The Water Lily Garden
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Ladew Topiary Gardens

4.7
·1k reviews·Monkton, United States

Discover a world-class topiary garden with 22 themed rooms, a historic mansion, and a magical butterfly house.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

October evenings

Magical Garden Glow event

CrowdHigh
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The Water Lily Garden

Ladew Topiary Gardens

Best Time

October evenings

Magical Garden Glow event

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a world-class topiary garden with 22 themed rooms, a historic mansion, and a magical butterfly house.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A true hidden gem, these gardens are known around the world for their grandeur and beauty."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Garden Glow Early

Tickets for the popular Garden Glow event sell out fast! Purchase yours in advance to secure your spot.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 22 acres, so comfortable footwear is a must.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,155 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Topiary Masterpieces

The Topiary Masterpieces

Throughout the gardens

Wander through whimsical sculpted hedges, from animals to geometric shapes, showcasing a world-class collection.

Instagram
Enchanting Garden Rooms

Enchanting Garden Rooms

Various themed areas

Explore 15 distinct garden 'rooms,' each with its own color scheme or theme, offering a journey through diverse landscapes.

Instagram
Butterfly House

Butterfly House

Near the cafe

Immerse yourself in a magical space filled with fluttering monarchs and other beautiful butterflies.

Reddit
Garden Glow Festival

Garden Glow Festival

Throughout the gardens

Experience the gardens transformed by glowing art installations and illuminated pathways during this popular fall event.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Garden Glow Tickets Early

Garden Glow is a highly anticipated, always sold-out event. Members can purchase tickets starting at 9:00 AM, so mark your calendars and be ready to buy to avoid disappointment! Instagram

Plan for a Full Day of Exploration

With 22 garden rooms, a nature trail, a butterfly house, and a historic mansion, Ladew Topiary Gardens offers a full day of discovery. Don't rush your visit; allow ample time to soak in the beauty and tranquility. Reddit

Best Times

When
October evenings
Why
Magical Garden Glow event
Crowd
High
When
Spring mornings
Why
Flowers in bloom, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Butterfly House is active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It’s cutting-hedge technology 😏🌳 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #EPCOT #FlowerAndGarden #Topiary #PlantTok #DisneyCastLife
@disneyparks
145.3K likes • 1.6M views

🎯 Book Garden Glow Early

Tickets for the popular Garden Glow event sell out fast! Purchase yours in advance to secure your spot. Instagram+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 22 acres, so comfortable footwear is a must. Reddit

LADEW MEMBERS, here is your reminder that tickets go on sale for Garden Glow tomorrow at 9:00 AM 🍂🎃 The highly-anticipated, always sold-out, Garden Glow Festival is taking place from October 16-19. #GardenGlow features glowing art installations, live music, food vendors, kid-friendly activities and much, much more! #GardenGlow #LadewGardenGlow #LadewGardens #LadewTopiaryGardens If you are not a...
ladewgardens
433 likes • 8.4K views
Step into a world of glowing pumpkins and magical lights at Garden Glow 🎃✨ 🌟 Over 500 glowing jack-o’-lanterns carved by local artists and volunteers 🍻 Local food trucks and beverages available for purchase (wine, beer, hot cider and more) 🎶 Live music, performers, and family-friendly activities 🗓️ Annually held in October 🎟️ Tickets required: $43 per adult, $36 for young adults (13-18), $16 ...
daysinthedistrict_ig
0 likes • 2.3K views

🦋 Don't Miss the Butterflies

The Butterfly House is a highlight, especially when monarchs are released. Check their schedule! Reddit

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

The cafe offers delicious lunch options, including highly-rated chicken salad and cream of crab soup. Reddit

Garden Glow is back at Ladew Topiary Gardens—and it’s pure Halloween magic. Think glowing pumpkins, illuminated pathways, and one of the most enchanting fall nights you can have in Baltimore County. This isn’t your average spooky event—it’s whimsical, family-friendly, and fun for all ages. 🌙🍂 Wednesday 10/15 through Saturday 10/18 5 - 9 pm, Rain or Shine Member Pre-Sale begins on Tuesday 9/2...
tyler.malstrom
2.2K likes • 53.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Garden Glow Early

