. Later, in 1824, 

 when the Marquis was touring America, he was given a banquet 

 at this same house when he visited Williamsburg. Stop for a bit — 

 wander back over the years and gaze at the company who welcomed 

 him. See the multitude of Virginia people thronging the highway, 

 the doorways and roofs of near-by dwellings; the soldiers in their 

 peace-time uniforms; stately Governor Pleasants on his prancing 

 horse. Another moment — watch the crowd fall back. Grand old 

 LaFayette, the hero of the hour, steps out upon the balcony — the 

 multitude cheers — the General bows. When all this comes before 

 one's mind it is easy to forget today. 



The same bulb flowers bloom about this colonial house as are 

 found all over Williamsburg, but a new note is struck when we see 

 the anemone. Saint Brigid's kind, in a frail, petaled dress when 

 it blooms. 



At the east end of Francis Street, where there once was a beau- 

 tiful old garden, stands the home of Burwell Bassett, friend and 

 many times host of Washington. Bassett Hall, as the place is 

 called, was later the town house of President John Tyler, and 

 here, it is said, Tom Moore wrote "The Firefly," fresh from a 

 visit to the great Dismal Swamp. The broad lawn, now cut by a 

 long entrance lane, was once the scene of cavalry drills, but the only 

 reminder of those stirring days is now found in the old-fashioned 

 flowers. Violets, blue hyacinths and daffodils of many kinds — the 



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