The fascination With Maryland Train Gardens

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Rick

Rick, I saw it fine.

Definitely a term ("train garden") unique to Maryland and - more specifically - Baltimore and environs.

Here's one of many:

http://www.arbutusvfd.org/train_garden.htm

I've never heard the term "Train Garden" here in Washington DC/Suburbs/Montgomery County area. I assume it is a Baltimore term...?

Regardless, there are some great displays to be head at the US Botanic Gardens, Nat. Christmas Tree, Brookside Gardens (Wheaton, MD including a new display of the Georgetown to Glen Echo Trolley complete with exact replica of GE Amusement Park, Neon Sign, Stone tower, Carousel, etc), and more. See the link below for info on Walkersville Southern's Santa Train and National Capital Tracker displays. 

Several years ago, there was a thread here about the origins of Christmas train gardens or displays in general. Several suggested that they are a development from the "Christmas putz" or holiday displays popularized in the early 20th century.

A couple of links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_village

http://www.nazarethmoravian.org/christmasputz.php

http://www.cardboardchristmas....red_putz_houses.html