Ladew Gardens receives largest donation in its history

Nov. 28—Ladew Topiary Gardens' board of trustees has received a $1 million contribution, the largest single gift in its history, from longtime supporter and former board chair Anne W. Kinsley. This gift will help to ensure the future of the gardens as well as the historic Manor House.

"Endowment gifts are extraordinarily important to nonprofits like Ladew as they provide perpetual financial support," said Emily Emerick, executive director of Ladew. "At Ladew's current annual draw, this gift provides $45,000 in support of our operational budget. That number will grow over time as the investment grows."

Kinsley served on the Ladew board of directors for more than 15 years, including three as chair. Along with her husband, Bob Kinsley, she has supported Ladew for nearly two decades.

"Anne and Bob have been instrumental in making Ladew one of the top five gardens in North America — a destination for education, discovery and creativity," Emerick said. "We have been so lucky to have Anne as a board member and board chair. She understands philanthropy and values the role of nonprofits to the community. I am really honored that she chose to fund a named endowment at Ladew."

With the gift, Emerick becomes the first Anne and Robert Kinsley executive director for the garden. Emerick worked closely with Anne Kinsley during Anne's three year term as board chair.

Emerick has been executive director at Ladew for 20 years. During her time, she has focused on the maintenance and preservation of the organization, and to adapting facilities and programming to meet the needs of a growing community of members and visitors.

"It is an honor for me to be associated with the Kinsley name, which is synonymous with excellence, leadership and exceptional generosity," Emerick said. "We are fortunate that Anne has a place in her heart and in her philanthropic priorities for Ladew. As we continue to tell the story of Harvey Ladew and that time in history through the preservation of the gardens on the property, this gift is monumental in our efforts for years to come."

Ladew Topiary Gardens is a nonprofit organization whose mission is "to maintain and promote the gardens, house and facilities in keeping with the creative spirit of Harvey S. Ladew for the public benefit and for educational, scientific and cultural pursuits," according to a news release from the organization.

Ladew Topiary Gardens received the "Top Five North American Gardens Worth Traveling For" award from the Canadian Garden Tourism Council and was named "the Most Outstanding Topiary Garden in America" by the Garden Club of America, according to a news release. Ladew was also featured as one of "10 Incredible Topiary Gardens around the World" by Architectural Digest.

Ladew Topiary Gardens is located in Monkton, on the border of Baltimore and Harford counties. For more information about Ladew and its seasonal programming, visit LadewGardens.com.