The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory Renovations and Dedication: 2004
& Botanic Gardens of Baltimore
3100 Swan Dr. in Druid Hill Park
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-0008
Tuesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore is managed by the Bureau of Parks' Horticultural Division and is supported by the non-profit group, the Baltimore Conservatory Association. Located inside of Druid Hill Park near the intersection of Gwynns Falls Parkway and McCulloh Street, the Conservatory features year-round displays of plant material in five distinct areas of the facility: the 1888 Palm House, the Orchid Room, Mediterranean House, Tropical House and Desert House.
There are 35 flowerbeds in the 1½ acre garden that provide a kaleidoscope of color from early spring until late fall. In addition, three major flower displays are planned during the year, which includes the Spring Flower Show, the Fall Chrysanthemum and the Holiday Poinsettia displays. Annual public events include fall and holiday open houses.
The Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks operates the Conservatory and the Baltimore Conservatory Association was created to support and assist in their efforts for this unique Baltimore attraction.
Check out the new "Plants & People" program on Sundays at the Conservatory!
After two years of construction and renovations, a grand-opening ceremony was held in order to celebrate the "newly constructed" North and South Pavilions. These pavilions were designed to complement the original architecture of the Palm House. Renovations and hardscaping in the three display greenhouses feature Arizona flagstone, rock boulders from the painted desert of Utah, a tropical pool, a misting system, Italian tiles and fountains.
Most of the project was made possible by city issued bonds and the State of Maryland Open Space Program. Delegate Howard P. Rawlings also played a very important role in securing additional funds for this project. Thus, to honor his dedication and commitment to the Conservatory and Baltimore, Council President Sheila Dixon and the Baltimore City Council unanimously passed council bill #04, 1524, which renamed the Baltimore Conservatory to the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore.
