Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden

Representations of the state’s various geographic areas are featured in this five-acre garden. They include a Western Maryland forest, a streamside environment and an Eastern Shore peninsula. In addition, the barrier-free garden contains pleasant ponds; a raised planter with plants of varied textures, tastes and fragrances; and many cultivated plantings.

Nestled amid state government office buildings that include the headquarters of the Department of Natural Resources, the garden is named in honor of Mrs. J. Millard Tawes, a former first lady of Maryland. She and Governor Tawes were the state’s gracious hosts from 1959-1967.

Prior to construction of the Tawes State Office Building in the early 1970's, the garden site was a flat cinder lot. For many years, it provided a home for the West Annapolis carnival. The garden is open daily from dawn till dusk; admission, guided tours (by reservation) and many programs are free of charge. The cafeteria is open from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. while the gift shop’s hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (both are Monday through Friday except state holidays).

The Black-Eyed Susan

We welcome you and your family to enjoy "The Black-Eyed Susan" newsletter, a quarterly publication of the Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden. The newsletter is full of nature activities and seasonal nature articles for the whole family.

 The Tawes Garden January - March 2013 e-Newsletter - The Black-Eyed Susan is here!!
The newsletter is in a PDF format that requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. (Adobe Acrobat file) - To get the free Acrobat Reader go to Adobe.com.

Some feature articles:

1. Be sure to check out the latest Discover Nature Programs for ages 3-5. Registration required.
   
2. Savvy shoppers will want to see page 3 of the newsletter announcing the gift shop's So-Long-To-Winter Sale in March.
   
3. Those interested in a breath of Spring in March will want to see page 3 of the newsletter to read about a trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show.
   
4. Have an interest in volunteering, but don't know where to go? Read the feature article on page 1 of the newsletter and see the benefits of working with the Tawes Garden.

Volunteer!

Interested in supporting the Tawes Garden? Donate your time and become a volunteer and help garden staff with a number of duties associated with running a public garden. Take a minute to click on the link for an expanded description of ways you can become involved. This intimate public garden is conveniently located within the city of Annapolis on the grounds of the Tawes State Office Building at 580 Taylor Avenue, directly across from the Naval Marine Corps Stadium. Volunteering with the garden staff and interacting with the public is both rewarding and fun.

Don't have time to volunteer? If you like, you can make a cash contribution. Those wishing to make a tax-deductible donation can do so by writing a check to Friends of Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, Inc. P. O. Box 5907, Annapolis MD 21403.

Summer Day Camp

Due to budget cuts the Tawes Garden will not be providing the Natural Resources Summer Day Camp program this summer. Thanks to everyone for your interest and support of this very unique nature camp program for 6-12 year olds. The past 27 years have inspired thousands of budding naturalists to take to the outdoors in search of nature, with the focus of developing an appreciation for our environment that will take them into adulthood.

Tawes Garden Gift Shop

The shop is located in the lobby of the Tawe State Office Building at 580 Taylor Avenue. Shoppers are greeted by our volunteer staff that are happy to assist with your shopping needs. Come browse our wide variety of reasonably priced gifts, jewelry, children's toys and books for the environmentally minded. For those looking for Maryland items this is the store to shop. Parking is conveniently located just outside the building lobby.

The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except State holidays). The phone number is 410-260-8194. Cash, personal checks and VISA/Mastercard are accepted.

Directions

Directions from the DC Metro Area:
Take Rt. 50 east towards Annapolis/Bay Bridge. Take exit 24 Rowe Blvd/Route 70 exit and follow Rowe Blvd. over a bridge until you reach your second light at the corner of Rowe and Taylor Ave. Make a right at the light. Parking is available on the right. Turn at the sign that reads "Gold Parking" if you plan on staying for more than a half hour, there is a $5/day fee in the Gold Lot. If you are visiting for less time than 30 minutes then there is a parking area in front of the Tawes complex. Turn left at the DNR sign and then make the next right. This is a short term parking area only and you will be towed if you are parked there longer than 30 minutes

Directions from Baltimore:
Take 97 Southbound and follow the signs to Rt. 50 east/Bay Bridge. Take exit 24 Rowe Blvd/Route 70 exit and follow Rowe Blvd. over a bridge until you reach your second light at the corner of Rowe and Taylor Ave. Make a right at the light. Turn at the sign that reads "Gold Parking" if you plan on staying for more than a half hour, there is a $5/day fee in the Gold Lot. If you are visiting for less time than 30 minutes then there is a parking area in front of the Tawes complex. Turn left at the DNR sign and then make the next right. This is a short term parking area only and you will be towed if you are parked there longer than 30 minutes

From the Eastern Shore of Maryland:
Take Rt. 50 west toward Washington. After passing over the Severn River Bridge take exit 24 Rowe Blvd/Route 70 exit and follow Rowe Blvd. over a bridge until you reach your second light at the corner of Rowe and Taylor Ave. Make a right at the light. Turn at the sign that reads "Gold Parking" if you plan on staying for more than a half hour, there is a $5/day fee in the Gold Lot. If you are visiting for less time than 30 minutes then there is a parking area in front of the Tawes complex. Turn left at the DNR sign and then make the next right. This is a short term parking area only and you will be towed if you are parked there longer than 30 minutes

For Garden events information, contact the garden staff at 410-260-8189.