Dean’s Garden Center - 1/4 acre of pure yard art in concrete
Just above the Conowingo Dam in Rising Sun, MD is Dean’s Cement Yard Decore (sic). Dean’s offerings are visible from Conowingo Road (Route 1) to all who pass by. The three foot tall rabbit and the life-sized bear have a way of getting curious travelers to turn into the display yard. I had stopped on 2 previous trips, but had to take pictures over the fence. This time when I stopped by, the gate was open and after I pulled in and parked, I had the good fortune to meet Dean Ashley, a friendly almost-retiree, who sold the garden center part of his business recently to one of his a 20-year employees.
Surveying the Yard
We got to talking about cement yard decor as I searched in vain for a right-sized frog to adorn my kitchen garden amidst the trolls, mermaids, roosters, bird baths, Easter Island heads, lions, cherubs, and cowboy boot planters. I mentioned that his place reminded me of another cast concrete yard decor place in Bethune, SC. “Oh, you mean Bethune Pottery!” says Dean. “I get a tractor trailer of their stuff every year to sell here.” Small world.
Shutting it Down After Decades on Route 1
Dean sadly let me know that the owners of Bethune Pottery had decided to retire without a succession plan and that they were shutting down their operation after 40+ years. They couldn’t find anyone interested in learning the trade to keep their operation going.
Help take Dean Viral!
Without the responsibilities of the garden center to contend with, Dean is happily easing his way toward full retirement, after being the steward of his business for about the same number of years. When I hinted that I could send him viral, launching him on a new career as an internet garden decor influencer, he cheerfully agreed to pose for a photo next to his gnomes.
Connecting with Route 1 People
That’s what I love about traveling Route 1 – you can meet all kinds of engaging people who are happy to share their experiences. So for DEAN’S SAKE, please like and share this view with your gnome-loving friends. And get yourself to Rising Sun Maryland to drive over the Conowingo Dam and stop in on Dean before his inventory disappears!
Avabella’s Nursery
(Formerly Dean’s Garden Center)
327 Conowingo Road
Conowingo, MD
443-553-0330
Peter Evans Mar 18, 2026 Gardens People Places to Visit
Mar 18, 2026
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