Imagine a place where nature and whimsy collide, where every turn reveals a new enchantment. Welcome to Inniswood Metro Gardens, Ohio’s hidden horticultural wonderland.
Nestled in the heart of Westerville, just a stone’s throw from Columbus, Inniswood Metro Gardens is a 123-acre oasis that feels like it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Another garden? I’ve seen one, I’ve seen them all, right?”
Wrong. So very, very wrong.
This isn’t your grandma’s backyard rose bush collection (though if your grandma has a 123-acre backyard, I’d like to meet her).
Inniswood is a horticultural playground that will make even the most jaded city slicker stop and smell the roses… and the daffodils, and the magnolias, and probably a few flowers you didn’t even know existed.
As you step through the entrance, you’re immediately transported into a world where Mother Nature decided to show off.
It’s like she said, “Hold my watering can,” and went to town.
The first thing that hits you is the sheer variety of landscapes.
You’ve got your formal gardens, sure, but then you turn a corner and bam! You’re in a woodland wonderland.
It’s like playing botanical bingo, but instead of numbers, you’re crossing off “secret garden nook” and “butterfly-attracting wildflower meadow.”
One of the crown jewels of Inniswood is the Sisters’ Garden.
Now, before you start imagining a bunch of nuns tending to petunias, let me explain.
This garden was created in honor of the sisters who originally owned the property, Grace and Mary Innis.
These ladies were the original plant ladies, way before it was cool to have more succulents than friends.
The Sisters’ Garden is a whimsical wonderland that would make Alice herself do a double-take.
It’s got everything a kid (or a kid at heart) could want: a treehouse, a mock archaeological dig, and even a labyrinth.
Because nothing says “fun day out” like the possibility of getting lost in a maze, right?
But the real showstopper is the Story Maze.
Picture this: you’re wandering through a hedge maze, but instead of just trying to find your way out, you’re following a story.
It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with more fresh air and significantly less chance of paper cuts.
As you navigate the twists and turns, you’ll encounter various stations that tell the tale of “The Sprite and the Gardener.”
It’s a charming story about friendship and the magic of nature, which, let’s be honest, is exactly what you need after realizing you’ve been walking in circles for the past 20 minutes.
But don’t worry, even if you get lost, you’re still in a beautiful garden.
There are worse places to be stranded, like, say, the DMV or your in-laws’ annual holiday party.
Moving on from the Sisters’ Garden (assuming you’ve managed to find your way out), you’ll find yourself in a horticultural smorgasbord.
The Rose Garden is a feast for the senses, with over 200 varieties of roses.
It’s like a rainbow decided to take root and grow petals.
And the fragrance? Let’s just say if they could bottle this scent, every perfume counter in the world would be out of business.
For those who prefer their plants a little more… shall we say, dramatic, there’s the Fern Garden.
It’s a cool, shady retreat that feels like you’ve stepped into a prehistoric world.
Half expect to see a velociraptor peeking out from behind a fiddlehead.
Don’t worry, though. The only thing that might attack you here is an overzealous butterfly.
Speaking of butterflies, the Butterfly Garden is a must-see.
It’s a riot of color and movement, with flowers specifically chosen to attract these winged wonders.
Watching the butterflies flit from bloom to bloom is like witnessing a perfectly choreographed aerial ballet.
Except instead of tutus, the dancers are wearing wings, and instead of a stage, they’re performing on petals.
It’s nature’s version of Cirque du Soleil, minus the ticket price and with 100% more actual flying.
As you wander through the gardens, you’ll come across numerous water features.
There’s something inherently soothing about the sound of running water, isn’t there?
Unless, of course, that sound is coming from your basement. Then it’s significantly less soothing and more panic-inducing.
But here at Inniswood, the babbling brooks and tranquil ponds are all part of the charm.
The Stream Garden, in particular, is a sight to behold.
It’s a series of small waterfalls cascading over rocks, creating a soothing symphony of splashes and gurgles.
It’s the kind of place where you can sit for hours, contemplating life’s big questions.
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Like, “How do they keep the water so clean?” and “If I sit here long enough, will I eventually turn into a water nymph?”
For those who prefer their nature a little less manicured, Inniswood has you covered too.
A significant portion of the park is dedicated to natural woodlands and meadows.
These areas are left largely untouched, allowing native plants and wildlife to thrive.
It’s like a little slice of wilderness right in the heart of suburbia.
You can almost pretend you’re an intrepid explorer, hacking your way through uncharted territory.
Just, you know, with clearly marked trails and the occasional bench.
And no actual hacking required. Please don’t hack anything. The park rangers frown upon that sort of behavior.
One of the coolest things about Inniswood is how it changes with the seasons.
