Howard County Public Garden To Be Created At Longwood Property In Glenwood

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Leaders announced Tuesday that the county's first ever destination public garden will be created at the Longwood property in Glenwood.

In his proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball designated $400,000 toward the design of a public garden that features native and non-native plant species and mixes a variety of landscape design styles within formal and natural settings. The site for the garden, the Longwood property in Glenwood, a former plantation, was started by a doctor and has rolling ground and several outbuildings. The Green-revival manor house dates back to 1818 when it was built for Dr. Gustavus Warfield and his wife Mary.

"Home to some of the most beautiful, engaging parks in our nation, we pride ourselves in Howard County on being environmental stewards geared towards protecting and promoting our environment. This destination public garden will be a place where residents and visitors of all ages and abilities can come together, embrace nature’s beauty and deepen their connections with Mother Earth, while improving their physical and mental well-being in a peaceful setting. I look forward to the creation of this garden and seeing it come to life, as we preserve this green space for generations to come," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at a news conference.

The creation of the garden will be overseen by the county's new public garden focus group. Comprised of 14 members, the group includes experts and volunteers who will make recommendations toward a preliminary concept plan with garden features, site elements and gathering spaces.

"This garden will be a testament to Howard County's commitment to nature, to education and to creating beautiful, inspiring spaces. The county executive has shared a grand vision and I know that our dedicated focus group, filled with experts and passionate residents, is ready to bring that vision to life," Nick Mooneyhan, director of the county's department of recreation and parks, said at the news conference.

Chiara D’Amore, executive director of the Community Ecology Institute, said that people who have the healthiest, longest lives around the world garden.

" I am very excited by the prospect of a public garden in Howard County – a place of cross-pollination where everyone can learn about how essential it is for people and nature to thrive together,” D'Amore said.

The focus group's recommendations for the preliminary concept plan are due to the county executive by Nov. 1.