TRAVEL
Garden Getaways Make a day trip of green spaces in Ohio and nearby states By Megan Roth Photos courtesy of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Holden Forests & Gardens, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Waterfront Botanical Gardens and Paul G. Wiegman
The Park of Roses is one of the largest public gardens in the U.S., with more than 12,000 rose specimens across hundreds of varieties. A 13-acre garden, the park features five horticultural themes as well as more than a mile of paved walkways. The park’s observation tower is a popular location for photos.
AS THE SNOW starts to melt and white turns to green, there’s no better time to take in the beauty of springtime blooms. Whether you’re looking to get away but stay outdoors or you just want some of nature’s beauty, we’ve got you covered with conservatories and botanical gardens, both in and out of Ohio.
Near Home While Columbus is home to the renowned Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – which features more than 125,000 tulips, narcissuses 32
cityscenecolumbus.com | March/April 2022
and other seasonal blooms – the capital city is also home to less renowned (but no less enjoyable!) gems including Inniswood Metro Gardens and the Columbus Park of Roses. Across 123 acres, Inniswood features more than 2,000 different species of plants throughout its streams and woodlands. While it doesn’t contain a botanical garden, the paved paths and trails have beautifully gardened displays. Visitors can also walk, bike or hike along the garden’s trails and observe wildflowers and wildlife in more natural settings.
Statewide The Cleveland Botanical Garden features more than 10 acres of outdoor gardens. Among its themed sections, highlights include a Madagascar glasshouse with “upside down” baobab trees, Japanese garden and tranquil restorative garden. The historic Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, located in Akron, makes for another easy trip up north. Though the estate’s 65-room Tudor revival manor house has plenty to see inside, you’ll also want to wander the 70 acres of landscaped grounds and formal gardens. In Cincinnati, the Krohn Conservatory has a range of different plant houses, including fern, palm, desert and orchid houses. At Glenwood Garden, guests can explore an outdoor oasis with 335 acres of gardens, forest and wetlands. Glenwood features the Highfield Discovery Garden, where gardens center around wizards, trolleys and more. Above left: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Opposite top: Cleveland Botanical Garden Opposite bottom: The Broderie Room at the Phipps Conservatory
