Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden
🌤 Weather at Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38–77 °F | 67–89 °F | 41–80 °F | 29–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Annapolis Police Brks, 2 mi away, elevation 25 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Maryland — 6-acre botanical garden on the grounds of the Maryland DNR headquarters in Annapolis — showcases all of Maryland’s ecological regions from the Allegheny Plateau to the Atlantic Coastal Plain in one compact walk. Named for the wife of Governor J. Millard Tawes.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Maryland |
About Tawes Garden
Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden in Annapolis showcases Maryland’s diverse ecosystems in a 5-acre garden adjacent to the Department of Natural Resources headquarters. The garden includes representations of the Eastern Shore, Western Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain — demonstrating that Maryland, despite its small size, contains more ecological diversity per square mile than nearly any other state. Each section features native plants from that region.
Things to Do
Walking through five themed ecosystem gardens, identifying native Maryland plants, attending garden events, connecting to Maryland DNR resources, and exploring Annapolis — the colonial capital and sailing capital of America.
History & Ecology
Named for the wife of Governor J. Millard Tawes (1959-1967), the garden serves as a living classroom for Maryland’s ecological diversity. The Western Maryland Mountain Garden features hemlocks and rhododendrons; the Piedmont section showcases native hardwoods; the Coastal Plain area includes live oaks; and the Eastern Shore garden features salt-tolerant species. Free admission year-round. Adjacent to the Maryland State Archives.
Plan Your Visit
The garden is free and open daily. Self-guided tour brochures are available at the entrance. Adjacent to the Maryland DNR headquarters, Tawes Garden represents all five Maryland ecological regions in just 5 acres. The Maryland State House (oldest state capitol still in continuous use, 1772) is a 10-minute walk. Historic Annapolis and the City Dock waterfront provide dining and shopping. US Naval Academy tours depart from the visitor center.
Insider Tips
Maryland in miniature: The Tawes Garden in Annapolis showcases all of Maryland’s ecosystems — Eastern Shore, Piedmont, Western Mountains, and Coastal Plain — in a 5-acre garden. Pro tip: Annapolis is one of America’s most charming colonial cities — the State House (1772) is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use. Naval Academy: The US Naval Academy has trained officers here since 1845.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Garden in peak bloom. Summer: Full garden displays. Fall: Autumn color. Year-round: Free admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ecosystems does Maryland have?
Maryland packs remarkable ecological diversity into a small area — from the Appalachian Mountains (3,360 ft) in the west, through the Piedmont Plateau, to the Coastal Plain and Atlantic beaches. The Chesapeake Bay bisects the state. Maryland contains oak-hickory forests, tidal marshes, mountain bogs, and barrier islands — more ecosystem diversity per square mile than almost any other state.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Sandy Point State Park (a short drive away) or Matapeake State Park (a short drive away).
Wildlife & Nature
Tawes Garden — a 6-acre garden showcasing the diverse ecosystems of Maryland — from the Chesapeake Bay marshes to Appalachian forests. The garden’s native plantings and water features support butterflies, songbirds, and dragonflies.
Nearby Attractions
Annapolis — adjacent — Maryland’s state capital and the “Sailing Capital of the US”. US Naval Academy — nearby. Chesapeake Bay — at the city.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum in designated pet areas and 10 ft in undeveloped areas; off-leash under voice control only while swimming in designated areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- At most parks pets are barred from sandy swim beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; many parks allow shoreline swimming outside the swim beach
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Most cabins are pet-free, but select parks designate pet-friendly cabins (e.g. Herrington Manor cabins 1-10, New Germany cabins 3-7)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets not allowed in park buildings or playgrounds; pets must be licensed and vaccinated
Are dogs allowed at Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden?
Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.maryland.gov. More: Maryland state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
