AHS’s River Farm Unveils Its Newest Upgrade: a Renovated Brick Walkway

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the national nonprofit American Horticultural Society’s (AHS) River Farm headquarters in Alexandria now has an upgraded 180-foot brick walkway connecting the River Farm manor house with the wedding allee in the formal gardens.

Since the 1970s, hundreds of couples have made their way down the brick walkway to the gardens to celebrate their wedding vows. Over the years, weather, age, and roots extending from nearby trees took their toll on the bricks, prompting AHS’s decision to replace them after the 2019 wedding season. The renovation project was completed in February 2020.

Since 2018, the entire outdoor event space at River Farm has been upgraded with new walkways, a releveled stone patio, and a brand new canopy tent with billowy tent liner, removable sides, palladium windows, crystal chandeliers, fans, and perimeter bistro lighting.  The event tent is erected in-season over the stone patio adjacent to the manor house and the outside entrance to the ballroom. 

The renovation projects were undertaken to enhance guest comfort and safety.

“We’re thrilled to have a beautiful new walkway with Potomac River views for our soon-to-be-married couples, guests at special events, and the general public visiting River Farm,” said AHS’s director of development and engagement Susan Klejst. “As a 501(c)(3) organization, AHS relies on philanthropic support to maintain its historic buildings and grounds here in the Mount Vernon district of Fairfax County, so we deeply appreciate the public’s generous contributions.”

AHS’s River Farm facility can be rented for weddings and other special occasions, meetings and retreats, workshops, and children’s birthday parties in the Children’s Garden. AHS’s horticultural staff also offers guided tours of the property for school classes, gardens clubs, and other interested groups.

Renovation Process in Pictures: