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 Sherwood Gardens remains a wonderland of tulips in the Spring and a summer long festival of annual flowers. Thousands of visitors from around the world, come every year to enjoy the visual spectacle envisioned by The Olmsted Brothers and John Sherwood. 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.