March 20 is the first day of spring, and the Felicianas are already awash in floral beauty.
Afton Villa is a well-known icon of that Feliciana beauty, open with many blooms on display.
Dragonflies, bees and butterflies buzzed visitors. Tulips, azaleas, wisteria and camellias waved in the spring breeze.
The gardens have several parts: the formal gardens that were part of the mid-1800s work that stretched over 25 acres and the garden created in the ruins of the home after it was destroyed by fire in 1963.
Bright pink azaleas add a pop of color on a sunny day at Afton Villa on March 12, 2024.
The trails through the woods and its garden spots, such as the daffodil valley, are currently closed for restoration work.
A couple picnics and takes photos at the lake at Afton Villa on March 12, 2024.
The garden is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week from March 1 to June 30. It will reopen Oct. 1 to Nov. 30.
Entry is $5 cash a person. Children under 12 are free. The gardens are off U.S. 61, 4 miles north of St. Francisville.