Touring Ladew Topiary Gardens and dining at The Bowman
As usual, before we sit down to eat, we’re going to make a stop at one of the area’s foremost attractions. It’s Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton. I recently made my first trip out there in what has to be about 20 years, my bad. What a wonderful place to visit and I suggest you leave at least two hours for your tour of the Manot House, Gardens and Nature Walk.
Harvey Ladew (1887-1976) designed and created the 22-acre estate after he made a purchase of Pleasant Valley Farm from the Scarff family in 1929. It is said that Mr. Ladew was one of the first Americans to create garden rooms on this side of the Atlantic. He made arrangements before his death for his family and friends to preserve the house and gardens for the public. Trust me, they did a good job.
The property is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to maintain and promote the Gardens, House and facilities in keeping with the creative spirit of Harvey Ladew for the public benefit and for the educational, scientific and cultural pursuits.”
Your best bet is to head first to the Visitors Center to pay for your admission ($13.00 adults for the Gardens and Nature Walk, $18.00 for the Gardens, Nature Walk, Manor House), then decide if you want the house tour or if you want to venture out on your own. I did both. I walked the grounds and then went for the tour (recommended).
There are more than 100 larger than life topiary forms. I’m told one of the best-known displays is the Hunt Scene consisting of topiary designs of horses, hounds, and foxes. You won’t be able to miss the Great Bowl, scene of many of their events. Ladew hosts upwards of 125 programs and events each year and sees about 40,000 visitors.
Since my visit, they did open the Butterfly House ( 10:30 to 4 thru Sept 30). Ladew is open seven days a week April 1 through October 31 from 10 to 5. The Café, yes there’s even a place to eat, is open until 3. If you haven’t been here in a while, or maybe not at all, go take a look….ladewgardens.com/410-557-9570.
OK, time to eat. I know you’re hungry too, after all, we just did a lot of walking. We’re going to 9306 Harford Road, Carney, and stop in The Bowman, family-run since 1973. Open seven days for lunch and dinner the menu offers anything from burgers, seafood, chicken, steak, salads, pasta, and soups. My table had the seafood burrito (shrimp, crab, tomato, cheddar, avocado, and dressing) and crab cake (of course).
The chef brought over a few of the homemade hot rolls. I had to force myself to stop at two. The restaurant seats about 200, there’s a private dining area, plenty of parking, a bar with nine TV’s, casual, carry out and they offer what they call mobile catering (off-premise).
The place is a favorite in the Carney/Parkville area but in the dining room when I was there I spoke with folks from Towson and Essex. But it was obvious by the way the wait staff spoke to the customers, there are many regulars.
While there see if you can say hello to Chef Chris. He’s a veteran in Baltimore and knows his way around the kitchen. Actually, there is talk of him perhaps doing a cooking show….bowmanrestaurant.com/410-665-8600
Eddie Applefeld is a Baltimore native and a graduate of Towson University. He has been in the broadcasting profession for over 30 years. Currently he is the Promotions Director of WCBM radio. Before that, he was part of the Rouse & Company show on WQSR, host of a cable TV show called Dining Out and adjunct instructor at Towson.
His past accomplishments include being named a finalist in Baltimore Tourism’s Employee of the Year Program and winner of Toastmaster’s Speaker of the Year contest. He was also twice a heartthrob for the American Heart Association’s gala fund raiser.