Spring in Baltimore

This has really been the most beautiful spring I can remember, and it’s mainly down to the blast of hot weather we had in late March that popped all of the buds. It means that every single tree that blooms is blooming right now, weeks earlier than ever, and all at the same time. I drove around this afternoon trying to take some pictures of dogwoods in bloom. They’re my favourite spring bloom, but are hard to photograph.

This is also the time of year when everything happens, and there are some things that I want to mention.  This is the weekend of the Manor Races… also known as My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase Races. The proceeds from this race benefits one of the most amazing places in the world – literally! It’s the Ladew Topiary Gardens, which are next door to the race course. The last few years have been miserable, weather-wise, but this year looks perfect – sunny and 70! For ticket information, please click here.

Speaking of Ladew, I just got the updated schedule for the annual Garden Festival on May 5th, which is a fabulous event. Because of the popularity of guest speaker, Carolyne Roehm, they’ve added a second lecture!

Guests at the festival may shop from an exclusive collection of vendors featuring hard to find perennials and annuals, unusual exotics and container specialties plus decorative furniture, urns, statuary and other architectural treasures.

Lecture – A Passion for Style with Honorary Chair, Carolyne Roehm (click to see why I am such a huge fan of her style)Saturday, May 5th…8am-10am: Priority Preview Sale & Lecture – First chance shopping from vendors, continental breakfast and admission to the 11am Carolyne Roehm “Passion for Style” lecture and book signing. Cost: Members-$75.00 Non-Members -$100 (includes an Individual Membership)

10am-5pm: General Admission – Shop from over 40 vendors, tour the Gardens, Manor House (space is limited for house tours) and Nature Walk.

Cost: General Admission Sale Only, Members and Non-Members - $15.00

2pm: Lecture & Book Signing - Cost: Members General Admission & Lecture-$35.00, Non-Members Sale & Lecture - $45.00

I told the staff at Ladew to be prepared for me to pitch a tent on the grounds so I can be sure to be there at the crack of dawn. Click here for tickets.

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Spring is also prime time for show-houses, and I was thrilled to see pal, David Wiesand’s lighting fixture featured in a piece in the Washington Post this morning. The room was designed by Dan Proctor.

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This is a prime weekend for yard sales, and I’ve already got a few on my calendar. What are you doing this weekend?