Everything but the weather screamed “spring.”
But despite a chilly breeze and drizzle ? forcing vendors manning 100 booths to wrap in blankets and rain ponchos ? a line snaked past a hot-dog vendor, and folks streamed past booths of flower baskets and potted petunias. Children sipped strawberry daiquiris with miniature umbrellas.
The 21st annual Towson Gardens Day kicked off spring in the county seat, where County Executive Jim Smith declared it the 26th Arbor Day and distributed awards to residents and businesses for continuing the county?s “green renaissance.” Citations recognized local nurseries for offering $10 discount coupons to promote tree-planting in cooperation with the county?s Growing Home Campaign.
“Each and every one of us can make a difference in keeping the environment healthy and vibrant right here in Baltimore County,” Smith said.
The annual event featured self-guided tours of the gardens surrounding the county courthouse and a once-a-year opportunity to tour Towson?s “secret garden,” a little-known private oasis opened to the public on Gardens Day.
Curious residents said they were surprised the garden, situated behind an office building on Baltimore Avenue, existed.
“This is beautiful,” Ingrid Fincham said. “I always wondered what was behind the wall. I would have no idea.”
