Rawlings Conservatory

One of the few enjoyable aspects of Baltimore. Beautiful conservatory and a great spot to visit for those coming from out of town. Friendly staff and overall fun experience. There’s a small little free library out front near a willow tree in desperate need of a clean up and paint…

Absolutely beautiful!! We visited Sunday afternoon. It was hard to believe we were in the middle of a large northeast city standing amongst such tropical beauty! The shrubbery and flowering plants were amazing! The orchid and lily rooms had so many gorgeous varieties. Friendly informative staff and just a great place to visit. It is free admission with a small suggested donation. They will be having a spring sale from April 5-20. Will definitely be going to check it out!

Beauty and peace in one stunning 19th century conservancy. A truly tranquil experience! A lovely pathway visiting various biomes which you can meander in any direction. The orchid garden serves as the gateway to the tallest of the conservancy rooms, with trees and a nice wooden pier. Smells are wonderful and trickling water can be heard in certain sections. Describing the Rawlings Conservancy in one word: Serenity.

It was small but very well maintained and operated off of tips. It housed a nice collection of plants. The grounds had a few ball fields and some trails perfect for a day at the park

I really enjoy visiting. It always brings a calm during the day. They accept donations (card of cash). Very worth it.

I love this beautiful place filled with extraordinary plants. I’ve never seen plants this large before. The koi pool was beautiful. It’s a relaxing atmosphere and it has a guided walk app which informs about all of the plants you’ll see. I’ve brought many people here and all loved the experience. The outside grounds are also beautiful. Excellent for photo ops.

Gorgeous, historic conservatory. $5 donation per person is suggested. Can use cash or card. Tiny gift shop mostly of books. The spring bulbs from Holland are breathtakingly beautiful. Really enjoyed seeing all the varieties of plants. Do not love being blocked by people trying to take Instagram photos and tik tok videos. If you are there for that, please be respectful of others. Restrooms are available for use along with a drinking fountain. Not much else to do nearby, unfortunately. Plan around 30-45 minutes in total to view the entire conservatory.

Great hidden gem in the city, small but there are a handful of rooms (tropical house was my favorite). Staff were very friendly and welcoming. Entry is free but I do recommend bringing cash for a small donation.

After having it on my to visit list for years, I finally visited the Rawlings Conservatory this past weekend for their "A Tropical Holiday" Holiday Display (open through January 5, 2025). The conservatory waws built in 1888 and is larger than it looks - it has five buildings (the original 1888 Palm House, the Orchid Room, the Mediterranean House, the Tropical House, and the Desert House). It's free to visit, but donations are very much encouraged and appreciated. The holiday display was fun (and included a train that seems a hit with lots of kids who were vising), and the main buildings were beautiful as well! Don't miss this gem of Druid Hill Park!

**gorgeous flowers, spacious, friendly staff WOW!!! I can't believe more people don't talk about this place. The flowers are so gorgeous. I came in mid-April and so many were in bloom. There's a cactus area, orchid room, tropical flowers, etc. If you pay a small amount, you can also get some food to feed the koi fish! I believe it's still free, but I highly encourage you to please donate! The staff is so nice; he saw that we liked the orchids so he came up and told us about the different varieties and where to find other types. Apparently there's a collaboration with other Maryland/DC gardens, so they all rotate orchid varieties every few weeks!

I am updating my review. I got an email from some individuals at the conservatory and they were so kind. I definitely will be going back again. Thank you to the ones who reached out and rectified the situation I really appreciate it.

Love their collection. Nice place but it could be better. The health of some of the plants needs tending to and some plants could use some pruning as well. For the size of the place I was impressed with the plants they had. Despite some things needing some TLC I look forward to going back.

