These are the gardens of the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria in Spring of 2009. We stopped by to visit because it's a great time to catch the flowers at their height. The weather was perfect, the crowds were very light and these pictures don't really do the gardens justice. The gardens are insteaded to be some what accurate historically but they don't have any fruit trees, something which a colonial garden undoubtedly would have had.

This azalea bush was on fire. The foundation of the Carlyle House in the back of the photo gives texture and contrast to the blossoms.

Up close and in the sunlight they were dazzling.

The centerpiece of the garden is this lovely sundial with a formal surround of boxwoods and flowers. The brick paths and boxwoods feel very Old Town Alexandria to me.

This looked like crabapple blossoms to me, but the notices said there were no fruit trees in the garden.

Bluebells carpeted much of the garden.

I wish I knew my horticulture well enough to identify this beautiful flower that almost seem to glow.

The mixture of taller flowers and flowering ground cover was an effective way to add visual interest.

Around every corner were delightful blossoms like these.

At the foot of a crepe myrtle these lemonade colored flowers are in full bloom. The smell of nectar and the perfumes of flowers filled the entire garden.

I highly recommend a visit to this special place at the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria VA.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo 1 Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.