Hidden Gem for Plant Lovers: Howard Peter Rawlings Conservatory

Jaden Foreman
Feb 29, 2024
2 min read

Photo taken by: Jaden Foreman 3100 Swann Dr Baltimore, MD 21217 United States

*This week's blog will be focused on Baltimore, MD. Although this blog normally reports on hidden gems in the DMV, I will be occasionally touching on other places in the surrounding area.*

Baltimore's Best Kept Secret

Think twice before passing by Howard Peter Rawlings Conservatory on your way to the zoo, you never know what special treat you are missing out on.

The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory is somewhere everyone should visit, whether they live in or are visiting Baltimore. The experience of learning about plants that are used for cooking or even plants that grow fruits and vegetables, can be an interesting experience, especially for children.

History

The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens was opened in 1888. The Conservatory is the second oldest building that is steel framed and made of glass, in the United States. The conservatory displays their plants and flowers in 5 different rooms including, the palm house, orchid room, mediterranean house, tropical house, and desert house.

“Everything is grown, 80% of what you eat is grown.” James (the front desk attendant), believes that knowing how your food is grown will get you more involved in learning about where your ingredients come from. James refers to the conservatory as a hidden gem. The garden often goes unnoticed, but the people who visit often come back and use it as an escape.

“Nobody leaves here without a smile”- Mr. James

If you are ever looking for an escape, or somewhere you can explore and let your creativity take root, stop by the Howard Peter Rawlings Conservatory.

Howard Peter Rawlings Conservatory Information: