Montgomery County, Maryland, is full of surprises – not just in its food and art scenes, but also in its green spaces. Beyond town centers and commuter routes lie beautifully designed gardens, quiet parks, and museums that don’t often get the attention they deserve. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a peaceful place to recharge, these lesser-known gardens across the county are picturesque enough to remember every Spring. Here are a few standout spots worth adding to your list.
Glenview Mansion
603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD 20851
Set within Rockville Civic Center Park, Glenview Mansion is a historic estate with beautifully maintained formal gardens. Walkways curve around rose beds, fountains, and shady groves, creating a timeless setting that feels both elegant and welcoming.
The gardens are open to the public when events aren’t taking place, making them an ideal spot for a quiet morning walk or an afternoon picnic surrounded by blooming buds.
Tony Smith, “Smug”, 1973/2005
© Estate of Tony Smith/ Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Glenstone Museum
12100 Glen Road, Potomac, MD 20854
Glenstone Museum in Potomac is widely celebrated for its modern art collection, but step outside and you’ll find over 300 acres of carefully maintained meadows, woodlands, and landscape design that’s just as awe-inspiring. Sculptures are integrated into the landscape, creating a meditative environment that changes with the season.
It’s free to visit with a reservation, if guests take the Ride On bus, then they can receive guaranteed entry that makes sure they get in that day to see the gardens.
McCrillis Gardens
6910 Greentree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
In a residential corner of Bethesda, McCrillis Gardens offers five peaceful acres of native trees, ornamental shrubs, and winding shade-filled paths. It’s a relaxing place to walk, especially in spring when azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias bloom across the landscape.
There’s no admission fee, no crowds – just a quiet, natural space to enjoy at your own pace.
Green Farm Conservation Park
8711 Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
For those who prefer nature in its wilder form, Green Farm Conservation Park in Gaithersburg offers open fields, forest edges, and gentle trails where wildflowers thrive and birdsong fills the air. It’s not a manicured garden, but it’s a wonderful place to appreciate native plants and spot butterflies, bees, and local wildlife in a natural setting.
Brighton Dam Azalea Garden
2 Brighton Dam Road, Brookeville, MD 20833
Located in Brookeville, the Brighton Dam Azalea Garden is a breathtaking five-acre garden boasting over 22,000 azalea bushes. Established in 1959 by WSSC Water, the garden comes alive with vibrant colors during peak bloom, typically in late April to early May. Visitors can meander along gravel and natural surface trails, enjoying views of the Triadelphia Reservoir and the diverse azalea varieties. The garden also features Kousa dogwood trees and Montgomery County’s champion fringe tree.
It’s open daily from March 15 through November 30, from 7:00 am until sunset. Pets are not permitted.
