May Day in Annapolis, Maryland

A May basket with photos and tulips for May Day in Annapolis

May Day is one of the most beautiful days in Annapolis and is one of the most spectacular celebrations of Spring anywhere in the area. On May 1 and throughout the week that follows, the doors of homes and businesses in our centuries old city are adorned with baskets full of fresh cut flowers and colorful ribbons.  This year, the flowers should be particularly beautiful for an extended period because the temperatures remain cool.  If you haven’t yet treated yourself to a stroll along the streets of Annapolis’s Historic District on this day of days, this is the year to indulge.

What began as a Garden Club of Old Annapolis Towne beautification project in 1956 has grown into a 57 year old tradition in which residents and business owners compete for winning ribbons and an invitation to the Garden Club’s Annual Tea on May 3.

Colorful doors become even more spectacular with flowers and ribbons on May Day in Annapolis

If you start your day bright and early, you’ll catch the flowers at their best. To be considered in the judging, all baskets must be hung by 10:00 a.m. That’s when the 25-strong Garden Club membership takes to the streets of the Historic District and Murray Hill to begin the annual judging. With a 57 year track record, they have it down to a system. After enjoying a judges’ coffee at a member’s home (this year it’s on Market Street), Club members divide into eight groups and begin their work, often with guest judges in tow. They’ll be carrying baskets of flowers decorated with streamers as they walk around awarding blue, pink, yellow, and – new this year – purple ribbons.

Gibson’s Lodging adorns an old washing machine for May Day in Annapolis

Blue ribbons are pinned to winning baskets arranged by adults. Pink ribbons and Tootsie Roll Pops go to outstanding children’s arrangements, and yellow ribbons adorn winning baskets in the “special buildings” category. Some of Annapolis’s most well-known architectural gems vie for the yellow – including the William Paca House and Garden, St. Anne’s Church, St. Mary’s Church, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the Admissions’ Office at St. John’s College. You’ll also see a few purple ribbons this year – reserved for florist shops. All of the lucky winners will be invited to an old time tea at the home of a Garden Club member. The special occasion makes all of the hours that go into creating a stunning floral display well worth it.

Winners who attend the 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. tea will feast on traditional tea sandwiches, cookies, and petit fours, some made from the same recipes of 57 years ago. The setting will be as elegant as the tea party itself – with a festive May Pole in the backyard and no less than a dozen Garden Club-created floral arrangements on display throughout the house.

Don’t miss this once a year rain or shine opportunity to see Annapolis in all of its spring glory. Inspired by this annual tradition, West Annapolis businesses will be participating in a May Day contest of their own this year. Regardless of whether they capture a ribbon, all of the baskets are winners, and if you take the time to walk our streets and take in the beauty of our May Day flowers, you’ll be the lucky grand prize winner!