When I think of Baltimore television shows like Homicide: Life On The Street and Hot L Baltimore or the movies of John Waters mold my vision of that coastal city. All stellar works that stick in my mind but not a rounded representation of the place. Now I find myself living about an hour from there and occasionally I visit that area of Maryland.
With a long history and varied social landscape there is a lot to see and experience in Baltimore. I went a few weeks ago there to see some roller derby semi-finals near the inner harbor. The visit I just completed isn’t quite as colorful sounding but was more colorful in actuality. The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens has a very long name and a rather modest size. I’m not complaining since seeing the whole deal in one short trip is a lot better then my usual fractional intake of a big institution’s treasures after the same amount of time. So here’s a vote for modesty in scope and time suck.
The first thing you notice is the lovely 1888 Palm House in front. Like an overgrown doll house it has a small footprint that enhances the sense of verticality. Sprinkled about it is just the right amount of Victorian ornament to finish it off like a finely done pastry. Inside are varied plants with variations on tall, leafy, smooth, and spiny. I especially loved the orchid house which nicely displays the dazzling range of that largest family of flowering plants.
So, take a look at a few snaps I did. I hope you enjoy this rather random tour.
