Referred to as 'the most outstanding topiary garden in America,' Ladew Gardens features 15 differently themed 'garden rooms' occupying 22 acres of the 250-acre estate of self-taught gardener Harvey S. Ladew.
A recently opened self-guided Nature Walk includes 80 acres of woods and fields; interpretive stations can be found along the trail, and a short boardwalk takes in a wetland area and marsh.
The Manor House showcases an impressive collection of antique English furniture, paintings, photographs, and fox-hunting memorabilia acquired by Ladew; guided tours are available. In the barn, Ladew's art studio houses a permanent exhibit outlining his life and career; next to the studio, a Carriage Museum displays vehicles used in Ladew's time, from a hansom cab to an Irish jaunting car.
Both house and gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lectures, workshops and other public events are sponsored at the site; open daily, mid-April through October 31.
