London Town's gardens, a true four-season garden, has different blooms every month. It was designed in a way that there would be no single season without any blooms. Enjoy this small sample of 12 different blooms for 12 different months: January is for Jasmine February welcomes spring Camellias March is filled with Magnolia madness April amazes with Azaleas May is mesmerizing with Tree Peony blossoms June welcomes summer perennials like, Gillardias July is to enjoy fragrant David Austin Roses August is for bright and beautiful Dahlias September gardens should be filled with Anemones October is loaded with hardy Mums November? yes! November can have blooms too like the fall Crocus December is delightful when fall Camellias open up. A four seasons garden, when well planned, can showcase a diverse variety of blooms for each season. Follow us in the coming weeks as we explore some upcoming late winter and early spring blossoms.

"In all places, then, and in all seasons, flowers expand their light and soul-like wings, teaching us, by most persuasive reasons, how akin they are to human things" ~ "Flower," Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Winter Jasmine, Jasminum nudiflorum London Town's gardens have flowers blooming in each season. A true four seasons garden, even in the cold month of January, there are Camellias in bloom and most recently, the pretty Winter Jasmine has also opened up. Its delicate and bright little yellow flowers are a delight on dull grey mornings. From left to right: Camellia 'Elegans splendor', Camellia (unknown), and Camellia japonica Flowers for all senses, flowers for all seasons, London Town has living collections well designed for all four seasons. But planning is crucial for designing a four seasons gardens. Follow us next week for design insights into a flower grid for each season.

From upper left clockwise: 1. and 2. Tea Camellia (C. sinensis), 3. Camellia ‘Londontown Blush’, 4. Camellia sansanqua, 5. Camellia ‘Winter’s Rose,’ and 6. Camellia 'Winter's Star' Camellia (kuh-MEE-lee-uh) was named after Georg Josef Kamel (1661-1706) who was a Moravian/Czech missionary and botanist. Some of the fall blooming Camellia stalwarts of London Town include the Tea Camellias and the two prolific bloomers, C. sasanquas and "London Town Blush." "Tea Camellias were first classified by Linnaeus in 1753. It has been grown in China as a beverage crop since around 2700 B.C." ~ Beyond the Camellia Belt, William Ackerman. The beneficial properties of tea's tannic compounds have been well known for centuries. But did you know that Camellias can protect from ultraviolet light as well? According to some recent research: "Textiles have been considered a primary tool in shielding UVR. Light fabrics have to be treated with select finishing products. Recently, there has been increasing interest in use of natural dyes. For eg. natural dyes of tea provide high UV protection for fabric." ~International Camellia Journal, 2018, 50th edition. The Tea Camellias of London Town's gardens, growing by the dell with the South River in its backdrop, are truly a delightful sight. Two other outstanding fall Camellia stalwarts are the C. sasanquas and of course Camellia 'London Town Blush'. Both have large blossoms, with pollen and petals putting on a beautiful display. 'Winters Star' and 'Winters Rose' are also two neat Camellia olifera hybrids that have beautiful displays for years to come, if they get planted in the right place. Follow us in the coming weeks to know more about when and where to plant Camellias and a peak at other Camellia stalwarts of London Town Gardens.

A true four seasons garden, London Town's gardens have trails laden with a diverse array of plant collections to enjoy between many seasonal changes. Currently, the Maples, Camellias and Dogwoods are at their best color show and the gorgeous backdrop of the South River makes it even more pretty! The maples especially have been breathtaking, between yellows and reds, the Acer rubrum (Red Maple), Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) and Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) all have given us an array of many warm shades to adore. More on types of maples: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/maple/ Cornus kousa (dogwoods) have also put on quite the color. A deep burgundy red with hint of yellow at the petiole, simply stunning! Other than colorful leaves, or colorful berries what stands out the most on the garden trails is the tan bark shades of Camellia olifera 'Lu Shan Snow'. "Camellia olifera has been grown in China for close to 5,000 years. As a source of edible seed oils, it was, and continues to be, prized as a valuable crop." - Dr. William Ackerman, Growing Camellias in Cold Climates. Oliferas are also a parent to hundreds of cold hardy Camellias. Some of which you can enjoy strolling through the Camellia trails at London Town. Follow us in the coming weeks for more Camellia hybridizing information and what you can find growing on our Camellia trails.