What an absolutely lovely spot! Right in the middle of Druid Hill Park, you can visit this stunning Victoria era conservatory. It's technically free to visit, although they suggest a $5 donation. It is kind of small, just a few rooms really, but they pack so much in and it's so nice to just enjoy the beautiful plants and sounds of the water. I went there to see the pointsettia show and what they did with both the flowers and the trains was wonderful! They also have a small gift shop and if you buy something from there with a credit card then you can add your donation on, which is convenient. The staff were super helpful and gave us pointers on how to care for our newly purchased plants. The grounds are also really nice in the spring, summer, and fall!

I really enjoyed this botanical garden. It's well maintained and lots of interesting plants. My favorites were the orchid room and the dessert. I love that there's a bulb sale going on, so I bought a lot of various flier bulbs to plant at home.

Within Druid Hill Park, one of the country's oldest landscaped public parks, is Rawlings Conservatory, the second oldest surviving glass conservatory in the country. Built in 1888, the conservatory is something out of a Wes Anderson film. Here's why you should go: 1) Admission: Tickets can be reserved online for every 30 minutes while they are open. Tickets are free, but they do suggest a donation of $15. There's street parking nearby and they take your temperature due to covid upon arrival. Masks are required. 2) Space: It looks small from the outside, but inside are five different rooms filled with plants from around the world. They even have a little pond with fish. During the holidays, they have a train set up in one of the rooms. 3) Grounds: There's a small garden outside with a small monument, benches and a Little Free Library.

This place is stunning! I can't believe it's free to visit. There is a $5 suggested donation which I highly recommend you provide in order to help maintain such a beautiful place. It is located inside of Druid Hill Park which in and of itself is a beautiful and highly underrated attraction. The main greenhouse was built in the 1800s which is extremely impressive. There are also two new, smaller greenhouses that feature different plant types from around the globe. I was very impressed with the size of the plants and the variety of all of the plants in such a small place. Lemon trees, lime trees, banana trees, HUGE palm trees, and the biggest agave plant I've ever seen in my life! I've been to a lot of botanical gardens in my day but this one definitely packs the biggest punch in such a small space. There's also a cute rose garden outside which was pleasant to wander around in. I definitely recommend paying a visit! You will not be disappointed.

Another local hidden gem! I don't know how I was ignorant to the existence of this marvel. The primary two buildings were built in 1888, and the additional space was added in 2004. They are still requesting that you pre-register tickets online for particular time slots so they can control foot traffic through the conservatory. Donations of $5 per person are suggested... and the experience is definitely worth that and more. They do allow some walk-ins if capacity allows. See attached photos.

Such a breath of fresh Air!! Literally. You wouldn't believe something so beautiful can be free, well they do suggest a $5 donation, but it is free if you are able. I have been to this location twice now. Once was for a photoshoot and it was so lovely as we used the outdoor elements for the photos. This most recent time I went and explored the inside. Man is it's a beauty. The mild Mediterranean greenhouse replicates the dry summers and foggy winters of the Mediterranean basin and southern California. The Tropical Forest greenhouse displays plants that originate in the tropics, including those native to parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, Australia, and some tropical islands. The Desert greenhouse showcases plants that can endure the harsh, windy, and arid conditions of the desert where daytime temperatures can climb as high as 125 degrees Fahrenheit and fall as low as 10 degrees at night, with little rainfall. The Orchid Room features the largest of all the plant groups, which includes over 30,000 species and more than 100,000 registered hybrids. The Palm House grants the visitor an opportunity to return to the Victorian era. Opened in 1888, the historical Rawlings Conservatory is one of Baltimore's most beautiful structures. It features five distinct greenhouse rooms, one 1/2-acre garden with many flower beds and a kaleidoscope of colors all year round. You can have a wedding, birthday parties or photo photoshoots inside or outside or the venue. Photo permits are required for all indoor and outdoor photography. As you see there is something to pleasure everyone! They even have a few things for purchase. Great place to visit and enjoy a peaceful day!

