First opened to the public in 1991, the Schedel Arboretum and Gardens is nestled in a serene setting on the Portage River, on the outskirts of Elmore, Ohio.
Joseph & Marie Schedel came to live in the stately Victorian home (c. 1887) that sits on a bluff overlooking the river and the property's two adjacent lakes in 1929. Their travels throughout the world led to a special love of the orient and far eastern cultures. Over time, they created one of the Midwest's most unusual and lovely garden estates. Following their deaths, the estate was opened to the public as an operation of the Schedel Foundation.
In addition to the wide selection of unusual trees and shrubs on the 17+ acres, visitors are treated to a variety of beautiful and meticulously manicured gardens that include iris, peony, rose, kitchen, and water gardens as well as beds planted with nearly 20,000 annuals each year, and an outstanding Japanese garden with Torii, pagodas, lanterns waterfall and reflecting pool. Other items of special interest include Dawn Redwoods (once known only to exist in fossil records, discovered in China some 6 decades ago and imported to the U.S.) and the Bristlecone Pine (possibly the oldest living species on earth). Also of interest is a bonsai collection housed in a special shelter display.
Other interesting trees are 25 varieties of Japanese maple, 16 species of pine, Ben Franklin tree; Golden chain tree; Cucumber magnolia; Japanese silver bell; Umbrella magnolia; Tricolor beech; Cutleaf beech, Bamboo; Japanese katsura; nearly 50 varieties of lilacs, Bald Cypress….the list could go on and on.
The gardens are located at 19255 W. Portage River South Road, Elmore, Ohio. They are open Tuesday thru Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 4 p.m. Admission for self-guided tours of the grounds is $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors and $6.00 for children. Guided tours of the gardens are available by appointment. The tours are offered for groups of up to 25 people for a minimum charge of $60 per group.
For more information go to: www.schedel-gardens.org or call 419-862-3182.
