The delicate white buds of snow drops along the driveway are such a lovely and welcome sight this chilly March morning, the whispered promise of spring gardens in our near future. Purple hues of crocus are soon to follow and by the month’s end the first daffodils with their cheerful yellow frills. Before you know it, a blanket of early April magnolia blooms will dust the back lawn, replacing the lingering snow in the forecast!
Gramercy’s Glorious Spring Gardens
Spring garden at Gramercy Mansion
Plan a spring garden escape during the Easter holiday or your anticipated spring break vacation. Gramercy’s gardens are always evolving under Anne’s nurturing green thumb and creative design inspiration. When Anne and Ron purchased the estate in 1985 at auction, the mansion and grounds were in desperate need of love. They spent the early years restoring the historic mansion to its former glory, designing incredible guest rooms and inviting public spaces. The installation of landscaping and gardens was next. Over the past ten years or so, Anne along with one full-time gardener has devoted time to her true passion. If you can’t find her in the office on a drizzly spring morning, chances are she’s digging in the garden or envisioning her next garden project. Anne is an active member of the Mt. Washington Garden Club and inspired by her travels around the world. Stone and brick walking paths, whimsical statuary and water features, layers upon layers of annuals and perennials… it’s no mystery that the property has become a well-known romantic garden wedding venue and peaceful B&B retreat. Proud recipient of BnBFinder’s Glorious Garden Awards 2013, the landscape grows more breathtaking each year. Meet Anne during your next visit to Gramercy and learn more about her gardens on a guided tour available on Tuesday mornings at 11 a.m. Call 410-486-2405 for dates and details.
After strolling 45 acres of gardens and trails, meandering along Honeybrook stream and exploring Koinonia organic farm at Gramercy, spend a sunny spring day soaking up nature’s beauty at these nearby gardens and arboretums.
Ladew Topiary Gardens
World-renowned Ladew Topiary Gardens, situated just a short drive from the Mansion, opens to the public on April 1st. Tour the Manor House and nature walk or reserve a spot at a Walk & Talk or Brushes & Blooms event. Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual Garden Festival on Saturday, May 2 and shop from over 40 vendors to beautify your spring garden with hard to find annuals, perennials, exotics and container plants, as well as outdoor decor and furnishings.
Cylburn Arboretum
Take in a lecture or nature walk or tour the aquaponics farm at Baltimore’s Cylburn Arboretum this spring. Learn about native spring flowers in March, discover woodland fairies in April and visit on Mother’s Day weekend for the annual Market Day festivities.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Magnolia tree in spring garden at peak bloom
Plan a garden getaway in late March or early April and take a day trip to Washington DC, just an hour drive, for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Average peak bloom is around April 4 but weather plays a big factor. Frost, unseasonably warm temperatures, wind or rain can cause a late start or early end to cherry blossom season. Predicted peak bloom dates for 2015 are April 11 – 14. Follow Bloom Watch for updates and blossom photos. Or just glance out your window from Gramercy Mansion’s Magnolia Room for a glimpse of our blossoms around the same time!
Looking forward to a spring wedding or getaway in Baltimore? Review the spring garden schedule of blooms at Gramercy from years past.
Tags: garden getaway, spring garden