My husband and I got married this past Saturday at the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens! Beautiful just doesn't do this venue justice! This historic location is perfect space for a small and unique wedding. We opted for a micro-wedding package that the venue offers. We were able to invite 35 guests and had access to the entire venue for an hour. We recited our vows in the Palm House, which provided a beautiful backdrop. We then took pictures with our family and friends throughout the venue. The staff was nice and accommodating. The rental was affordable and the money you pay goes to supporting this historic building. Long story short, if you want a simple ceremony and feel like I did that the courthouse was just a bit too informal, give the conservatory a call.

I visited here for the first time yesterday. It was very nice with various plants and flowers. The orchid display was very lovely with several types of beautiful orchids. There was free street parking nearby. There is a $5 donation but technically it's free to enter. Glad I learned about this conservatory and had the chance to visit. Something worth checking out if you are in the area.

On a rainy Saturday morning, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, which opened in 1888, located in Druid Hill Park, and has 5 greenhouse rooms. There is no admission fee but they suggest a $5 donation. Upon entry, wearing a mask and getting a temperature reading is required. The greenhouse rooms include a Mediterranean House, Tropical House, Desert House, Orchid Room, and Palm House. I enjoyed walking through the different greenhouse rooms and looking, smelling, and touching plants and flowers.

This is an adorable attraction in Baltimore. It is one of the oldest conservatories in the United States and it was built in 1880. You do have to book a slot online, and there is a suggested five dollar donation. The conservatory itself has three sections of different flora and another room with orchids and palm trees. I think in total it took us about one hour, and we definitely sat down to look at the flowers. Since the greenhouse is mostly made of glass it does a great job of trapping heat and the temperature inside was perfect despite the chill outside. We got in all bundled up and had to takeoff our jackets and carry them around. That being said it was a fun trip and a unique spot to visit!

"Best kept secret in Baltimore" This is definitely a beautiful place. There are a good variety of plants from the Mediterranean room to the desert room. They are very beautiful. I think my favorite was the palm room. The staff was very welcoming and nice. Definitely a special place in Baltimore.

This place is a beautiful hidden gem in Druid Hill. Their spring flower show running currently is gorgeous and many of the rooms smell amazingly of hyacinths. They have beautiful orchids, a tropical room full of gorgeous palms, and the desert room has really interesting cacti. Worth visiting! Google hours say they are closed on certain days, but you can get timed passes online with a $5 donation!

Beautiful and underrated botanical gardens right in Druid Hill Park. There are 3 main indoor parts (Mediterranean, Tropical, and Desert) plus an outdoor garden and they're all quite lovely. The highlight was definitely the huge flowering Prickly Pear Cactus in the desert section. The overall size is small relative to other botanical gardens in big cities but it's still well worth a visit as there's plenty to see. Admission is free but donations are encouraged. They are good about requiring masks indoors during Covid and the staff is very friendly. This is also used for events like weddings and I imagine it would be a pretty beautiful place to get married. Overall highly recommend, especially if you're going to the Baltimore Zoo and/or Druid Hill Park.

Bottom Line: A gorgeous 130-year-old building with lots of fascinating plants to explore and free parking. I've been curious about this conservatory for a long time and I am glad I finally made it to Druid Hill Park on a rare, 60 degree, January day to explore it. The conservatory was built in 1888 and it has a bit of a Victorian feel to it. I love that the way the windows reflect light like a gemstone and its neat that the mechanical ventilation system is still in tact. I love this building but I suspect many people come here for the plants too! So, about those plants, the conservatory consists of the historical palm house as well as a newer addition on the back. The addition includes the Mediterranean House which smells amazing, the Tropical House which is home to some hungry koi fish and a Desert House that has a fabulous array of cacti. They even have a super slow growing saguaro cacti so that was impressive. (Per the National Park Service that species of cactus can take 10 years to reach 1" inch in height and a 70 year old saguaro cactus may only be 6 or so feet tall!) The Orchid Room was the busiest room when we visited. There were a lot of people admiring the variety of orchids and taking pictures. For me, I was the most excited about the Palm House. Palm Trees growing in the middle of Baltimore City are nice but its the structure that I found the most fascinating. Bawlmor gets a bad rap but there are absolutely many gems in this city and certainly the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens is at the top of the list!

