MARYLAND HIDDEN GEMS Rawlings Conservatory

A few months ago I made a weekend visit to Baltimore and stumbled across the Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park, Baltimore. Now known formally as The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, the conservatory first opened in 1888 and is the second oldest steel framed and glass building still in use in the U.S. While the original structure included the magnificent Palm House and Orchid Room, the facility has since been expanded to include three greenhouses as well as display pavilions and outdoor gardens. The Mediterranean, Tropical and Desert houses contain a wide array of plants from around the world. However, my personal favorite was the Orchid Room which housed a dazzling display of orchids including one that smelled like chocolate. Delicious!

No visit is complete without spending some time chatting with the front desk attendant. We were lucky enough to have a long-time volunteer explain the history and give recommendations on what to look for while walking through the exhibits. It’s definitely worth the conversation.

Hopefully you’ll take some time to explore this magnificent structure located right in our backyard. I think you’ll find it to be a rewarding time! For hours and directions, check out https://rawlingsconservatory.org/ hours-and-directions/.

Written by: Don Plank, National Cooperative Bank www.ncbassociationbanking.coop | 703-302-1928 | dplank@ncb.coop