Globally-recognized destination Ladew Topiary Gardens marks the grand opening of the 2025 season on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. In addition to innovative programming for adults, children and families, Ladew is thrilled to introduce the restored Cottage Garden, which showcases the exuberant nature of the property and its original owner, Harvey S. Ladew.
Ladew, heir to a Gilded Age fortune, as well as a topiary and fox hunting enthusiast, purchased the 250-acre Maryland farm in 1929, where he created the 22 acres of gardens. Today, Ladew Gardens welcomes the public to enjoy its whimsical, European-style garden boasting unique topiary forms, bountiful garden rooms, and a historic manor house. Ladew Gardens has been recognized as the “Most Outstanding Topiary Garden in America” by the Garden Club of America, and one of the “10 incredible topiary gardens around the world” by Architectural Digest.
“After a long, snowy winter, we are delighted to welcome the public back to Ladew Gardens for the 2025 season,” said Emily Emerick, Executive Director of Ladew Gardens. “Our dedicated team looks forward to greeting longtime members, neighbors, and new visitors to this special place—where they can enjoy the gardens, connect with nature, and find inspiration and renewal. Just a short drive from Baltimore or an easy day trip from D.C., Northern Virginia, and Philadelphia, Ladew offers something for everyone. Whether exploring the gardens on a self-guided tour, hiking on the Nature Walk, in our dynamic programs, or admiring the works of our Artists in Residence, visitors of all ages and interests will find something to enjoy.”
Ladew Gardens’ thoughtful “Garden Rooms” are one of the many aspects the destination is most known for. These Garden Rooms, with their specific plant or color themes, are ever-changing. Dotted throughout the property, Ladew’s topiary excellence knows no bounds and includes more than 100 larger-than-life topiaries.
Cottage Garden Restoration
The Cottage Garden restoration is almost complete. Undertaken by a staff and volunteer task force with the leadership of the extraordinary garden designer, David Culp, and in partnership with Cavanos Perennials, the renovated Cottage Garden is both whimsical and formal, capturing the original creator’s sense of fun. The garden includes the traditional Ladew elements, topiary and the original wisteria, while incorporating native cultivars and pathways to afford expanded visitor access. Visitors can enjoy a first glimpse at this enhanced version of the beloved original garden.
2025 Artists in Residence
In addition to being a destination, Ladew also serves as a coveted home for artists and creatives to express themselves through nature and art. Over the years, Ladew has welcomed local, national, and internationally renowned artists to the Gardens to exhibit and sell their work. Ladew’s 2025 Artists-in-Residence program features photographer Paula Reynolds and Sculptor Walter T. Matia.
2025 Events and Programming
Notable for the 2025 season, Ladew announces an array of events and programming – some beloved, some new — including:
- Garden Festival – a curated market offering a wide variety of specialty plants, garden ornaments, and antiques is one of the garden’s major fundraisers of the year, and returns on Saturday, May 3 with a Priority Preview on May 2nd. Tickets go on sale for members on March 4, and non-members on March 11.
- Wellness in the Gardens – Ladew offers a variety of programming designed to bring mental and physical health to visitors through connecting with nature. Programs include Nature Therapy, yoga for adults, children and families, guided meditation, and Tai Chi.
- ‘Come Inside” Open House at the Manor House – On the last Friday of every month between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ladew will allow guests to stroll through the Manor House at their own pace. The House is filled with English antiques and fox hunting memorabilia, and the Oval Library is listed as one of the “most beautiful rooms in America.” The first Come Inside Open House will be Friday, May 9th and will run through the season until Friday, October 31st, 2025. Please check the website for exempted days.
For more information about Ladew and its seasonal programming, visit LadewGardens.com.
About Ladew Topiary Gardens: Ladew Topiary Gardens has received the prestigious “Top Five North American Gardens Worth Traveling For” award from the Canadian Garden Tourism Council and was deemed “the Most Outstanding Topiary Garden in America” by the Garden Club of America. Ladew was featured as one of “10 Incredible Topiary Gardens around the World” by Architectural Digest.
Ladew is located on Jarrettsville Pike (MD 146), 14 miles north of the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), exit 27B (Dulaney Valley Road North). Ladew Topiary Gardens is a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is “to maintain and promote the Gardens, House and facilities in keeping with the creative spirit of Harvey S. Ladew for the public benefit and for educational, scientific and cultural pursuits.”
Both the House and Gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
