Ladew Topiary Gardens

In the gardenCelebrate spring in the country. Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton opens today at noon for the season. Recognized as one of finest gardens in the country, Ladew boasts a 22-acre topiary (of dramatically sculpted hedges and figures) and 15 thematic flower gardens, along with an antiques-filled English manor house dating to the late 1700s, a cafe, museum and gift shop. Today and for the rest of this week visitors to the popular Harford County landmark can attend a plant sale featuring hundreds of perennials and annuals.

`Children's Day' Stroll around the 22 acres of Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton Sunday and enjoy "Children's Day." Tour the flower and topiary gardens and manor house, and let the kids enjoy outdoor games, storytelling, sing-alongs, rock-painting and craft-making, face painting, snacks and more. Guided or self-guided tours of the gardens, which feature living shrub sculptures by Harvey Ladew, are offered, as well as guided house tours. "Children's Day" runs from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton.

The annual Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage, which begins Saturday, offers rare glimpses of historic homes and private gardens in six counties. Proceeds from the tours support local restoration projects. Here are some highlights of the pilgrimage, which is sponsored by the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland and its affiliates: April 23, Kent County: Chestertown, including the Custom House and the River House garden overlooking the Chester River. April 30, Calvert County: Maidstone, a 17th-century country home; Lower Marlboro.

Defender's DayGo back in time and meet one of American history's most notable couples, as Mr. and Mrs. Francis Scott Key come to life at the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House Saturday. Living-history actors Alan Gephardt and Sonia Socha portray the couple. Hear Mr. Key's recollections of the bombs bursting in air as he recounts tales of the bombardment of Baltimore in 1814. And listen in as Mrs. Key describes her hectic life -- married to the famous Georgetown lawyer and raising 11 children.

Spring into the season at Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton. Visit the 22-acre garden Saturday as it officially opens for the 2005 season, and see flowering bulbs, shrubs and trees, as well as hundreds of topiary forms. "Opening day features guided house tours, self-guided garden tours and self-guided Nature Walk tours," says Karen Babcock, Ladew's associate director. "Spring bulbs are starting to bloom, and the hundreds of topiary forms throughout the 22 acres always delight visitors of all ages.

Moms, it's your weekend. And if you're the kind who wants to spend it having fun with the family - instead of holed up solo with a glass of wine and a good book - there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to choose from around town. You can explore the outdoor beauty at Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton and take a free tour of art depicting the roles of women at the Walters. Help your kids make your Mother's Day gift (hey, at least that way you're sure to get one) at a local library. Take in a concert that explores the relationships between mothers and daughters.

AN EYE FOR ORCHIDS Karen Messick's nature photography covers the minutiae of insects to the outstretched sky. The area photographer's latest up-close subject is the orchid. The flower's variety of sharp colors, patterns and symmetry takes center stage Wednesday, when Valley Framing and Fine Art opens an exhibit of her work. The wine-and-cheese reception offers a chance to meet Messick, and the exhibit runs through May 21. ...................... The opening at Valley Framing and Fine Art, 2 Sherwood Road, Cockeysville, is 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Vlasta E. Schmidt, 89, restored historic homesVlasta E. Schmidt, a longtime Harford County volunteer who helped restore several historic houses, died in her sleep May 28 at the home of her daughter in Princeton, N.J. She was 89.Mrs. Schmidt lived since the early 1950s at "Sophia's Dowry," an historic Belcamp house that is known for its exquisite paneling and rare double staircase that dates to 1768.She was born Vlasta Dolezal in Czechoslovakia, where she was raised and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Prague.