Taking a Family Getaway to Ladew Topiary Gardens

Light, cool breeze blew through my car’s windows as I drove my family down the scenic route of Hound & Hunt Highway in Monkton, Maryland, on our family day trip to Ladew Topiary Gardens. We spent the day outdoors strolling through the beautiful topiaries, or perennial plants that have been clipped to take different shapes.

Socialite and huntsman Harvey S. Ladew established the garden on 22 acres in 1929. Near the entrance, you can see a hunting scene that may perhaps be him with the sculpted shrubbery sharing a scene of a hunter on a horse chasing a fox with his dogs.

Taking a Family Getaway to Ladew Topiary Gardens

Walking through the topiaries, statues, and quiet gardens, we could imagine ourselves being in the whimsical gardens of Alice and Wonderland. We spotted topiary hearts and swans.

Green shrubbery created the illusion of castle walls with windows to peek through and spires on top to guard from imaginary enemies. Perhaps the Queen of Hearts was on our trail!

Walking down another path, we came across a dovecote, or a gigantic birdhouse. Had we shrunken?

Next, we meandered down another path and found a nature trail where we could sit quietly and enjoy the view of the Koi pond.

Since my daughters enjoy nature and gardening, this was a day trip well worth taking. They appreciated the simplicity and beauty of the experience.

We may plan another trip later in the summer when the fountains will be running. Later, we can also visit the Butterfly House, the Manor House, and the Cafe, which were all closed in early April.

We would also plan for a longer hike down the Nature Path, which is a 1.5 mile trail through the fields and woods of the Ladew property.