There’s plenty to see and do in Baltimore, Maryland, but Charm City is also perfectly positioned for interesting day trips into the surrounding landscapes. Within an hour’s drive, you can reach wooded state parks, quaint towns on the Chesapeake Bay, and a gem of a destination for plant and flower lovers, Ladew Topiary Gardens.
Located in Monkton, about a 45-minute drive north of Baltimore, the botanical gardens were originally the property of Harvey S. Ladew. In 1929, the aristocratic garden enthusiast and fox hunter purchased the land — then called Pleasant Valley Farm — and began transforming it into a creative space to cultivate his interests in topiary and architecture.
Under Ladew’s guidance, English- and Italian-style gardens were installed, and the historic Manor House was restored and modernized to resemble one in the English countryside. The botanical gardens opened to the public in 1971, five years before Ladew’s death, and today, they’re still a fascinating and tranquil place to explore.
Step into the English-style Ladew Topiary Gardens
Begin by strolling through the colorful 22-acre gardens where you feel like you’ve stepped into the English countryside. Harvey Ladew spent a significant amount of time in England, and his gardens are modeled after formal English gardens. They feature “garden rooms” with specific themes, some related to floral varieties or planting styles, and others centered around color schemes. These rooms include Rose Garden, Victorian Garden, Water Lily Garden, Herb Garden, Iris Garden, and Sculpture Garden, to name a few. All of the gardens are bright and vibrant, but if you’re interested in a space enlivened by a single color, try the Pink, Yellow, or White Gardens…