About Sherwood Gardens

Sherwood Gardens is a privately owned community park, originally called Stratford Green. The Park is Olmsted designed and in the center of a residential community called Guilford located in Northern Baltimore City. Guilford, another Olmsted designed gem, dates back to 1913 and is a Registered Historic District significant for its planning, its architecture, and Sherwood Gardens.

Sherwood Gardens, famous for its annual tulip display, was created in the 1920’s by John W. Sherwood whose home bordered the Park. Mr. Sherwood indulged his passion for tulips by importing tens of thousands each year for planting tulip beds on his property surrounding the Park. Mr. Sherwood adhered to Olmsted Design Principles by creating a pastoral space with native plants, rare trees and flowering shrubs that were a fitting backdrop for his beloved tulips.

Today more than 50,000 tulip bulbs are planted annually along with other spring flowering bulbs. Dogwoods, flowering cherries, and magnolias bloom throughout the gardens. One will also enjoy the brightly colored azaleas which were particular favorites of Mr. Sherwood. Alas, many of the original plantings, such as English boxwood and wisteria have died. These bygone plantings are replaced with varieties that recall the Olmsted and Sherwood traditions while being suited to today’s climate. Our recent plantings include oak leaf hydrangea, prague viburnum, black lace elderberry, catalpa trees, river birch and various varieties of oak, crabapple and beech trees.

Sherwood Gardens has always been at its best toward the end of April and beginning of May – the tulip bloom. Adding to the beauty and uniqueness of the present day gardens are the numerous varieties of trees which comprised another aspect of Mr. Sherwood’s particular interests. During the mid-summer months the beds of the gardens are planted with masses of annuals and perennials thanks to the ever changing summer flower planting and educational projects of Stratford Green.

More than six acres in size, Sherwood Gardens has no gates, fences or other barriers. Although a private park, the public is invited to stroll at leisure throughout the grounds. There is no admission charge and a reservation is not required except for large gatherings and organized events. It is worth noting that the ongoing displays are 100% privately funded. Stratford Green, Inc., the non-profit owner of Sherwood Gardens, depends entirely on contributions to fulfill its mission of providing a natural place for recreation for the community and related education.