The annual West Avenue Garden Tour is a unique tour for an equally unique street. Encompassing just three blocks in Richmond’s historic Fan District, West Avenue has a character all its own. Traffic is so light that children often play in the streets. A quiet oasis in the midst of a busy city, West Avenue is next to Virginia Commonwealth University and famous Monument Avenue, a national historic landmark. Many of West Avenue’s row houses are connected on both sides, and backyard space is scarce.

The tour is completely free of charge, and so many gardens were open that I lost count. The owners simply opened their back gates to the alleys for guests to walk in and look around. Their gardens function as extensions of the home—essentially outdoor rooms. Most had spaces for dining or lounging. Walls were decorated with sculptures, wrought iron and mosaics. Fountains and fishponds added ambiance. The gardens take full advantage of vertical space with vines growing along trellises, walls and gates.

To me, home and garden tours are an opportunity to feel like I’m walking through the pages of a magazine. Take a look at the slideshow and get a few ideas for your own garden, no matter the size.