Beautiful local find and hidden gem! The gentlemen who greeted me was very helpful and informative. There is a $5 donation requested. I was able to park outside right in right of the conservatory for free. Lots of different plants to see in each room. It was fun going through each room and taking the audio phone tour on my cell phone and taking pictures. I even fed the koi fish!

This is a small yet beautiful diamond in the rough. There is also a zoo next door. You can donate for your visit - I recommend you do. There are various rooms - including an orchid room and a greenhouse full of cacti. Take a peek at this gem for a few moments of calm.

Beautiful inside and out. I came here with my wife for our engagement photos. If you have never been it's definitely worth the trip. Make sure to bring a good camera because are alot of great photos to be taken inside the conservatory.

Rawlings is a small, hidden gem in Baltimore city. It's a great place to get your nature fix, especially if you've been feeling gridlocked in the city for a while like me. The plants are gorgeous (especially the flowers in bloom until mid-April), and the volunteers at the front desk really make you feel at home. With 5 different themed rooms, the conservatory has something for everyone, including kids! As a plus, there's ample, free (and easy) parking. Keep in mind that the conservatory is small - it will probably take you less than an hour to fully enjoy it. It definitely doesn't have as much going on as botanical gardens in other cities. However, it's still a great place to escape the city and relax for a bit.

My Fiance brought me here for my birthday and it was wonderful! The grounds are beautiful and they are being incredibly covid safe. I really appreciated that you could call a number on your phone and get different explanations of the plants inside. My favorite room was the desert room, but being from Arizona I may be a bit biased. The gardens outside are just as amazing as the greenhouses. They are full of pollinators which are wonderful to watch but if you have a bee phobia you may want to stay inside. There are also benches in the garden area if you wanted to sit and enjoy the weather.

An afternoon at Rawlings is always super fun. There are plenty of plants to walk around and photograph & it's in close proximity to the zoo if you want to do both in the same day. When I was there, they had musicians playing beautiful tunes in the Orchid Room that made the experience almost magical. Plenty of Instagram-worthy spots to take pictures too. I wouldn't say it's as good as Phipps in Pittsburgh, but it's a close second for me.

Absolutely gorgeous place and the staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. My favorite part is the Victorian greenhouse where they keep the tropical plants. If you're in Baltimore this is a place you MUST visit, you won't regret it!

Alright I feel like anyone who actually knows me knows how much I love this place. I can't believe I don't have a review already but let's get into it. This place is an absolute gem in Baltimore and is an amazing getaway during a stressful day or if you just want to have a greenery filled weekend. Make sure you bring a few bucks to donate to upkeep and whatnot but it's definitely warranted. The staff is very friendly and there are always plants and whatnot to buy in the first room you enter. I love each distinct part of the conservatory and like most you really feel the difference in climate and light when you enter them all. I've taken some of my favorite photos ever in here and also been in a trance by some of the plants they have. If you've never been please correct that!

Hands down the most beautiful garden in the state of Maryland. Will be going back very soon!

With this being a houseplant moment, it's fitting to visit the second oldest glass conservatory in the country. Dating back to the Victorian era when Druid Hill Park was Auchentorlie and when Baltimore was one of the ten most populous cities in the U.S., with a larger population than New Orleans and San Francisco. Thanks to the gentleman at the front desk for the great historic tidbits. The entrance fee is a suggested donation of 5 dollars which isn't bad at all. A dollar for each of the rooms. I enjoyed not only the tropical greenery but also the flowers. My favorite was the Sharry Baby orchids which smell like chocolate. As a lover of citrus I enjoyed the varieties of lemons and such, including the kumquats. Another facet that I enjoyed was the benches where you could take your surroundings in and just relax in peace. Enveloped by exoitc plants or near the koi pond. After snapping a few pictures and with your green thumb tingling what better way to leave the Rawlings Conservatory than to buy one of the plants for sale. I promise you they are reasonably priced and not knocking on death's door.

