A few weeks ago, I attended a garden tour in Talbot, Maryland. The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage offers a sneak peek into various private gardens that inspire anyone who attends. This pilgrimage has taken place since 1930. The ladies who curated Virginia Garden Week were responsible for inspiring The Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland. An event like this would be great for the residents of Maryland. Since that time, Marylanders have looked forward to this event. The attendees are called pilgrims, a term dating back to the journey it took to reach parts of underdeveloped Maryland. These journeys were called pilgrimages.
Each year, as time allows, I try to visit one or two of the weekend tours. This year the tours have been amazing. One in particular was the Talbot County Tour. Many – almost all of the homes requested no photos, which is understandable. These are private homes opening their doors for one day to benefit great causes within the community. Open the doors, they did!!
The stately homes, the magnificent floral displays, and the garden views were all simply divine. The imagination that went into each floral display captured the attention of many. Docents directed each attendee throughout each house pointing out architectural elements. I was distracted by the beauty found in the vases and vessels strategically placed in every room. This caused many in attendance to simply say ‘Ah…how stunning!’
One house had a divinely beautiful kitchen with cups of peony petals placed on the center island. This added a pleasing scent, which wafted throughout the space. The pilgrim’s sense of smell, in addition to the visual beauty, was embraced upon entering the room. Emotionally stirred, I wandered toward the sunroom and noticed what appeared to be a cutting garden. What a cutting garden it was. Roses anchored this beautiful outdoor garden room, growing up columns that flanked the garden room. As the perennials stood tall, I could hear them say, ‘Look at me, I know I am beautiful’…and they were! This was a garden that truly spoke to me.
One of the other pilgrims mentioned that she was hoping this particular house was worth it. I replied, when you have to walk up a long road to the house, that’s a sign. When all signage said No photographs inside or outside of the house, it had to be worth it. There was no denying, that this house and garden were worth it! We laughed and chatted, as we kept each other company while walking back to our cars. Most gardeners understand sharing the garden, as well as keeping a little piece of the garden just for the gardener.
For ninety-one years this event has excited people from near and far to visit. The monies raised support projects that benefit the community. In 2024, the Scotts United Methodist Church and Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church will benefit from the money raised. Additional support will also go to maintaining the Talbot Historical Society Garden in Easton, Maryland.
There are two more gardens to visit on the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage. On June 1, Dorchester County will host their Pilgrimage. The homes selected feature a diverse selection of gardens that blend with the natural beauty of the waterfront. Dorchester is where the beloved Araminta Ross, also known as Harriett Tubman, hailed from. A
few of these gardens have achieved Baywise Certification. The Tour book recommends ordering your lunch in advance using this link https://py.pl/gP1bK
Oh June 22, Prince George’s County will share the beauty of its homes and gardens. This pilgrimage will start at Trueman Point at Eagle Harbor. A historical town, significant to the journey of Africans to Maryland, and tobacco, this waterfront space is beautiful. Standing at the edge of the water, one can imagine the history the land holds. A story easily imagined, listening to the song sung by the water dancing against the rocks. Other stops share the rich history of Maryland from formal homes to simple historical structures. It is also encouraged to order lunch in advance – check the MHGP website for details.
Both of these remaining tours should appeal to historians as well as gardeners. The Tour book identifies where the money raised will go to support selected projects. To find out more click here
It is always a great opportunity to partake in garden tours each spring. The added value of knowing the money raised goes directly into the community, makes me feel it is worth attending. Attending these tours has also enlightened me about the history of Maryland that I was unaware of.
Have you experienced the Maryland Home and Garden Pilgrimage?? Due to holidays, the Maryland Home and Garden Pilgrimage lasts a little over a month. Every weekend it offers a new area to explore and is always so much fun.
Sitting on the stoop at the Cottage, enjoying the stillness of the night in the garden, while dreaming of peony petals in teacups on my counters…
Teri, Cottage in the Court
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