In celebration of London Town’s 50th anniversary, we wanted to share 5 of our favorite Botanist’s Lens posts, penned by Director of Horticulture Meenal Harankhedkar. Each week, Meenal shares a deeper dive into the botany of London Town’s gardens. You can follow these posts on our social media channels (Facebook and Instagram), on our blog here, and in our regular garden interest emails (sign up here!). 5. Seed Dormancy: "Surviving the Adverse" “Seed germination is one of the most critical points in the life cycle of a plant. Seeds vary in size, structure, texture and a whole lot more. Seeds are an evolved critical dispersal unit for higher plants. The time from when the seed is formed till it germinates is very critical and involves many growth phases as well as dormancy stages…” 4. Endemic, Rare Living Collections “London Town's garden is a sanctuary of its own. The beautiful South River wrapping around its edges makes every section of the garden feel serene, but what gives the gardens its true depth of serenity is the fact that it is home to several living collections that teach us about endemism, conservation and evolution…” 3. Spot a Sport “Have you ever spotted any sports in your yard or other gardens? Nope, I am not talking about sports as in basketball, football or cornhole, but in the world of Botany and Horticulture a 'sport' is a totally different ball game! A 'sport' in the botany world means a 'genetic mutation;' one that has no explanation and no specific rhyme or reason for its occurrence. Sport is a chance genetic mutation and can occur on any plant, anytime…” Camellia sasanqua 'Hana Jiman' (picture courtesy: Dinny White) 2. Cross 1, Cross 2, Cross 3! “Crossing plants is certainly a fine craft and more so when it comes to Camellias. London Town was extremely fortunate to have Dr. William Ackerman use London Town woodland gardens as a test site for his crosses. Seed propagation, vegetative propagation (cuttings/air-layering) has its own value but to get finer more specific traits, controlled crossing- hybridizing is the best method…” 1. Saving the Endangered and Extirpated “Saving and learning about extant, endangered and threatened species should be a resolution for every year, every season and for every gardener. One of my 2019 resolutions was to keep learning from and staying engaged with the current list of plants whose habitats are threatened and endangered. The IUCN Red list (International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List) of Threatened Species is the world's most comprehensive list to read and learn from…”

