Let it never be said that Washingtonians don’t appreciate a beautiful, formal garden when they see one. Case in point — the popularity of Georgetown’s Dumbarton Oaks or Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley.

This summer, Ladew Topiary Gardens, situated in northern Baltimore’s hunt country, is a trip that should be added to any garden lover’s “must visit” list. It was here among the rolling fields and horse farms that wealthy New Yorker Harvey S. Ladew (1887-1976) purchased an estate in the early part of the 20th century.