The building itself is BEAUTIFUL. Inside, it's kind of small. I think it took me less than 30 minutes to go through it all. +1 for free admission (but donations are requested!).

This place is not too far away from the city, and surrounded by a nice picnic area. It has different rooms for different climates with a variety of plants. Admission is free with a suggested donation. They also sell a few plants of their own. My favorite was probably the dessert room and the orchid room.

We had some time to kill and on Saturday afternoon and decided to check out this conservatory. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. We spent a little over an hour exploring and taking some pretty cool pictures. We'll most definitely be back this summer with our family.

Gorgeous spot in the city. The architecture is amazing and it's easy to spend an hour or two wandering the interior, exploring the flowers and foliage. It's free, but bring a few bucks for the donation space if you can. It is well-maintained but when I went there were a few areas that were a bit disheveled (the orchid room) without explanation. I know things transition and change and it's not a big deal - the other rooms make up for it in their uniqueness and beauty. I used the call in for details feature a few times with ease. Definitely recommend as a daytime date!

Came on a hot Saturday afternoon with my daughters to check out some Baltimore city jewels. It's a cute place, the building was built in like 1880 (I think), they ask for a $5 per person donation to enter, but I think if you had a dollar or nothing you can still go in. I've been to the botanical gardens in DC..... and this is about 1/8th the size.... they have a nice selection of flowers,fruit plants and trees. It was a short walk through and the cool thing is they have a cell phone guided tour. I love flowers and a lot of their plants were flowering. They also have a coi pond with some beautiful fish, you can pay $.25 and get a small cup of fish food to feed them.

Came here for my engagement shoot and it was beautiful! Not only was the garden beautiful and unique, the staff was very accommodating and kind enough to hold some of our belongings while we did the shoot. Each room has its own theme and so many unique and beautiful plants. There is a fee for photography shoots, so be sure to check with that before to check the website for details and fees. But if you're just going to see the garden, it's a suggested $5 donation. Definitely something to see! In a great area, and there was plenty of street parking when we went.

There's something magical about this place. This conservatory is truly a gem in Baltimore. There's usually some sort of event going on whether it's the orchids festival or the farmers' market right outside. The conservatory also host workshops, both for adults and kids throughout the year. There's no mandatory fee to enter, but donations are greatly welcomed and there are some air plants, succulents, and other plants for sale by the entrance inside. There are several different 'climates' for the different plants and it's really great touring around. This is a fantastic place to take family and friends that are visiting Baltimore, your cute date, and children! What's better than being surrounded by amazing plants, learning new things, and taking some rad photos?!

Let's start off with the bad. The only bad thing about this place is the rundown neighborhood that surrounds it. It's rather scary. It's free. The building is beautiful in itself. Inside are differently themed rooms of beautiful and interesting plants. I especially liked the selection of cacti and air plants. There is also a big "living wall" which is cool to see. There is even a small selection of plants for sale in its gift shop. Great to check out if you are near the zoo. Just lock your doors and secure your valuables.

I think the Rawlings Conservatory is a great community asset because it's accessible to anyone (free admission, donations encouraged) and has some beautiful plants and a fish pond. If I'd been brought here as a kid, I would have loved it! At the same time, I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 5 because it does not quite compare to the larger conservatories and botanic gardens in other cities. I visited in the winter, so I will reassess my rating once I'm able to enjoy the outdoor gardens in the spring, but for now, I would not be likely to take our out of town guests to this conservatory during a short visit.

