The historic house was built in 1784 by John Moss and served as a working plantation for many years.
The property was donated to Fairfax County in 1970 by Ann and Michael Willoughby, who spent decades restoring the grounds.
The park maintains a specialized plant collection including significant varieties of witch hazel, which bloom during the winter months.
The site hosts a unique 'Garden of Weeds' exhibit designed to educate visitors on identification and management of invasive versus native species.
The original 18th-century structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The park utilizes a stream valley restoration project to manage local stormwater runoff and support native aquatic ecosystems.
Green Spring Gardens is a 31-acre public park and historic site located in Alexandria, Virginia, managed by the Fairfax County Park Authority. The property centers on the Green Spring House, a historic structure dating back to the late 18th century. The site functions as a horticulture center featuring 20 thematic demonstration gardens, including native plant displays, a rock garden, and a kitchen garden. It serves as a regional educational hub, providing workshops on gardening, landscaping, and environmental stewardship. The grounds include a conservatory, a greenhouse, and several miles of woodland walking trails that wind through a stream valley. The park is designed to showcase plant varieties suitable for the local climate zone. It operates as a living laboratory for master gardeners and horticulture enthusiasts. The site is a documented historic landscape that retains significant elements of its 200-year history.
The arched wooden bridge spanning the pond, which offers a full view of the historic house and conservatory gardens.
Visit the plant shop located near the entrance for native plant varieties that are difficult to find at commercial nurseries.
Check the horticultural center's calendar in advance for seasonal plant sales and expert-led garden walks.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching along the woodland stream trails.
Do not collect plant specimens, seeds, or historical artifacts from the gardens or woodland trails.
The historic house is occasionally closed for private events or specialized conservation projects; the gardens remain accessible daily year-round.
Stay on marked paths to protect delicate soil and plantings; photography is permitted but professional sessions require permits.