Join London Town for in-person, outside programs this summer! These programs will have limited numbers to allow for social distancing, enhanced cleaning, and other needs in accordance with CDC and local guidance. Drinks with the Director Saturday, July 4, 2020 12:30 - 2:30pm Raise a toast to independence and explore the Colonials’ passion for potables during Drinks with the Director. Rod Cofield, London Town's executive director, will play bartender, serving up punch and cider while sharing the important role of taverns in the 17th and 18th centuries. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of drinks and conversation on taverns, archaeology, and early America. Come when you can; leave when you must! ​ Alcoholic drinks include: Hard Cider Lord Mayor's Punch (rum, brandy, lemonade, limeade, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg) Flip (beer, rum, molasses, nutmeg, and cream) Stone Fence (rum and hard cider) Rattle-Skull (rum, beer, brandy, lime juice, and nutmeg) Apprentice tavern keepers (and non-alcoholic drinkers) can enjoy the Little Lord Mayor's Punch (Lemonade, Limeade, Sugar, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg)! For the safety of participants and staff, this event will be held outside with appropriate distancing, group sizes, and cleaning in accordance with CDC and local guidance. Member Prices $6 for an alcoholic beverage; $3 for a non-alcoholic beverage General Admission Prices (includes admission to London Town) $18 for adults (alcoholic beverage); $15 for a non-alcoholic beverage $16 for seniors (alcoholic beverage); $13 for a non-alcoholic beverage  $10 for youth, ages 7 - 17 (non-alcoholic beverage) $6 for children, ages 4 - 6 (non-alcoholic beverage) $3 for children ages 3 and under (non-alcoholic beverage) Pre-Registration Recommended Ticket price includes 1 drink ticket and general admission to the site. Additional drinks can be purchased. Purchase Drinks with the Director tickets Mini Herb Garden Workshop Saturday, July 11, 2020 10:30am – 11:30am ​ Save yourself a trip to the grocery store and join us in making your own kitchen herb garden. Decorate your garden to match your style.  Choose one of our five themed gardens: Curry Garden: Birds Eye Chili, Cilantro, Mint Greek Garden: Dill, Mint, Parsley Pasta Garden: Basil, Oregano, Thyme Savory Garden: Rosemary, Sage, Winter Savory Tea Garden: Bergamot (Bee balm), Chamomile, Lavender Fun and suitable for all ages! For the safety of participants and staff, this workshop will be held outside with appropriate distancing, group sizes, and cleaning in accordance with CDC and local guidance. Members: $25 Non-Members: $30 (Become one today!) Pre-Registration Required Maximum of 20 attendees All ages welcome Purchase Mini Herb Garden tickets Children's Tie Dye Tote Workshop Saturday, July 25, 2020 10:30am – 11:30am ​ Design your own London Town inspired tie dye tote bag!  Learn the art of fabric dyeing during the colonial era. Take a walk through the gardens and see some of the natural materials used to make dye. Then create your own modern tie-dyed masterpiece to take home.   For the safety of participants and staff, this workshop will be held outside with appropriate distancing, group sizes, and cleaning in accordance with CDC and local guidance. Member Children: $20 Non-Member Children: $25 (Become a member today!) ​ Pre-Registration Required Maximum of 20 attendees Purchase Tie Dye Tote Workshop tickets Colonial Cocktails: Bounce & Bumbo Thursday, July 30, 2020 6:30 – 7:30pm From punches to bounces, syllabubs to juleps, colonists imbibed a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. At Colonial Cocktails, you’ll get to make and enjoy two historical drinks and learn about colonial tavern culture. This session will explore Bounce, a pleasant concoction of fruit-steeped brandy, and Bumbo, a common rum punch.  Participants must be 21+. For the safety of participants and staff, this event will be held outside with appropriate distancing, group sizes, and cleaning in accordance with CDC and local guidance. Members: $25 Non-Members: $30 (Become one today!) Pre-Registration Required Maximum of 20 attendees Purchase Colonial Cocktails: Bounce & Bumbo tickets Looking for more programs? Check out our July and August events here

Only 2 Colonial Cocktails events remain – with limited seats at both! Which drinks will reign supreme? Mint Julep and Fish House Punch (Tuesday, October 6, 6:30pm) OR Lamb’s Wool and Hot Buttered Rum (Thursday, October 22, 6:30pm) Sign up for one or both events to find out which drinks are your winners! Learn more at www.historiclondontown.org/events.

Loquacious Scribble, Esq. Caricature of Annapolis-based doctor Alexander Hamilton. Image found in the manuscript of "The history of the ancient and honorable Tuesday club: From the earliest ages down to this present year," composed in 1755. Housed at The John Work Garrett Library of The Johns Hopkins University. The next few weeks of #TavernTales are going to focus on Alexander Hamilton. No, not that one. Dr. Alexander Hamilton from Annapolis, Maryland. At the end of May, 1744, Dr. Hamilton undertook a trip from Annapolis to York, Maine. The main goal of this trip was to head north during the hot Chesapeake summer to help relieve some medical issues of his. Hamilton is best known in Maryland as a founding member of the Tuesday Club in Annapolis and a well-known raconteur. He kept a journal of his trip. In it he recounts quite a few interesting social exchanges at taverns he encountered. This travel journal, called a Gentleman’s Progress, is a fascinating read from the perspective of a privileged, educated man. A full text can be found at the Library of Congress. Next week’s post will focus on his experience at the White Swan Tavern in Chestertown, MD (which still stands today).