In spring, it’s a explosion of color as bulbs burst into bloom.
Summer brings lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
Fall paints the landscape in warm hues of red, orange, and gold.
And winter? Well, winter transforms the gardens into a serene, frosty wonderland.
It’s like Mother Nature’s mood ring, constantly shifting and always beautiful.
No matter when you visit, there’s always something new to see.
Unless you visit at night. Then it’s mostly dark. Because, you know, night.
But even then, on certain evenings, the gardens host special events like moonlight walks or stargazing parties.
Because apparently, plants are party animals. Who knew?
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking.
“This all sounds great, but I kill every plant I touch. My thumb is less green and more… black hole of plant death.”
Fear not, my horticulturally challenged friends!
Inniswood isn’t just about looking at pretty flowers (though there’s plenty of that).
It’s also an educational resource.
The park offers a variety of programs and workshops throughout the year, covering everything from basic gardening skills to advanced botanical topics.
You can learn about native plants, sustainable gardening practices, and even how to attract pollinators to your yard.
Who knows? You might leave with a newfound passion for gardening.
Or at the very least, the knowledge to keep that sad little succulent on your desk alive for more than a week.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Inniswood is its commitment to conservation.
The park is home to several endangered plant species, carefully tended and protected.
It’s like a botanical Noah’s Ark, preserving genetic diversity for future generations.
So while you’re oohing and aahing over the pretty flowers, you can also feel good about supporting important conservation work.
It’s eco-tourism at its finest, minus the long flights and questionable street food.
For those who prefer their nature with a side of art, Inniswood has you covered.
Throughout the gardens, you’ll find various sculptures and art installations.
These pieces are thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, enhancing rather than competing with the natural beauty around them.
It’s like a game of “I Spy” for grown-ups.
“I spy with my little eye… a bronze statue of a frog playing a banjo.”
Okay, I made that last one up. But wouldn’t it be cool if it existed?
Note to Inniswood: if you’re reading this, please consider adding a banjo-playing frog statue.
I promise it’ll be a hit.
One of the most charming features of Inniswood is the herb garden.
It’s a sensory delight, filled with fragrant plants that you can touch and smell.
Just, you know, don’t taste them. This isn’t a buffet, folks.
But it is a great place to learn about the culinary and medicinal uses of various herbs.
Who knows? You might discover a new favorite for your cooking repertoire.
Or at least learn which plants to avoid if you don’t want to end up with an upset stomach.
Looking at you, poison ivy. You’re not fooling anyone with that “leaves of three” business.
As you explore Inniswood, you’ll notice that many of the plants are labeled.
It’s like a living, breathing field guide.
You can impress your friends with your newfound botanical knowledge.
“Oh, that? That’s a Quercus alba, commonly known as the white oak. Did you know it can live for up to 600 years?”
They’ll either think you’re incredibly smart or incredibly boring.
Either way, you’ve learned something new, so who’s the real winner here?
(It’s you. You’re the winner.)
For those who like their nature with a side of history, Inniswood doesn’t disappoint.
The original Innis House still stands on the property, a charming reminder of the park’s roots.
It’s like stepping back in time, if time had really well-maintained gardens and significantly fewer plagues.
The house itself isn’t open to the public, but you can admire it from the outside.
Just resist the urge to peek in the windows. That’s called trespassing, and it’s frowned upon in most social circles.
As your day at Inniswood comes to a close, you might find yourself reluctant to leave.
Don’t worry, that’s a common side effect of spending time in this magical place.
You might even experience symptoms such as a sudden urge to start a garden, an inexplicable desire to hug a tree, or the compulsion to speak to plants.
These are all normal reactions to prolonged exposure to extreme beauty and tranquility.
The good news is, Inniswood is always there, waiting for your return.
It’s like a green, growing, ever-changing time capsule, preserving a slice of natural wonder in the midst of our busy, modern world.
So the next time someone tells you that Ohio is all cornfields and football, you can smile knowingly.
Because you know about the secret garden where nature and whimsy dance together in perfect harmony.
Where every path leads to a new discovery, and every visit is a fresh adventure.
Where the magic of the natural world is on full display, inviting you to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with the simple joy of being alive.
Inniswood Metro Gardens isn’t just a park or a garden.
It’s a reminder of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us, if only we take the time to notice.
So go ahead, plan your visit.
Lose yourself in the maze, smell the roses, count the butterflies.
Who knows? You might just find a little bit of magic along the way.
For more information about Inniswood Metro Gardens, including upcoming events and educational programs, visit their website or Facebook page.
And don’t forget to use this map to plan your enchanting journey through Ohio’s secret storybook garden.
Where: 940 S Hempstead Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
After all, life’s too short for ordinary gardens. Go find the extraordinary.