Monkton, Maryland Drive time from DC: 1 hour and 30 minutes.  If you’re in search of a straightforward Hunt Country experience with hounds and horses, I recommend a trip to Middleburg, Virginia. But for a more imaginative, botanical take on the equestrian vibe, drive an hour and a half away from DC to Ladew Topiary Gardens. Creator Harvey Ladew was a lover of topiaries and fox hunting, and his estate combines the two pursuits in whimsical fashion. Find more than 100 sculpted shrubs and trees, from a fox, horse, and hound scene rendered in leafy figures to spiraling Seussian plants. Beyond the bushes, you can learn about Ladew’s home, with its English-country aesthetic and horsey art collection, during 30-minute guided tours ($7 a person, in addition to the cost of entry). The Butterfly House opens for the season on July 6. Native butterflies flit around the space—a little inspiration for the caterpillars chowing on the plant life below. Online tickets are $20 for adults, $14 for ages 13 to 18, $5 for ages two to 12, and free for children under two. The property has a cafe, but visitors are also welcome to picnic on the lawn or garden benches, as long as they’re away from the Hunt Scene and the Great Bowl topiaries. In addition to the cafe menu, the eatery also puts together baskets stocked with chicken salad sandwiches, cold sides, cookies, and lemonade. If you prefer to bring your own spread, there are a few country markets to get provisions on the way, depending where you’re coming from. The market at Richardson Farms in White Marsh has savory hand pies, Southern sides, and a deal that includes half a sandwich and salad plus a cold lemonade, iced tea, or Arnold Palmer. Alternatively, if you’re journeying on a Saturday, stop by the Dutch Country Market in Laurel to stock up on cheese, homemade bread, pickled items, and picnic salads from various Lancaster County vendors. Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out our Perfect Saturdays series. Related Kayak Through Spooky Shipwrecks on This Day Trip an Easy Drive From DC The post Wander a Whimsical Topiary Garden on This Day Trip an Easy Drive From DC first appeared on Washingtonian. ...read more read less