The Garden

The beautiful walled garden of the Lee-Fendall House is one of Old Town’s best kept secrets. The garden is open for your enjoyment whenever the museum is open. Simply enter from the gate on Washington Street.

History

In 1850, Alexandria merchant Louis Cazenove purchased the house, and the Cazenove family transformed the grounds into a Victorian pleasure garden. They planted the grand Magnolia, Black Walnut, and Gingko trees that continue to thrive today.

Since the Lee-Fendall House opened as a museum in 1974, the garden has been a popular attraction. With Betty Ford’s support, the grounds had the honor of being Alexandria’s official Bicentennial Garden in 1976. The recent addition of a wide array of medicinal plants now enhances the historic interpretation of the house as a hospital during the Civil War. Offering attractive brick paths, historical features, beautiful flowers, and comfortable shade, the garden is now considered one of Alexandria’s best-kept secrets. Free for the public’s use whenever the Museum is open, the garden continues to serve as a relaxing and peaceful oasis within the bustling and ever-growing city of Alexandria.

We are a Certified Wildlife Habitat

The Lee-Fendall Garden is a National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Certified Wildlife Habitat, a designation that reflects its commitment to providing a sustainable environment for local wildlife. This certification, committed to in 2019, means the garden is managed with careful attention to providing food, water, shelter, and spaces for pollinators and other wildlife to thrive. As a result, the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation prioritizes the use of native plants, excludes reliance on chemical pesticides, and incorporates eco-friendly gardening practices. By adhering to the principles of the NWF certification, the Lee-Fendall Garden creates a balanced ecosystem that supports pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, while enhancing the overall health and sustainability of the garden. This commitment not only beautifies the space but also ensures that the garden serves as a sanctuary for local wildlife, aligning with broader conservation efforts.