Gardens and Arboretums in MD

Explore elegant gardens
The Ladew Topiary Gardens have been named one of the "Ten Incredible Topiary Gardens Around the World" by Architectural Digest. Harvey S. Ladew, the colorful New York City socialite, purchased this land in 1929. A nature enthusiast and self-taught gardener, he sculpted 15 themed topiary gardens, renovated the manor and created wildlife nature trails.

Although the topiary gardens and trails are only open during the spring and summer, guests are welcome year-round for educational programming and special events. Children can experience the wonders of nature during school field trips, summer camps, explorer programs and story time. Adults can attend gardening seminars and lecture series from the Ladew Garden staff.

A wilderness experience in Baltimore City
The Cylburn Arboretum is an urban park that spans 207 acres of Baltimore, Maryland. This park includes 150 acres of woodlands and 3.5 miles of wooded trails.  This arboretum is also home to over 20 beautifully-maintained gardens, including themed, memorial, habitat and traditional gardens. Their collection of trees and shrubs date back to the 17th century, with many of the original trees still standing.

Every week, Cylburn Arboretum offers nature events for children of all ages at the Nature Museum, as well as summer science camp programs. In addition to youth education, the Cylburn Arboretum also regularly hosts workshops, demonstrations and lectures for adults. Rent the Cylburn Mansion and Vollmer Center for weddings, receptions and private events. Visit their website for more information.

Stroll through the Garden of Lights
Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County, Maryland's incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park. The Brookside Gardens have numerous themed and formal garden areas. A horticultural reference library is located in the airy Visitors Center. Admission to the gardens is free.

The Brookside Gardens offers horticultural programs and events throughout the year. A favorite event is the Garden of Lights. Walk through this holiday display at night to see one million lights shaped into hand-crafted art forms. Enjoy musical performances throughout the holiday season.

Visit the garden center
While striving to be more than a garden center, Surreybrooke's mission is to offer visitors an exciting time, experiencing the extensive gardens and historical outbuildings. Walk along the winding paths that lead to colorful and overflowing with perennials, flowering native shrubs and vines that climb the artful pergolas. Trees of merit are dotted throughout the landscape and clustered around the earthen ponds.

Surreybrooke offers garden tours, workshop and special events. The grounds also feature a garden center that sells both traditional and unusual plants and succulents. This arboretum is known for its spectacular mixed container gardens. Their goal is for visitors to find something distinctly special with each visit.

A national arboretum
Salisbury University in Maryland began its collection of plants in 1985. Three years later, the campus was declared a national arboretum. When you visit this 150-acre university, discover the diversity of the plant kingdom found on Salisbury's main campus.

Dr. Chris Briand has curated an incredible record of the University Arboretum's plant holdings. Salisbury University is home to numerous varieties of trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials. The university's grounds also feature beautiful sculptures. The website serves as a virtual arboretum to use as a guide as students, professors and visitors stroll and explore through this historic campus.

The most famous tulip garden in North America
Sherwood Gardens is among the finest gardens and arboretums in the world. This garden was created in the 1920s by John W. Sherwood with tulip bulbs imported from the Netherlands. Each year, 80,000 bulbs are planted, along with complementary spring blooms like dogwoods and magnolias.

Plan your visit at the end of April or beginning of May, when the tulips are looking their best. During the summer months, the garden is replanted with masses of annuals and perennials. Sherwood Gardens is also home to a variety of rare trees. Sherwood Gardens is located in the historic and stately Guilford Community.

Celebrating over 125 years

Established in 1888, the historical Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens is one of Baltimore’s most beautiful structures. It features five distinct greenhouse rooms, including the Mediterranean room, the tropical forest room, the desert room, the orchid room and the palm house. This arboretum is also home to a half-acre garden with many flower beds and a kaleidoscope of colors all year round.

The mission of the Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens is to foster an appreciation and understanding of plants from around the world and the vital roles they play in our lives. Children and adults can participate in gardening workshops, educational lectures and horticulture exhibits. The Rawlings Conservatory regularly hosts special events throughout the year, including cocktail parties, concerts, farmers markets, seasonal displays and more.

A living museum and garden
Welcome to Historic London Town and Gardens where discovery and learning are daily experiences. This 23-acre museum and park features history, archaeology and horticulture. Explore the Historic Area, which includes the William Brown House, a National Historic Landmark, reconstructed colonial buildings and an ongoing archaeological investigation in search of the "lost town" of London.

Wander the eight-acre Woodland Garden of native plants and exotic species arranged along a one-mile trail before enjoying the seasonal Ornamental Gardens overlooking the South River. The modern Visitor Center and Pavilion are beautiful and unique venues to host weddings, business meetings and family events. Schools and educational groups are welcome to participate in their various learning programs.

Beautiful national park
Piscataway Park is home to abundant wildlife, such as bald eagles, beavers, deer, foxes and ospreys. Explore over 200 acres of tidal wetlands, natural trails, meadows and woodland areas at this Maryland public garden.

In addition to the gorgeous wildlife, Piscataway Park is home to The Accokeek Foundation's National Colonial Farm, a living history museum depicting 18th century Maryland farm life before the American Revolution. The Foundation has also spearheaded a heritage breed livestock and seed saving program, which has preserved nearly-extinct heirloom crops and animal species. The Foundation's organic Ecosystem Farm uses new tools and sustainable practices to show their commitment to the future of agriculture. Visit this Maryland national park and arboretum for an educational day trip.