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 October-December 2009 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) Did you know that this year marks the 50th anniversary since J. Millard Tawes took the oath of office as Maryland's 54th Governor? To read more about Governor and Mrs. Tawes check out the newsletter.
2) Join the Friends of Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, Inc. at their annual Poinsettia sale on December 3rd & 4th.
3) Come to the "Friends of" workshop and learn how to make a beautiful holiday centerpiece. Sign up by calling 410-260-8189.
4) To learn more about upcoming events, including a bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show, check out the newsletter.

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.

October 2009

Discover Nature
Pumpkin, Pumpkin
Wednesday, October 21st at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Did you know that Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine, and that the largest pumpkin ever grown weithed 1,140 pounds? Join the garden naturalist to learn more about this fun and tasty fruit. After a garden walk, children will decorate their very own pumpkin to bring home.

Childrens' Program - Ages 3-5 (with an adult)
$1/child (registration is required)
Meet in lobby of Tawes Building, Annapolis
For further information, contact 410-260-8184

November 2009

Discover Nature
Scaredy Scarecrows
Wednesday, November 18th at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Meet the naturalist at the Tawes Garden to learn more about scarecrows and to find out if they really do scare away crows. After a walk through the garden, children will make a straw hat scarecrow and enjoy a delicious treat.

Childrens' Program - Ages 3-5 (with an adult)
$1/child (registration is required)
Meet in lobby of Tawes Building, Annapolis
For further information, contact 410-260-8184

December 2009

Montpelier Mansion
Laurel, Maryland
Saturday, December 12th at 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Warm up this holiday season with festive music, lovely candlelight, and traditional holiday greens. Local garden clubs display their decorating skills throughout the house as entertainers perform nightly. Light refreshments will be served.

Van trip: all ages
Reservations required: $7/adult, $5/child, $6/TGV
Meet at the Tawes Building, Annapolis

Discover Nature
Reindeer Games
Wednesday, December 16th at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Join the naturalist for an expedition through the garden to look for signs of any deer that may have ventured through. Learn facts about reindeer and their relative the white-tailed deer that live in this area. The children will make a reindeer ornament to take home.

Childrens' Program - Ages 3-5 (with an adult)
$1/child (registration is required)
Meet in lobby of Tawes Building, Annapolis
For further information, contact 410-260-8184

Holiday Arrangement Workshop
Friday, December 11th at 10:00 a.m. - noon

Using an assortment of fresh greens and berries of the season, participants will be taught how to design a holiday arrangement. Bring your own clippers, scissors and gloves. All other materials will be provided.

Adults - $25/person
Registration required; contact 410-260-8189

Fresh evergreen centerpieces, small arrangements and swags will be sold along with a large variety of homemade cookies attractively plated and packaged for giving. A fresh shipment of poinsettias in various sizes & colors will also be for sale.

WHEN: Thursday, December 10th and Friday, December 11th from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Lobby and C-1 Conference Room, Tawes Building, Annapolis
(Cash and personal checks only)

Sponsored by Friends of Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, Inc.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (except State holidays); Phone number: 410-260-8194

Reasonably-priced gifts and books for the environmentally-minded. Stumped on what to get someone? Consider a gift certificate from the shop!

Cash, personal checks & Visa/Mastercard accepted

• To the Garden: From US Route 50, take exit #24 (Rowe Boulevard) toward downtown Annapolis; turn right at Taylor Avenue, then left onto Sachs Drive at DNR building. The Tawes State Office Complex is located at 580 Taylor Avenue. If you have never visited Annapolis, you can get directions here.

Public Transportation: Served by Annapolis Transit's Gold Route on Rowe Boulevard ($.75), State Shuttle or Navy Blue Route (both free). For more information visit www.annapolis.gov/transport or call 410-263-7964.

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

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Photographs by Sara Marcinak