Tickets for the popular Garden Glow event sell out fast! Purchase yours in advance to secure your spot. Instagram+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 22 acres, so comfortable footwear is a must. Reddit

🦋 Don't Miss the Butterflies

The Butterfly House is a highlight, especially when monarchs are released. Check their schedule! Reddit

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

The cafe offers delicious lunch options, including highly-rated chicken salad and cream of crab soup. Reddit

📸 Capture the Magic

Bring your camera to photograph the stunning topiaries and diverse garden rooms. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Ladew Topiary Gardens as a 'hidden gem' with 'absolutely beautiful' and 'gorgeous' gardens, especially highlighting the unique topiary art and the enchanting Butterfly House. The cafe receives accolades for its delicious food, and the Garden Glow event is a popular, albeit crowded, highlight. Some visitors note that it can be a bit pricey for admission.

"An amazing Butterfly House you must visit! It’s such a beautiful garden. The restaurant has a lovely lunch menu and outdoor seating! Don’t leave without visiting the Gift Shop. Plan to spend the day. Well worth it.
One of the best events they have is “Garden Glow”! October 15-18. Get your tickets early."

Lorraine Tracey

"Amazing Garden! There are several places to sit and bass in the scenery to be at peace or motivated. This garden also has occasional events and a tour of the Ladew home. It is a place worth visiting more than once, especially when they release the monarchs."

Kandice Madison

"Excellent place to come get some nature in. The butterfly house is a must right now. All of the staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the property.
The cafe is delicious. Try that chicken salad!"

G Naylor

What People Like

Stunning topiary art
Beautiful themed garden rooms
Magical Butterfly House

What People Dislike

Can be pricey

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ladew Topiary Gardens is located about 20-30 minutes north of Baltimore. Travelers often use GPS for directions, and it's described as a scenic drive. Instagram+1

Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at Ladew Topiary Gardens. Reddit

Public transportation options to Ladew Topiary Gardens are limited. It is generally recommended to drive or use a ride-sharing service. Reddit

Ladew Topiary Gardens is considered a 'hidden gem' in Harford County, Maryland, with its closest major city being Baltimore. Instagram+1

Most visitors find that using a GPS or navigation app provides the most straightforward route to Ladew Topiary Gardens. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees vary by season and special events. It's best to check the official Ladew Topiary Gardens website for current pricing. Reddit

For regular visits, tickets can often be purchased upon arrival. However, for special events like Garden Glow, advance purchase is highly recommended as they sell out. Instagram+1

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the Ladew Topiary Gardens website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Instagram

Information on discounts, such as for members or groups, is typically available on the official Ladew Topiary Gardens website. Instagram

No, Garden Glow is a special ticketed event and requires separate admission from general garden entry. Instagram+1

🎫 compass Onsite Experience

Explore 22 themed garden rooms, a nature trail, a historic mansion, and a Butterfly House. Special events like Garden Glow are also popular. InstagramReddit

Yes, children often enjoy the whimsical topiaries, the Butterfly House, and the open spaces to explore. Instagram

Yes, tours of the historic Ladew home are often available. Check the schedule for tour times. Reddit

Yes, Ladew Topiary Gardens features a nature trail for visitors to enjoy the surrounding natural landscape. Reddit

Take your time to wander through the different garden rooms, enjoy the tranquility, and don't miss the Butterfly House. Reddit

🍽️ ️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe at Ladew Topiary Gardens that offers a lovely lunch menu with outdoor seating. Reddit

Visitors highly recommend the chicken salad and the cream of crab soup at the cafe. Reddit

While specific policies may vary, it's generally best to check with the gardens directly regarding outside food and picnicking. Reddit

Yes, during events like Garden Glow, local food trucks and beverage vendors are typically available. Instagram

The cafe offers a range of beverages, and during Garden Glow, you can also find wine, beer, and hot cider. Instagram

📸 ️ Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the beauty of the gardens. Instagram

The sculpted topiaries, the themed garden rooms, and the Butterfly House offer fantastic photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Drone usage policies can vary. It's essential to check the official Ladew Topiary Gardens website or contact them directly regarding drone regulations. Instagram

While generally permitted, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and respect any posted signage regarding photography. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing a softer glow. Instagram

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