Did you know that the Maryland Orchid Society’s long-awaited Orchid Show is happening this weekend? The perfect distraction during these long, drawn-out days of wintertime slumber, orchids are among the largest, most diverse flowering plant families on the planet.
From vibrant, versatile color variations to their tropical-like cheeriness, the orchid show is certainly a warm and welcoming event to take the frigid edge off the season. Furthermore, the Maryland Orchid Society also happens to be the oldest and largest in the state, so you know you’re in for a most enthralling experience, presented by the best of the best who truly know their stuff!
The show will run during a three-day course, starting today and lasting through Sunday, January 25 (dependent on the weather, of course!) All events will be taking place on location at the one and only Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Baltimore.
Aside from presenting featured shows, such as the currently running Orchid Show, the Rawlings Conservatory (as it is often shortened to) hosts an ever-abundant series of ongoing events, special programs, exhibits, and displays at any given time. The impressive building itself also happens to be one of the city’s most historic landmarks, standing out as an astute attraction in and of itself. That’s why this Flashback Friday Feature is all about the timeline history and highlights behind the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, from establishment through its enduring legacy.
Druid Hill Park Opens in Baltimore
Druid Hill Park first opened to the public back in 1860. At the time, it was the third such major municipal park in the United States—an impressive national feat to boot.
Spanning 746 acres, Druid Hill Park would go on to be the utmost crowning glory of Baltimore City, boasting an array of attractive features. Included among these most famed callouts were stately fountains, ponds, walking paths, convenient picnic shelters, lush meadows, and even an old-growth forest. A working farm with cattle and sheep could also be found here.
An Inspirating Concept
Plans and ideas for establishing a botanical conservatory in Druid Hill Park were being discussed as early as the 1870s. In 1874, George A. Frederick was commissioned as park architect to design and construct such a building. As a member of the committee for the Conservatory, Abbott Kenny was tasked with traveling to Europe, visiting London’s famed Kew Gardens for inspiration to serve as a model for the new building’s potential design. Due to budget constraints, however, the Park Commission was compelled to halt the ambitious project for the remaining decade.
The concept was once again ignited in 1882, inspired by an unexpected gift from Baltimore horticulturist Edward Kurtz. It came in the form of a rare collection of flowering Japonica shrubs. Specifics behind the endowment were that the scrubs were intended for the sole exclusivity of Druid Hill Park. The dilemma remained, however, that there still existed no housing for such a display. That was when the Park Commission stepped in to construct a temporary greenhouse in Patterson Park.
This was only a short-term response, however. The aforementioned gift reignited the former endeavors for a botanical conservatory in Druid Hill Park. The needed funds would be allocated in just a few short years, and by August 31, 1887, groundbreaking on the project would finally be underway.
As was originally conceptualized, the structure was modeled after Kew Gardens. Attributes included a large Palm House and a smaller, adjoining Orchid Room. It was an ongoing work in progress with the ironwork skeleton of the Palm House taking shape, as well as the surrounding wooden frame. The 50-foot-high glass windows supporting the Palm House’s vaulted roof and cupola were its crowning glories, and on August 26, 1888, the Conservatory officially opened to the public.
Developments Through the Years
The following year saw the addition of stone steps, a driveway, and potting houses to the site. Expansions continued into the 20th century as the Conservatory gained momentum in popularity. By the time the 1920s rolled in, three contiguous production greenhouses were also added.
Of course, there have been many changes and additions to the Druid Hill premises in general over the years, some far more obvious than others. In 1973, Druid Hill Park Historic District was even added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Conservatory is included in this designation. It received its current name in honor of the late Delegate Rawlings, who succumbed to cancer on November 14, 2003.
Recent years have seen a series of temporary closures, renovations, and reopenings, including a massive site revitalization in the early 2000s. There was also a new Entry Plaza Mosaic entitled “Bright Palms,” designed by Joyce J. Scott and installed in 2010. In 2024, the Conservatory welcomed a glass replacement and structural reinforcement process to the Palm House.
A Lasting Legacy
The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory now stands as the oldest, public iron-and-glass framed conservatory still in use in the United States. Visitors today are welcome to explore the many onsite offerings to take in here, including all of the aforementioned rooms and specialties. These comprise a diverse range of gardens as well as rooms, such as the Palm House, Tropical House, Desert House, Mediterranean House, and, of course, the Orchid Room.
Guided tours are offered onsite and can also be arranged in advance for those looking to visit. The site also plays host frequently to various programs, events, workshops, and can even be rented out for you to celebrate your own milestone.
Despite the changing seasonal floral follies, the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory offerings are always in bloom. You can visit the site year-round at Druid Hill Park, 3100 Swann Drive in Baltimore, Maryland 21217. Learn more about them and all upcoming events, including this weekend’s Orchid Show, on the website at www.rawlingsconservatory.org.