Ladew Topiary Gardens

Ladew Topiary Gardens is known around the world for its topiary and lush thematic gardens, cascading ponds, meadows and nature walk, including marsh, wetland forest and boardwalk.  The meditative benches scattered throughout the property and unique design of the garden structures mirror Mr. Ladew's vibrant personality and vision. The Garden Club of America described Ladew's garden as "the most outstanding topiary garden in America." 

This Safari focuses on studying the light, textures and architecture of the garden spaces, topiary and manmade structures.  We will work closely with our camera features. This beautiful landscape feels more intimate than other gardens that I have been too. I fell in love with this wonderful place the first time I saw it.  The last visit I made, a cat came and sat by me as I photographed frogs in the lily pond and a heron flew above and landed in the grass. There is also a historic mansion and gift shop at Ladew in case you want to take a house tour and make a day out of it.

We'll meet in the Ladew parking lot (it’s not very big). Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike Monkton, MD 21111.

Donna T. Jones is a commercial/fine art photographer and educator. In addition to Washington Photo Safari, Donna teaches photography at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD, Glen Echo Photoworks, The Art League School, VisArts Center, and The Washington School of Photography. Donna has a studio in the Washington area and has a gallery space at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. She is the photo editor/co-producer of the book "Ethiopia from the Heart" released in 2007.

NOTE: There is also a $10 admission to tour the grounds.  We'll have lunch chat at the café  from 1-2pm. The café is reasonably priced, but feel free to bring your own lunch.