Historic London Town and Gardens offers a diverse horticultural experience, including Woodland, Ornamental, Environmental, and Historical Gardens.

The gardens represent the culmination of hundreds of years of global discovery, trade and experimentation. In a sense, to tour these gardens is to visit a museum of the history of botanical exploration. If you are a gardener, our plant collections may inspire you and expand your sense of possibilities for your own garden. In any case, we hope you will enjoy a relaxing experience as you range through wooded ravines, explore the dell, and look out over the South River.

Questions about the gardens can be directed to our Director of Horticulture via email or by phone: 410-222-1919 x205.

Woodland Garden

Created in the late 1960s with the support of local garden clubs, the University of Maryland, county officials, and interested individuals, the Woodland Garden is one of the treasures of Anne Arundel County. It features towering native trees, an extensive collection of magnolias, camellias, dogwoods, rhododendrons and viburnums, uncommon individual specimens of spring bulbs, woodland wildflowers, and shade-loving perennials. Gazebos, benches, and two brick overlooks encourage the visitor to rest, relax, and enjoy this beautiful, ever-changing, eight-acre garden.
 

Ornamental Gardens

The Cook Memorial Garden and the Lillian S. Hall Memorial Garden comprise the Ornamental Gardens. Daylilies, hydrangeas, roses, and crepe myrtles are featured in summer. Asters, mums, and salvias bloom in the fall.
 

Environmental Gardens

Native plants, bio-retention gardens, and a green roof are featured at the Visitor Center. Still in the initial stages of development, these gardens will help manage storm water run-off and encourage environmentally sound garden practices in the future.
 

Historical Gardens

Within the recreated Historic Area visitors will find the Colonial Kitchen Garden, the African-American Foodways Garden, and the Richard Hill Medicinal Garden. These are planted with herbs, heirloom flowers and vegetables, fruit trees, and crops of economic significance, such as tobacco.
 

Garden Tour Offerings

Visitors may experience our many gardens in a variety of ways. Individual visitors may usually take a self-guided or audio-guided tour. Groups may arrange to be self-guided or have a guided tour. Check our Visit section or call us at 410-222-1919 for more information.