Through the Garden Gate

For the past four years I’ve had the pleasure of visiting one of the most fascinating and historically significant places on earth – The University of Virginia in Charlottesville. With my son graduating in May, I wanted to make one last trip before the big day.

There are plenty of tours of the Grounds, but I’ve been intrigued by a lesser known self-guided tour of the gardens behind the Pavillions in the academic village. Home to college deans and professors, each Pavillion has a secluded garden, which is accessible through a series of garden gates. Although open to the public, these hidden little gems are very private, with an occasional student seen on a bench or lying in the grass.

"EMBRACE THE JOYS OF GOOD DESIGN!"