A continued spell of warm weather this week has slowly brought out the many shades of fall, that often get sped fast due to a cold front. Currently, London Town's gardens are filled with shades of Ochre that are brilliantly showcased in the woodland and the ornamental gardens with the Maple trees (Acer 'Sango Kaku') and Amsonia bringing out their deepest warmest yellows. Left to right: Maple trees in photos 1 and 2 and then Amsonia in the forefront But nonetheless, beyond the brilliant shades of Ochre what catches the eye most are London Towns priceless Camellias: the dainty dewy dwarf Winter's Rose Camellia and the dewy white Autumn moon. Left to right: Camellias: Winter's Rose (1 and 2) and Autumn Moon Fall Camellias have had a splendid start to their bloom season! Follow us in the coming weeks for more in depth Camellia posts.

Pollinator love Gardens help mind and body restore, connect and unite with nature. People and gardens connect in many ways. What appeals to the eye gets the prized location in the garden. But what we see isn't what the bees see. What we need isn't what the bees are looking for. Bold bright colors and size of the petals appeals to the human eye, but the patterns or colors, high pollen content and nectar are what the busy bees are looking for. Pollinators aren't the priority for plant breeders trying to breed pretty flowers. But pollinators should always be the priority for every gardener, novice or a master. Native gardens sign from Unity Gardens Thanks to Unity Gardens, we were able to add a pollinator garden near our visitor center. Rich in nectar and high in pollen, we added several varieties of Asters, Echinaceae, Rudbeckias, Phlox, Solidago, Eupatorium and many more. Best part about some of these native flowers, is their seed heads serve as winter pantries for the birds. Plant pollinators, plant wisely! Thank you Unity Gardens! Working on the berm Looking good afterwards!

The knees of a Bald Cypress when the Dell is dry. Shown with a Snake's Head Fritillary Amongst the diverse collections of London Town Gardens, the Bald Cypress trees are one of the most mystic looking. They are growing in the lowest area of the gardens, closest to the South River. Photos of the flooded Dell on Friday, October 29, 2021 Last Friday, as the tides rose and the rain brought in more water in the dell, it seemed as if the Cypress was back in its swamp land! Bald Cypress tree native habitat is: "southern swamps, bayous and rivers, primarily being found in coastal areas from Maryland to Texas and in the lower Mississippi River valley to as far north as the southeast corner of Missouri. In the deep South, it is a familiar sight growing directly in swampy water, often in large strands, with its branches heavily draped with Spanish moss. In cultivation, however, it grows very well in drier, upland soils" Source "Bald cypress seeds are too heavy to be dispersed far by wind and so depend upon flowing water for dispersal. Swamps like these most likely began to form approximately 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, although there is evidence supporting the existence of Bald cypress in what is now Maryland prior to the last ice age. An ancient cypress log was unearthed by contractors in the course of building the stadium for the Baltimore Ravens. "Maryland’s bald cypress swamps are some of the northern most occurrences of this community type, the range of which is centered on the southeastern United States." Source Thanks to our horticulture staff, Ben Lammers and Wren Droege, we have these beautiful pictures of the dell to share with you. We hope everyone has stayed safe and dry!

“Wild is the music of the autumnal winds amongst the faded woods.” - William Wordsworth Colors of the gardens in fall Hues of warm colors are slowly starting to show. From yellows, oranges, bright reds to amber brown, many shades will be seen on all deciduous plants. The evergreen trees and shrubs at London Town look amazing in the backdrop with these warm colors forming as the nights get longer. There are four pigments that are responsible for leaf colors: Chlorophyll (green), Carotenoids (yellow), Anthocyanins (orange/red) and Tannins (brown). Carotenoids are always present in the leaves, except green chlorophyll masks the yellow/orange colors. Longer nights signal the plant to reduce producing chlorophyll, which gradually halts the green pigment. The bright reds come from the anthocyanins which are more visible when more glucose is formed by the halting of chlorophyll formation. The higher the amount of sugar trapped, the more brilliant the reds will be. Tannins (brown) on the other hand are found in the membranes of leaves and come through when the yellow, orange and reds fade away. All of this of course depends on the amount of the sunlight during the day, cool nights, temperature moisture, etc. 'Fall Color Begins in the Spring'. Don't believe it? Read more here: https://www.nationalforests.org/.../fall-color-begins-in...