Sometimes the grass really is greener, and at those times, you’ve got to go check it out. At these upcoming home and garden tours, relish an up-close look at architectural, design and landscaping ideas that impress and inspire:
Tuckahoe Elementary Home and Garden Tour
May 13, noon-5 p.m.
Tuckahoe Elementary School: 6550 26th St. N., Arlington
Tour includes a handful of renovated homes and a few gardens as well as a program that highlights details of each stop. Tour tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of. Proceeds benefit Tuckahoe’s outdoor classroom program, the Discovery Schoolyard.
45th Annual Clifton Community Woman’s Club Homes Tour
May 18, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Silent Auction and Marketplace at Clifton Presbyterian Church: 12748 Richards Lane, Clifton
Tour includes Clifton Primitive Baptist Church, houses in Clifton and Fairfax Station and a wreath-making demonstration. Tour tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of. Auction and marketplace admission is free.
Blue Ridge Mountain Home Tour
May 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bears Crossing: 18623 Blueridge Mountain Road, Bluemont
Tour features five homes built between 1776 and 1910. Tour tickets are $35 in advance for full tour, $20 to see a single home, $17.50 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Proceeds benefit Boulder Crest Retreat.
Fourth Annual Arlington Home and Garden Tour
June 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church: 4252 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
Tour includes refreshments, the opportunity to meet architects at the homes and shopping at the Bee Hive Bazaar. Tour tickets are $30. Proceeds benefit the Love Quilt Project.
Sustainable Garden Tour
June 11, 1-5 p.m.
Alexandria and Lorton homes (addresses on tour site)
Tour spotlights wildlife, rain gardens, composting and other environmentally friendly gardening features. Tour admission is free.