Maryland gardens

Maryland gardens reveal art, history and natural splendor

BALTIMORE (April 1) – Gardens can be inspirational. "That was certainly true for Claude Monet, who said: "I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers." Yet, even if you don't paint, you're apt to be stirred by the natural beauty of a well-manicured garden.

This month, Maryland's Office of Tourism is encouraging visitors to take in the splendor of public gardens across the state. It has designated April as a time to call attention to these gardens through its Maryland Spotlight campaign – a monthly promotion that highlights distinctive aspects of Maryland tourism.

"When you visit one of Maryland's notable gardens – like the Paca House in Annapolis or Sotterley Plantation in Southern Maryland," said Gov. Martin O'Malley, "you are often getting an up-close look at a reflection of the state's history. These gardens also mirror the artistry of those who have cultivated them through the years and are great places to visit."

Margot Amelia, director of the Maryland Office of Tourism, said: "We are fortunate to have so many spectacular gardens in our state. They are truly places that merit making a special trip to see. Or, they can easily be the centerpieces for a Maryland getaway."

Here are brief descriptions of 12 not-to-miss gardens and farms across Maryland:

Adkins Arboretum, Tuckahoe State Park (Caroline County) – You'll find the Delmarva region's largest collection of native plants at Adkins – 600 species of shrubs, trees, wildflowers and grasses. Follow the four miles of pathways here and you'll pass through 400 acres of woods, meadows, streams, wetlands and gardens. The annual Arbor Day Run, which includes a 5K, one-mile family run and 100-yard dash for kids, is Saturday, April 17.

Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park and Art Center, Solomons (Calvert County) – Dedicated to presenting a connection between art and nature, Annmarie features outdoor museum-quality artwork – some of it on loan from the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Annmarie also has more than 500 shrubs of hybrid azaleas. A new arts building with gallery space opened in 2008. Tours are available through the 30-acre site.

Brookside Gardens, Wheaton (Montgomery County) – An azalea garden, rose garden, children's garden, formal garden, fragrance garden and Japanese-style garden are all part of this 50-acre collection of public gardens. The property – part of Wheaton Regional Park – also has two conservatories and a horticultural reference library in the Visitors Center. A "Heart-Smart Trail" winds around the gardens.

Historic Sinking Springs Herb Farm and Retreat, Elkton (Cecil County) – After walking around this 130-acre property, you can stay overnight in a country cottage on the farm. Herbal lunches and teas in a restored 18th-century farmhouse are available year-round. "Herbs of the Bible" includes lunch, tour and a "Labyrinth Serenity Walk." Check a monthly schedule of "Any Thyme" events and classes. A sycamore tree, which sprouted in 1578, is on the grounds.

Ladew Topiary Gardens, Monkton (Harford County) – A life-sized foxhunt scene is one of the first things you'll see at this 250-acre property. Harvey S. Ladew (1887-1976) was a self-taught gardener who created 15 themed "garden rooms" on 22 acres. Tour the 18th-century Ladew Manor House (circa 1747) and take a stroll along the "Nature Walk."

Lilypons Water Gardens, Buckeystown (Frederick County) – In 1925, this 250-acre site along the Monocacy River was the home of Three Springs Fisheries, a catalog business that had started as a Frederick County entrepreneur's hobby involving goldfish and waterlilies. In 1936, the business worked with the U.S. Post Office to create a new mailing address that could accommodate the upsurge in catalog activity. It was named for a popular opera star, Lily Pons. Later, the business took on the same name. Take a tour when you visit.

London Town House and Gardens, Edgewater (Anne Arundel County) – Overlooking the South River, London Town was a 17th-century tobacco port. About a quarter of the town's original 100 acres remain. You'll find a museum (a former tavern and inn built in 1760) and a park that present historical, archaeological and horticultural perspectives. Eight acres of gardens surround the museum.

Salisbury University Arboretum and Sculpture Collection, Salisbury (Wicomico County) – This 145-acre campus has more than 2,000 species of plants in a variety of gardens. The university began collecting plants in 1985 and three years later became a national arboretum. A sculpture collection started in 1994 to complement the gardens. Pieces range from the Beaux Arts style of the early 1900s to more recent figurative works.

Sherwood Gardens, Baltimore City – John W. Sherwood, a pioneer in the local petroleum business and a conservationist, created this urban garden in Guilford during the 1920s with tulips from the Netherlands and cuttings of boxwoods from Colonial estates in Southern Maryland. When he noticed strangers wandering through his property on a spring day in 1930, he decided to allow the public to visit freely. The Guilford Association purchased the gardens from Sherwood's estate and plants about 80,000 tulip bulbs each year.

Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood (St. Mary's County) – The garden at this tidewater manor (circa 1710) was designed in 1910 as a re-creation of an 18th-century garden. It includes a vegetable garden, herb garden, fruit and nut trees, and an array of flowering plants – all typical of a Colonial garden. Its design is based on four large squares bordered by boxwood hedges and grass walkways. Located on the banks of the Patuxent River, Sotterley is open to the public. Second annual Garden Fair is April 17-18.

William Paca House and Garden, Annapolis (Anne Arundel County) – Research and excavations during the 1960s and 1970s led to the restoration of the original Colonial garden here. Paca – a Maryland signer of the Declaration of Independence – designed the garden when he built his house in the 1760s. The two-acre garden has multi-tier terraces that showcase 18th-century horticulture. The property is a National Historic Landmark. Guided tours of the house are available. See the garden at your own pace.

Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, Severn (Anne Arundel County) – This small family farm, which considers itself a botanical preserve, offers an array of herbs, flowers, shrubs and trees. The farm has introduced numerous native medicinal and ornamental plants. Stroll through 17 themed gardens, such as the "Fairy Garden" and the "Perennial Garden." A drying barn displays handmade decorations, cut flowers, healing tinctures and salves. Check monthly schedule of classes.
Individuals who are interested in gardens and gardening can also tap into the resources of the Horticultural Society of Maryland, an organization that offers lectures, trips and workshops. Call 410-821-5561 for information.

Among those who obviously have such an interest are the residents of Baltimore who contributed to Baltimore's designation as one of the top 10 cities for urban gardening. The Daily Green – an online consumer guide for green living – compiled the list. Seattle heads the group and Baltimore is No. 7.

 

Monthly themes

In March, the Tourism Office spotlighted Girls' Getaways in Maryland. Previous themes have included: bed and breakfasts; Maryland's Main Streets; Chesapeake Bay art; hiking and biking trails; and Maryland wine.

To receive free Maryland travel information - Destination Maryland , Maryland Calendar of Events and a state highway map - by mail, call 800-719-5900. Information can also be found on the Tourism Office's web site, www.VisitMaryland.org .

 

About Maryland tourism

The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency of the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts within the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Recently reported visitor data shows that the state welcomed more than 28 million visitors in 2008 who spent nearly $14.5 billion on travel-related expenses – a 3.2 percent increase in spending over 2007. During 2008, the Maryland tourism industry also generated close to $1.8 billion in state and local taxes and provided 146,000 jobs to Maryland residents.

 

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