I always go to the Rawlings Conservatory when I'm feeling stressed out or in a bad mood because it's so relaxing and rejuvenating, and with only a $5 suggested donation it's very accessible. I especially love the Mediterranean House which smells like a mix of citrus and herbs. It's a great escape from the city and learning experience. If you go there for peace and quiet like I do, I recommend visiting on a weekday morning just to be safe. I haven't been to any of the events they host there, but I plan to attend some of them in the future too.

A photographers dream come true. My buddy and I recently visited the Botanic gardens to enjoy a beautiful Saturday morning of fragrant flowers and to get a few shots for my blog. Well we stayed about 2 hours and had such a wonderful time enjoying this treasure that many people zoom past everyday. My friend who is a up and coming photographer, Dhark (which is a play on his name) told me he had never been here in his life. I told him shame on you! All Baltimoreans need to visit and enjoy this labor of love that is mostly run by volunteers at least once. The greenhouses are small in comparison to the D.C. Botanical garden, but hey then again over in the Capitol they do everything big. Once inside there is a cute cottage style vestibule and the aroma in here is heavenly. Please note it is free to enter, but a small $5 donation would be appreciated! There are 4 different areas I think I may be short a room but either way each room has it own climate. I find this place very serene and a perfect spot for a date. Fellas Its very unconventional but a lady would be impressed if you took her here for great conversation and a nice stroll. So there you have it I've gave you something to do on a beautiful Saturday and saved your love life at the same time all free of charge.

Nestled between Druid Lake and The Maryland Zoo is the Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens; a haven for those seeking serenity. We, my girlfriend and I, discovered this lil' piece of heaven last weekend while on a spontaneous trip to Baltimore. Our timing couldn't be better as it was the first day of the Spring Flower Display & Art Exhibit 2015. The staff and volunteers clearly take pride in tending to the vegetation and grounds; everything was well cared for and it showed. Each biome offered a different and contrasting experience - colorful orchids, arid cacti landscapes, lush palms or a babbling waterfall complete with koi pond. We had a delightful time meandering amongst blossoms, taking photos and savoring floral aromas. My parting advice is to,"stop and smell the roses," at the Rawlings Conservatory.

The Rawlings Conservatory is a little-known oasis on the edge of Druid Hill park, a place people normally drive past on their way to the Maryland Zoo. I'd bet that the number one comment made about the place is, "I wonder what that glass building is over there." Which is a shame. The conservatory is a haven of calm and quiet with its slightly more than four enclosed greenhouses. Plant collections include Mediterranean plants, Tropical specimins, and dramatic dessert plants, as well as a somewhat meager selection of palms and orchids. On the surrounding grounds sit rose gardens, perennial gardens, and herb plots. A unique point of interest is multi-faceted bronze-clad 1890's sundial, which offers faces for time zones around the world. The old palm house building and pavilions are interesting to photograph, as well. For a couple of bucks in voluntary donations, you can spend an hour or so enjoying the quiet, the hiss of the misters in the tropical greenhouse, and lush greenery that you might not ordinarily encounter.

Just came back from going today. Really pretty and perfect in winter, actually. It's nice and warm and it helps you forget that it's crazy cold outside. Lots of different flowers to see with friendly employees eager to answer questions. There are multiple rooms in what is essentially a giant greenhouse. In warmer seasons, there are gardens outside, as well. It was a little tricky to find, what with Google Maps and my GPS thinking it's Swann Drive and the website saying Swan Drive. Basically, pretend like you're going to the zoo and you'll see signs for it. Check out the pictures to see some of what we saw. A great place to go for a date. Free parking and essentially free entry ($2 donation please). I can't wait to go back in the spring!

When the man at the desk introduced it as the "best kept secret in Baltimore," it didn't come across as being disingenuous to any degree. The kind gentleman definitely felt that way and spoke so eloquently about the different exhibits there. And I would be inclined to agree with him. The last remaining conservatory in Baltimore, was filled with all sorts of different specimens across 3 different climates. Who knew that there was a unique breed of lemon that was cultivated in Hagerstown, MD? For a pleasant, stress-free experience that costs nothing but your time (an optional donation is encouraged), I can't recommend this place enough.

