Thank You For So Much Beauty

Sherwood Gardens, a six-acre park located in the Guilford neighborhood of Northern Baltimore, Maryland is a must see during springtime, but a treat all year round. The gardens host a variety of plant life, from azaleas to tall trees (some to climb) and evergreens, to a mixture of beautiful annuals and perennials.

However, the infamous tulips in spring are a sight to witness and a must-see. They are relaxing to the mind, soothing to the soul and heart warming. The tulips are grouped by color in multiple flowerbeds. There are extraordinary colors too behold, from vibrant reds and oranges to elegant yellows and stately whites (which are my favorite).

For those of us in the know, tulips have a long history. They were exclusive to Persia and Turkey. In ancient times, tulips were worn inside turbans in Turkey. There are many Turkish legends, which have promoted the tulip to be associated with true love.

The colors of tulips each have a significant meaning. Red symbolizes love, where as yellow tulips symbolize happiness. Purple tulips stand for royalty, where as white tulips signify peace or forgiveness. Most tulips have a center that is velvet in texture and almost black in color, and this is said to represent the heart of a lover that is fired with passion.

Each year I look forward to my spring walks to Sherwood Gardens. I live close by and walk through the gardens daily to check in on the tulips, waiting patiently for all of the petals to be open. Sunday, I took a late afternoon walk to the gardens and discovered the tulips 90% in bloom. In a few more days the gardens will be in full bloom … I can’t wait! Each year 80,000 tulips peak in late April. After the tulips finish blooming, residents can dig up and purchase the tulip bulbs.

Sadly, because there is a shortage of acorns this year, it appears the squirrels are going mad digging many holes in hopes of finding nuts, which have them wrecking havoc on the flower beds causing some tulips beds to be mildly damaged.

It’s immediately apparent to a local that there is something going on because tulip leaves are broken, bulbs are dug up and some tulips look pulled and thrown (those are some strong squirrels – LOL). Regardless of the invasion of the squirrels, the tulip beds still look absolutely remarkable, and you must go see them soon.

If you live close by, walk to the gardens. If you live further away, drive to the gardens but park several blocks away and walk through the beautiful neighborhood of Guilford. It’s an elegant city neighborhood filled with big beautiful homes and manicured lawns. I recommend you take a blanket, a little nosh and a book and lay among the tulips being lazy for a few hours. Allow your stress to melt away, because that’s just what will happen. Sometimes I call the tulips “the magical tulips at Sherwood Gardens” because they command our attention, putting a smile on our faces and temporarily making us forget our cares. Don’t wait too long because in the blink of an eye they’ll be gone.

Many years ago a gentleman walked by my city garden, which was a mixture of potted and hanging plants and left a simple note card outside my door that said, “Thank you for so much beauty.” I still have the card and it warms my heart to know I brought a little beauty to the life of someone I didn’t know.

That dear reader is what Sherwood Gardens does for me. Sherwood Gardens, thank you for so much beauty. - paerki

(Directions: Sherwood Gardens is located one block east of the 4100 block of St. Paul Street. Turn east onto East Highfield Road to reach the gardens. The gardens are bounded by East Highfield Road, Underwood Road, Stratford Road and Greenway.)