Community Corner
A Field Trip to the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory in Baltimore
Conservatory was built in 1888 and sits on the grounds of Druid Hill Park.
Recently I visited the Baltimore conservatory to enjoy, once more, the beauty of the amazing variety of healthy plants that grow here in five distinct climate zones.
Rising above the extensive parklands that include the Baltimore Zoo is the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens of Baltimore, only 15 minutes from Catonsville.
The 1888-built Palm House is one of the few Victorian conservatories remaining in the world. It was designed by George Frederick, who also designed Baltimore City Hall and the Mansion at Cylburn Arboretum. This five-story glass structure is framed in steel and filled with 15 different species of palms, some reaching to the top. It is a thrill to stroll through this unique space.
The Orchid Room was built the same year and offers visitors an opportunity to view a wide variety of hundreds of orchids, whose walls receive a soft spray of water regularly. How distracting it was to take a yoga class there when, with every turn, I saw more orchids to admire.
During my years in real estate, I met a buyer in the Palm House to write a contract. There was a cement garden bench where we parked ourselves—we were quite impressed with our choice of meeting place.
I love experiencing the change of temperature when walking from one climate into another. The Desert Room is definitely warm and the cacti are huge and stately. Plants from Asian and African deserts and our own Southwest grow here.
Last year I visited with a group of watercolorists and I chose to paint a view of the tropical pool in the Tropical Room. Each artist was attracted to a different view to paint. An employee told me that artists regularly visit to paint in the Conservatory or outside in the 1.5-acre botanical gardens made up of 35 beds.
The final climate change is in the Mediterranean Room, which has the temperature and humidity similar to the California coast, central Chile, western and southern Australia, the South African Cape and the Mediterranean Basin. Don’t be surprised at the large variety of herbs growing below the vines and exotic plants.
Visiting this priceless treasure so close to home is fun, worldwide adventure for all ages. And there is no entrance fee. In fact, its mission “is to foster an appreciation and understanding of plants from around the world and the vital roles they play in our lives.”
The conservatory is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can explore on their own or arrange a group tour by calling 410-396-0008.
Many volunteers work here and provide essential horticultural, educational and visitor services. The Volunteer Coordinator can be reached at 410-396-0008.
Free parking is ample around the conservatory and throughout the park.
Special events are planned throughout the year and the Conservatory and outdoor gardens can be rented for weddings and other special events. Coming up on Saturday, April 16 from noon - 2 p.m. is the 14th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Ages 2-7 will enjoy the hunt, arts & crafts and a petting farm, all free. Registration is necessary to participate.
The Baltimore City Horticultural Division staff stage three floral displays throughout the year. The Spring Display begins this April 16 and continues until May 1. I have seen the explosion of color these hundreds of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and lilies offer, and highly recommend a visit. To complete the year, there will be a Chrysanthemum Display and a Poinsettia Holiday Show.