This place is pure bliss. I'm completely blown away by how beautiful it is -inside and out- every time I visit. The building itself is gorgeous. Love that it decked out several times a year with different themes. The rainbow theme this spring was epic! The orchids are always beyond words as well! Definitely recommend visiting at Christmas too! Admission is free although they do encourage donations. Parking is free too, and it is a great place to bike to right off the Jones Falls trail. A must visit for anyone who enjoys beautiful experiences.

Great place to spend a Saturday! My boyfriend probably just came to please me, but he ended up really enjoying himself. From the outside it doesn't seem that big, but once inside you can easily spend 1.5 - 2 hours. Upon entering, we were greeted by a friendly man who gave us a map and described the layout. There's a recommended donation of $5 per person. Up front there's also some books, plants, and other items for sale. The botanical gardens are split into 5 areas: the Mediterranean House, Tropical House, Desert House, Orchid Room, and the Palm House. When you enter the Mediterranean House you're immediately hit with a great, citrus smell. The Tropical House also has a goldfish pond, so be sure to bring quarters so you can purchase some fish food (or if you forget someone up front should be able to give you change). All in all, we had a great day!

So beautiful!!! The woman at the desk wasn't too nice, we didn't know we could do a free tour with cellphones till the man at the desk, when we were leaving, were telling others about it. There were koi fish, bring quarters so you can buy food and feed them!!! Also the picture attached is an orchid that smells like chocolate!!!

An Excellent Botanic Garden! We've been to many conservatories and botanic gardens in our travels, and while this may not be one of the largest, it certainly contains a great variety of flora from all over the world. We were very impressed at how well kept the entire place is, how friendly the staff is, and how willing they are to answer questions and chat with visitors. We would definitely go again.

I went for the Winter Solstice Celebration. You were greeted by Friends of Druid Hill Park that took your donations and gave you a quick run down of all the activities. Every thing from bonfires, roasting hotdogs and marshmallows for S'mores, doing a tour the conservatory and hay hides. A night tour of the conservatory has a romantic feel. With all the different types of poinsettias displayed round for purchase, gave more than enough color and fragrance for the eyes and nose. I normal don't do flowers but walking though and seeing different types and sizes has made me to change my thinking. They had props of It's a Wonderful Life from CenterStage on displayed though out the conservatory. It was beyond beautiful a real treat for the eyes. There was a station is for your winter solstice resolution. You write a single word (a quality or trait you would like be born within yourself) in red on a white piece of paper. Then you tear two holly leaves place on the word you wrote. Twist the paper closed and throw in the Solstice bonfire, As it burn, and if your heart is pure you will see your wish fulfilled. What is a bonfire without wine? I don't know as you had your choice of many to select from also including hot chocolate, hot cider, juice, soda, and for the men (women too) different types of beer. Best part it was included in with your donation. We tried our hand at roasting hotdogs on the stick. Not sure my culinary skills showed though since my hotdog was extra crispy. To the point I will leave that for the hubby to do. Many tried their lucky with the S'mores but the Marshmallow God had his fill with all the marshmallow that fell to their deaths at the bottom of the bonfire. There was plenty of snacks to choose from a veggie tray to fresh fruits that was included with your donation. I ended my night with the hayride. A little bumpy but you expect to have that experience. Seen some city deer (they don't run but stare you down) grazing. What I truly like that it was cold and everyone just got closer and tried to think of anything but how cold it was getting. That was my first Winter Solstice won't be my last. Friends of Druid Hill Park treat you like family and goes out there way to answer any questions you may have about the plants to other events they are hosting. I was told to come back for the Summer Solstice...I will be on the look out for that date. Conservatory is a real gem to share with anyone visiting or a weekend date.

My girlfriend and I visited from San Diego. We have a few botanical gardens at home, but nothing like this place. IT IS STUNNING!! Please donate if you go to help support this amazing building.