The Dairy Farm project began in 2010, in cooperation with the County Department of Recreation and Parks. The County developed a Master Plan to maintain the authenticity of this 857 acre historic area in Gambrills and create a place where the public could come and enjoy its beauty. Susan Knisely and Elizabeth Matarese were joined by Sue Owens and later, Malcolm Doying, in establishing the project. They work closely with the County and with the Maryland Sunrise Organic Farm, which leases much of the property, to comply with their requirements.
The overall objective of Master Gardener activities at the Dairy Farm is to provide the public with information and examples of how native plants can be used successfully, especially in residential landscapes. Of the initial projects, the Holly Glen serves as a demonstration planting of specimen trees, holly, and other native plants in a woodland setting. The Village Garden development consists of demonstration gardens of various types (rain garden, herb garden, butterfly garden) planted with natives shrubs and flowering plants.
A competition resulted in an overall landscape design and plan for the area. To view the winning plan designed by Tony Smouse, MG, click HERE. The Pavilion is planted with native and non-native shrubs and native plants, such as Viburnums and Myrica, and serves as a meeting place for tours and gatherings.
Normal workdays for the project are the second Saturday and fourth Thursday of each month, March through November, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with other workdays scheduled as needed.
Visitors are welcome at the Farm for special events highlighting the farming lifestyle and history. The Farm management conducts educational tours, in which the Dairy Farm committee participates.
The Dairy Farm Project has been fortunate in obtaining financial support through grants from Unity Gardens and many hours of hard work from over 75 Master Gardeners.
The History of the Dairy Farm
The Dairy Farm Chronology
Dairy Farm Vegetable Garden Demonstration
The Master Gardener vegetable gardens at the AACO Extension Office demonstrate best practices in organic gardening.
Visit us at 97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD 21054.