When Historic Garden Week in Virginia comes to North Suffolk this month, the event will mesh especially well with one major component of the Garden Club of Virginia’s mission, according to tour chair Gail Pruden.

“We thought it was appropriate when we chose the Riverfront community, which embraces nature, that we really highlighted the creeks, the marshes, the Nansemond River, and the James River that’s adjacent,” Pruden said.

A natural extension of that focus, according to Pruden, is a partnership with the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance, which will be in one of the featured yards to educate folks on garden design in tune with nature.

Dubbed “Down by the Riverfront,” the Suffolk tour will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on April 18. It will be one of more than 30 tours across Virginia throughout the week of April 18 to 25.

Throughout the day, the NRPA will be set up at 5212 Commodore Bluff, and Suffolk River Heritage, at the Riverfront Clubhouse, 5200 River Club Drive, will answer questions about local waterways and history.

Also at the clubhouse throughout the day will be a McDonald Garden Center representative, with information on gardening practices and environmentally friendly landscaping; Suffolk Master Gardeners, answering questions; as well as a display of antique cars.

At 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the clubhouse, expert flower farmer Lisa Ziegler, of The Gardener’s Workshop, will explain how to successfully grow spring flowers. She’ll be selling copies of her book, “Cool Flowers.”

Refreshments and live music will be provided in the garden at 5228 Rockport Landing between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and artists will be painting at several featured homes throughout the day.

While Historic Garden Week often showcases historic gardens, “we think it’s so appropriate in today’s world that we introduce a vibrant and growing community that really does embrace the concept of good stewardship of the land,” according to Pruden.

The gardens don’t have the same formality of a more historic area, but they harness the energy of the surrounding natural environment, she indicated.

“It really plays right into the lifestyle of Riverfront, where many people kayak, canoe, fish, boat,” Pruden said. “They enjoy the waterways; therefore they are very conscious of protecting them.”

The Nansemond River Garden Club, of which Pruden is a member, is partnering on the Suffolk tour with Elizabeth River and Franklin garden clubs.

Next year, Pruden said, the three clubs will hold a tour in Isle of Wight, primarily led by the Franklin club.

Tour proceeds support the restoration of historic sites across the state, and the Garden Club of Virginia also has partnered with Virginia State Parks, Pruden said.

“The idea that it’s some elitist thing is a joke,” Pruden said. “We are giving money back for all the commonwealth to enjoy.”

Tickets for the Suffolk tour are $30 per person in advance or $35 on the day. Children 6 and under are free.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.vagardenweek.org, via several local businesses or at the Suffolk Visitor Center, 524 N. Main St. A complete list of ticket outlets is available at www.visitsuffolkva.com/play/historic-garden-week-suffolk.

For more information, call the visitor center at 514-4130 or visit www.facebook.com/HistoricGardenWeekSuffolkVa.

Tour headquarters will be at the clubhouse, where tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour and where tour maps and other information will be available. It will also have public restrooms.

Participants are advised to wear flat, comfortable shoes. Strollers and interior photography are not allowed in the homes.