Spend the day outdoors at Ladew Topiary Gardens strolling through beautiful gardens, statues, a nature walk, and a seasonal native Butterfly House.
Ladew Manor and gardens were “established in the 1930s by socialite and huntsman Harvey S. Ladew (1887–1976), who in 1929 had bought a 250-acre farm to build his estate.”
You can visit the beautifully preserved gardens to see topiary swans “swimming” around the great bowl, which was originally Mr. Ladew’s swimming pool. At the sculpture garden, you’ll find topiaries such as lyrebirds, Churchill’s top hat, victory sign, a heart with an arrow through it, a butterfly alighting on a flower, and sea horses.
You can also stroll along the Nature Walk, a self-guided 1.5 mile trail through the woods and fields of the Ladew property. In addition to educational stations along the trail, there is a short boardwalk through wetland forest and marsh.
Maps are available on the Ladew website, and kids can download a scavenger hunt for the trip.
Ladew Topiary Gardens is open Monday through Friday (closed Wednesdays), 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $20; children 2–12: $5
For a daily dose of summer fun, explore our 100 Days of Summer page or search our daily calendar of events.