Cool air is coming, and fall is bringing a welcome shift in pace along with plenty of reasons to step outside. This year, October 1 marked the start of a special autumnal treat: the reopening of self-guided walking tours at Afton Villa Gardens.

A drop in temperatures welcomes guests for picnics and garden strolls, says Alison Corle, whose family runs the gardens.

“The garden is so special in this animation when it comes alive with visitors,” she says. “The fall colors bring a change of scenery as if it’s almost another garden.”

This season, the garden will welcome guests to the Southern Garden Symposium on October 23-24 as well as a Wreaths and Wines event with a date to be announced for November.

The daffodil garden has been revitalized, and a new small garden is being created around the sugar kettle, Corle notes. In addition, the ruins garden will come to life with marigolds, sage and cat whiskers salvia.

Corle suggests that guests come prepared to explore the estate on foot and to check out the walking tour posted on the garden’s website.

“To understand the history is the unique aspect of this garden,” she says. “It is a history of many stewards who have enhanced the property, and we are continuing to preserve this historic legacy!”

As for the spring season’s opening on March 1, Corle says guests can look forward to yoga in the gardens and the St. Francisville Garden Stroll on April 10.

To stay up to date on Afton Villa Gardens’ events, check out the garden’s Instagram.