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 Tawes Garden Spring 2008 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.
Volunteer!
Interested in supporting the Tawes Garden? Donate your time and become a volunteer and help garden staff with planting, special events, educational programs, and service projects.
The Tawes State Office Building is located at 580 Taylor Avenue in Annapolis. New security measures are in place at this complex. Visitors must show a photo ID and sign in with the guard upon entering the building. Only the revolving door in the lobby is open for entry. All other doors are for exiting the building only.
A wide variety of tasks await those who would like to assist in working in the garden. If you would like to help or need more information, please contact our horticulturist, Jay Myers, at 410-260-8184.
If you would like to help in our gift shop, please contact us at 410-260-8183.
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.
May 2008
Flowering Azalea Blossoms
National Arboretum
Saturday, May 3rd, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Experience the explosion of color when thousands of azaleas at the National Arboretum light up the hillside with their subtle shades and colors. After enjoying the
spring blossoms, be sure to explore the Potomac Bonsai Festival hosted by the arboretum.
Van Trip: all ages
Bring a bag lunch
$5/person; Reservations required
Meet at the Tawes Building, Annapolis
For further information or to make reservations, call 410-260-8189.
Discover Nature
Seeds Seeds Everywhere
Wednesday, May 28th, 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Come learn about seeds and the different flowers they become. After reading a story, the naturalist will take the children through
the garden to see what's blooming. Following the walk, children will put together their own flower pot to take home.
Children's Program - Ages 3-5 (with an adult)
$1/child; Registration required
Meet in the Tawes BUilding lobby, Annapolis
June 2008
Discover Nature
Pond Adventure
Wednesday, June 18th, 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
What lurks beneath the surface of the Tawes Garden pond? Join the naturalist as she tells about some of these creatures, focusing mainly on frogs.
After exploring the pond edges, children will make a frog beanbag as a reminder of their adventure.
Children's Program - Ages 3-5 (with an adult)
$1/child; Registration required
Meet in the Tawes Building lobby, Annapolis
For further information, contact Sara at 410-260-8183.
The campers spend Mondays in the Tawes Garden doing nature and craft activities. The remainder of the week is spent enjoying field trips to various parks and nature centers.
Children can attend only one session each summer. Sessions are Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. There is a limit of 12 campers/session.
Applications are now available in the Tawes Garden Gift Shop and on the DNR website:
2008 Day Camp Application
