The Stu Kerr Memorial Children's Garden. Completed in 1999, this garden is accented by a large red "schoolhouse" known as Professor Kool's School. Designed to honor Stu Kerr, a local weatherman who played Professor Kool, the garden reflects a variety of ways for children to learn and enjoy gardening.

The garden was designed with three main objectives; it must be low mainteneace, it must attract wildlife, and it must attract children. There are ornamental grasses, large trees, and butterfly bushes that require little care while providing cover for birds and small animals. The garden attracts children with small topiary animals and a large (and loud) schoolbell. a "weather station" next to the schoolhouse allows visitors to observe rainfall and measure temperature. A windmill next to the building and a weather vanes on top of the school enables children to observe the effect of wind. The other plants in the garden offer other assets to the visitors. Near the schoolhouse there are groups of annuals, perennials and tropical plants that have "animal names" such as Cardinal flower , Hens and Chicks, Bee Balm, Snake Plant and Elephant Ears. The annual bed at the end is different each year and is planted by one or more school groups that visit the Arboretum. School children also assist with the maintenance of the garden by pulling weeds, planting perennails, watering and mulching. The Children's Garden has been extremely important in developing a relationship with local schools and facilitating the Horticultural Therapy programs at Patterson Academy, Kennedy Krieger Institure, and Saint Elixabeths's School.

Guided Tours Contact: Glenda Weber 410-396-7839