Harvey S. Ladew was a socialite and master of the Elkridge-Harford Hunt, which inspired the famous 'Hunt Scene' topiary featuring hounds and a fox.
The gardens include a 'Yellow Garden' designed to reflect the color palette of Ladew’s favorite hunt colors.
The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Ladew personally designed the gardens without professional training, relying on his travels through Europe to shape his aesthetic.
The estate’s topiary collection is often cited by the Garden Club of America as one of the most outstanding examples of its kind in North America.
The manor house contains a 'Oval Library' designed to accommodate Ladew’s extensive collection of books.
The site includes a butterfly house that features native Maryland butterfly species during warmer months.
Ladew Topiary Gardens features over 22 acres of formal gardens structured around a historic manor house originally purchased by Harvey S. Ladew in 1929. The property is internationally recognized for its extensive collection of topiary art, which includes over 100 sculpted shrubs shaped into figures such as hunting scenes, geometric forms, and animals. The grounds are divided into 15 distinct garden rooms, each designed with unique color palettes, textures, and horticultural themes. The manor house is preserved as a period home, showcasing Ladew’s collection of fox-hunting memorabilia and period antiques. A nature walk trails through the surrounding 250 acres of woodland, meadows, and wetlands. The estate is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the legacy of Ladew’s garden design and historical preservation. It serves as a prime example of American garden design influenced by English horticultural traditions.
The 'Great Bowl,' a perfectly circular lawn framed by high hedges and iconic topiary shapes.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain includes gravel paths and uneven grass.
Visit the nature trail to see the meadow habitats and wetlands, which offer a contrast to the manicured formal gardens.
Check the website for the seasonal butterfly house schedule, as it is only available during peak summer months.
Attempting to see the entire nature trail in formal footwear or visiting during inclement weather when paths become slippery.
Closed annually during the winter months; typically operates spring through late autumn; closed on select weekdays during off-peak periods.
Stay on marked paths; do not touch or prune the topiary sculptures; pets are not permitted in the gardens.
