Gardens & Groves Tour

Tour Mount Vernon's Historic Gardens

The spectacular landscapes experienced by Mount Vernon's modern guests were not created by accident.

George Washington carefully planned his estate's sweeping lawns, groves of trees, walled gardens, serpentine paths, and scenic views. Between 1785 and 1787, Washington’s design, which was implemented by enslaved workers, completely transformed Mount Vernon’s grounds into a landscape very similar to the one that visitors see today. 

This 60-minute guided tour examines the ways Washington used landscape architecture to create a comprehensive plan for his estate that skillfully merged areas for work and leisure.

• Stroll through the upper garden teeming with beautiful flowers.
• Visit the greenhouse that once housed exotic plants.
• On the bowling green, trace the path 18th-century visitors traveled to the Mansion and learn how the enslaved workers maintained the grounds and greenery. A
• s you move into the lower garden where the estate's produce was grown, pass by trees dating to Washington's time.

Please allow 10-15 minutes to walk from the main entrance to the Mansion Circle to meet your guide.