The Governor’s Mansion

Location: Annapolis, Maryland

Projects: Mansion Gardens and Fountain

Description: The gardens surrounding the Governor’s Mansion were entirely redesigned to introduce visual accessibility to the public open space. Although not always open to the public due to security concerns, the outward orientation brings the democratic ideal back to the grounds of the historic mansion. The fountain was designed as a focal point for the largest garden, located near the entrance to the city. The historic context of the mansion and the City of Annapolis is reflected in both the planting and hardscape design.

The gardens on three sides of the mansion represent the three main geographic regions of Maryland. The fountain was designed to incorporate motifs unique to the state. Components of the landscape design include intricate detailing of special site features such as brick walkways, a bluestone terrace, the brick fountain base with Victorian bronze fountain, a brick sundial, and plantings of perennial, annual, and rose gardens. Perimeter plantings of perennials, trees, and low shrubs give year-round color so that views are opened to passersby.