Annapolis, Maryland

Nestled amidst the Colonial history and maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay are gardens that recount the stories of the centuries as only nature can.

Itinerary

Discover the beautiful Landscapes of Annapolis

Individuals who visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County are struck by the beauty of its abundant gardens. No matter what the time of year, groups can pause to enjoy nature’s finest at a number of lovely locales – each of which has its own unique story to tell.

Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden

The Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden is a treasure hidden among the state government buildings. Named for a former first lady of Maryland, the five-acre garden offers a sampling of the different regions of Maryland. Groups can enjoy the beauty and diversity of a Western Maryland forest, a streamside environment, and a taste of the Eastern Shore peninsula. The barrier-free garden also contains ponds; a raised planter with plants of varied textures, tastes, and fragrances; and many cultivated plantings. Tour planners can arrange for guided tours through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR headquarters features a cafeteria and gift shop.

William Paca House and Garden

The two-acre 18th-century pleasure garden of Declaration of Independence signer William Paca mixes the formal with the informal. It reflects the political and social environment of the Colonial era. One of four Maryland signers of the Declaration, Paca was the Governor of Maryland from 1782-85.

In the early 20th century, Paca’s Georgian mansion served as the front entrance of the fashionable Carvel Hall Hotel. The garden that Paca laid out was covered by eight-feet of fill and turned into a parking lot. Historic Annapolis Foundation (HAF) began restoring the garden in the 1970s.

Today, the reconstructed oasis features plants that are authentic to the colonial period. Groups can enjoy the beauty of the multi-tiered terraces on their own or on a guided tour. The middle terraces feature four parterres that exhibit precise geometric patterns designed to exemplify man’s control over nature. The rose parterre is filled with heirloom varieties, while the flower parterre provides three seasons of colourful blooms. The holly and boxwood parterres exhibit the art of sculpting living plants into topiary and provide colour to the garden all year long.

HAF guides provide tours of Paca’s house and garden. Tours that focus on the decorative arts, archaeology, and history are also available.

Historic London Town and Gardens

Another Annapolis-area horticultural site can be found at Historic London Town and Gardens. A tour of the 23-acre park along the South River in Edgewater includes the William Brown House, the gardens, and an archaeological site. London Town has within its boundaries part of the late 17th- early 18th-century town of London, which archaeologists from the Lost Towns Project are currently excavating in what is considered to be largest ongoing archaeological dig in Maryland. Tours and adult educational programs focus on the site’s rich history, the ongoing dig, and horticulture. The site’s 8-acre woodland garden is a beauty to behold year-round.

Development of the gardens began in the 1960s. Today, visiting groups enjoy vistas of the South River, shady glens, and an unusual and artful combination of native and exotic plants.

Homestead Gardens

Groups with green thumbs will also enjoy a visit to Homestead Gardens, the largest enclosed garden centre in the metropolitan area. The retail component encompasses 57,000 square feet of covered space and 15 acres of outdoor sales area.

Selected as the official gardener of the Baltimore Orioles’ Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Homestead Gardens offers groups a place to explore and glean ideas for home gardening and green living. Its calendar of events is full of hands-on learning and activities, and the landscaped grounds provide many an inspiration. Groups can relax with a gourmet coffee from Saucy Salamander, visit the herd of 30-plus llamas, and explore the garden centre for the perfect gift.

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