Dates and Times: May 16-17, 2015, 1–5 p.m. Rain or Shine.

Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour is a self-guided tour featuring twelve gardens, including both private homes and public spaces, in Historic Frederick, Maryland.  This is a great way to get inspired to beautify your own garden and enjoy a tour of some spectacular properties in the capital region.  Light refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon at the Hospitality Center located in City Hall, 101 North Court Street and The Visitation Academy Courtyard, 200 East Second Street.

As all of the gardens featured on the tour are provided courtesy of the homeowners, proper garden tour etiquette is requested.  This includes remaining on paths or following directions through the gardens as indicated by the hosts. Parents are asked to prevent children from picking flowers.

2015 Featured Gardens

 

318 West College Terrace -  Boasting an impressive variety of trees, visitors will find Rosemary willow, Okame cherry and several types of magnolia and ash.   A treat for the senses, the lush landscape also features over 10,000 spring bulbs and a budding rose garden. 

144 West Church Street - Situated across from Baker Park, this shade garden is filled with whimsical touches that make the space truly magical.  A variety of hostas mingle with painted bird houses and tiny fairy houses, while a bubbling bird bath whispers nearby.  Two large red maple trees, a dogwood and Japanese maple tree provide shade and insulate the charming space from the bustle of busy city streets. 

11 West Second Street - Bordered by elegant rose and boxwoods, this formal garden is home to the largest Ginko Tree in the United States at approximately 200 years old.

  The stately tree towers over a large stone fountain and extensive hardscape, including an inviting patio with cascading water fall.  In addition to the beauty of the garden, guests will be treated to a special display of personal items the homeowners’ have gathered to recreate a circa 1890 Victorian High Tea. 

7 West Second Street - A small urban park nestled between historic townhomes; this charming garden is a hidden gem in the landscape of downtown Frederick.  Walking through a set of iron gates, visitors will be greeted by a bricked courtyard with sheltering trees and peaceful seating areas.  The garden includes specially designed, child-friendly whispering benches, as well as memorial pavers. 

Café Anglais - 238 North Market Street - Daisy’s Garden, named for the homeowners’ pet dog, provides patrons of Café Anglais the chance to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea.    A variety of ferns and an American Redbud mark this landscaped yard with a mix of Astilbe, Campanula, Primrose and Hydrangea.  Visitors will be delighted by three, repurposed claw footed tubs whimsically placed within the space.  Salvaged during a renovation, the tubs have proved ideal vessels for water features and plantings.

Evangelical Lutheran Church - 31 East Church Street - A part of the Frederick community for over 275 years, the grounds of the church feature numerous memorial gardens supported by members of the congregation.  As guests tour the space, plaques identify areas such as the Garden of Love and Faith, Children’s Garden and Forgiveness Garden.  Markers, statues and benches provide insight in to the individuals, groups or events being honored in each area.  Original tombstones from the 1700’s and early 1800’s can be found in the Meditation Garden and the Garden of Faith. 

239 East Second Street - The garden attached to this 1859 John Tehan house features a hand laid, all brick patio and privacy wall.  Custom planter boxes adorn the wall and seasonally sport bright flowers that are visible to East Street commuters.  Towering arborvitaes spring from additional garden boxes on the patio.  A second floor balcony surveys the patio, and provides a comfortable spot for an evening cocktail. 

136 East Third Street - The scent of honeysuckle and the sound of water engage the senses as you approach. The garden is screened by a line of viburnum with snowball blossoms, and a Paperbark Maple with exfoliating bark.  Behind lies a charming patio perfect for entertaining. Designed for year round enjoyment and low maintenance, the low narrow bed on the right is offset by four columnar Dee Runk boxwoods to provide contrasting height.  A soothing cascade flows into a pond filled with blooming lilies, hyacinths, iris and the shimmer of fish. A Japanese maple provides height and shade for the fern carpet below, creating another secluded seating area. A climbing hydrangea fans out across the wall above a low bed on the left.

134 East Third Street - Filled with lush greenery and cool shade, the garden features Shishigashira Japanese maple, Blue Atlas cedar, Coral bark maple and Beni Otake Japanese maple.  Complementing the variety of trees are potted herbs and Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick.  Devoid of grass, the space includes a three-level deck and charming brick pavers.

19 East Ninth Street - This enchanting garden blends elements of a formal English landscape with touches of the Old Historic South.  Traditional boxwood and Japanese maples mingle with unique hardscape, including a stone wall and arch, formal patio and cobblestone path.  A Weeping Redbud tree, Purple Smoke tree, Moss Rose bush and over 150 irises add color and warmth.  Delightful accents can be found throughout the garden, such as an array of bronze statuary.  From a striking peacock in a unique setting, to a bronze replica of Toto from The Wizard of Oz, these whimsical touches complement the magical space.  Other fanciful accents include several topiaries, gas lamps and two water features - a pond and water fountain. 

Tour Tickets: Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 on the days of the tour.  Tickets are available online at CelebrateFrederick.com, or in person at Colonial Jewelers, 1 S. Market Street, Flights of Fancy, 20 N. East Street and the Frederick Visitors Center, 151 S. East Street.

Frederick is located about 40 miles north of Washington DC, on the southern end of Frederick County, just north of Montgomery County. The city is accessible from I-70, I-270, US 15, and US 40. Read more about Frederick, Maryland.

For more information about the local area, See Top 10 Things to Do in Frederick