Sherwood Gardens | Baltimore

Sherwood Gardens is a six-acre, privately maintained public garden located in the historic Guilford neighborhood of northern Baltimore, Maryland. Known primarily for its spectacular spring tulip displays, the gardens serve as a vibrant oasis of horticultural beauty and community heritage, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Its design, history, and ongoing care reflect a deep commitment to preserving both natural beauty and local tradition.

Historical Background and Founding

The gardens were founded in the 1920s by John W. Sherwood, a prominent Baltimore businessman and passionate amateur horticulturist. Sherwood dedicated his personal estate to the cultivation of tulips and other ornamental plants. Each year, he imported tens of thousands of tulip bulbs from the Netherlands, carefully designing extensive flower beds that transformed the property into a breathtaking floral showcase.

Sherwood’s design philosophy was heavily influenced by the principles of Frederick Law Olmsted, the renowned landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park. Embracing Olmsted’s pastoral and naturalistic approach, Sherwood created sweeping lawns, meandering paths, and thoughtfully arranged plantings that emphasized harmony between formal garden elements and native plantings. His vision was to craft a serene, park-like environment that would provide seasonal delight and peaceful respite for visitors.

Upon John Sherwood’s death in 1965, ownership of the gardens transferred to the Guilford Association, Inc., a local civic organization dedicated to maintaining the neighborhood’s character. Later stewardship was assumed by Stratford Green, Inc., a nonprofit entity responsible for the garden’s upkeep, programming, and continued preservation as a cherished community asset.

Garden Design and Landscape Features

Sherwood Gardens’ landscape covers approximately six acres and is characterized by an intricate arrangement of flower beds, mature trees, shrubs, and winding walking paths. The design balances formal flower displays with informal woodland and lawn areas, inviting visitors to experience varied textures, colors, and natural scenes throughout the year.

Tulip Beds: The centerpiece of Sherwood Gardens is its tulip collection. Around 80,000 tulip bulbs are planted annually across more than 28 flower beds. These beds showcase an array of colors and tulip varieties, creating a visually stunning spectacle during peak bloom in late April. The tulip beds are meticulously arranged in patterns that complement the garden’s overall aesthetic.

Trees and Shrubs: The garden features a diverse collection of native and ornamental trees, many of which date back to the garden’s early days. Flowering dogwoods, cherry trees, magnolias, and azaleas add seasonal interest beyond tulip season. In June 2023, Stratford Green received Level I accreditation as an arboretum from ArbNet, recognizing the garden’s significant tree collection and commitment to arboricultural care.

Pathways and Seating: Winding brick and gravel paths allow visitors to leisurely explore the gardens. Benches and seating areas are thoughtfully placed to encourage contemplation and enjoyment of the surroundings.

Seasonal Highlights and Events

Sherwood Gardens is most famous for its spectacular spring display, but it offers interest and beauty across the seasons.

Spring Tulip Bloom (Late April to Early May): The annual tulip display is the highlight of the garden’s calendar. Timing can vary with weather, but the peak bloom typically occurs in the last week of April. The sight of tens of thousands of tulips in vivid colors draws large crowds of visitors who come to enjoy the flowers and take photographs.

Tulip Dig (Memorial Day Weekend): Each year on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the garden hosts its traditional Tulip Dig event. Visitors have the opportunity to dig up and purchase tulip bulbs, often returning home with their own pieces of the garden. This event fosters community engagement and helps prepare the garden for the next planting season.

Summer and Fall Plantings: After the tulip season, Sherwood Gardens transitions to showcase summer flowers and perennials. Blooming dogwoods, magnolias, azaleas, and flowering cherries provide color and texture into the warmer months. The gardens maintain a peaceful and lush atmosphere year-round, even beyond the primary flowering seasons.

Public Access and Visitor Experience

Sherwood Gardens is open to the public daily from dawn until dusk throughout the year, with no admission fee. Visitors come to stroll, photograph, picnic, and enjoy the tranquility of the garden’s natural setting.

Location: The garden is located within the Guilford neighborhood of northern Baltimore, bounded by East Highfield Road, Underwood Road, Stratford Road, and Greenway. The main entrance and northeast corner are at Stratford Road and Greenway.

Parking: Limited two-hour residential street parking is available on the surrounding streets. Visitors are advised to respect local residents by avoiding blocking driveways.

Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. No pet waste stations or trash receptacles are available within the gardens, so visitors must plan accordingly.

Accessibility: The garden’s paths are mostly level and well-maintained, making the site accessible to visitors of varying mobility levels.

Conservation and Community Role

Sherwood Gardens serves as a symbol of Baltimore’s horticultural heritage and community pride. The nonprofit Stratford Green organization ensures ongoing maintenance, replanting, and educational programming, preserving the garden’s legacy for future generations.

The garden’s arboretum accreditation underscores its role in tree conservation and landscape stewardship. Community volunteers and local residents actively participate in care and fundraising efforts, reflecting the garden’s deep integration into neighborhood identity.

Summary

Sherwood Gardens stands as a vibrant testament to horticultural artistry and community spirit. Its breathtaking tulip displays, mature tree collections, and Olmsted-inspired design offer visitors an immersive experience in nature’s beauty. Through dedicated stewardship and public access, Sherwood Gardens remains a treasured green space that celebrates seasonal change, fosters community connection, and honors Baltimore’s rich landscape traditions.