Garden Day Herb and Craft Sale

Don’t Miss the Carlyle House Herb Sale April 20 Drop by the Carlyle House Annual Garden Day Herb & Craft Sale on Saturday, April 20, to stock up on herbs and other plants. Check out the wide selection of items offered by local artisans and crafters. Browse through gently used coffee-table, children’s and audio books. Enjoy performances by local musicians. It’s a real celebration of spring at one of Alexandria’s most treasured sites. Sponsored by the Friends of Carlyle House, the sale will take place on the grounds of Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street in Alexandria, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Proceeds will benefit Carlyle House education programs and its collections budget. In addition to culinary herbs grown in the greenhouses of Mount Vernon and Layng & Company, you’ll find decorative herbs and wildflowers as well as tomato plants, perennials, and shrubs. Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia will be on hand to answer your gardening questions, and representatives of Bartlett Tree Experts and the Virginia Native Plant Society will share their knowledge of trees and native plants. Vendors will offer artisan chocolates, teas and spices, designer pet tags, frozen custard, stained glass, gardening books, greeting cards, 18th & 19th Century-inspired jewelry and handmade wooden bowls, boxes, and cutting boards. Other items include handmade dolls and aprons for children and adults, wine charms, napkin rings, hand-painted tiles and bath products. Take a break from shopping to enjoy cookies and beverages available for purchase and also look for hidden gems at the used-book sale. Musical groups will perform throughout the day. The Irish Breakfast Band returns for another year, as does a piper from the Alexandria City Pipe and Drum Corps. Denny Buck, Stevie Wayne Potter and singer/songwriter Mary Gordon Hall will make solo appearances. Students from McLean High School’s Project Enlightenment, dressed in period clothing, will be engaging with guests and conducting displays of 18th Century life. There is no charge for admission to the grounds; however, if you wish to take a tour of Carlyle House (highly recommended), the fee is $5 for adults; $3 for children ages 5 through 12 and free for children 4 and under. Admission is free with your Alexandria Garden Day ticket.