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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Part 2, Visit to Schedel Gardens, the Japanese garden

If you didn't catch yesterday's post, please check it out before you go through this post. It is the first part of my daughter's and my visit to Shedel Arboretum and Gardens in Elmore, Ohio.

My favorite part of our visit to the gardens was the Japanese Garden. Here is a waterfall from the patio leading down to the pond in the Japanese Garden.


The garden from a distance.


And here is the waterfall from the lower level of the estate. Beautiful view, isn't it?



Looking toward the garden.


We went up a few steps to get there.


There were more waterfalls in the ponds there. I think this is so lovely.


Isn't it beautiful? I love being near water, so this was just about the most peaceful place for me. I would love to be here alone to relax and contemplate life.


We crossed this little bridge.


It was near this little stream that originated from the big waterfall.


More melodic, pretty waterfalls.




Yet another view of the pond. There used to be big fish in here. I think they were transplanted to the bigger pond as this one is shallow.




This was my favorite picture of the day that I took.


There is a crane statue on the left side of this pic. Plants grew around it and all you can see is his beak.


These cute pagodas were on the edge of the pond.




This is a Japanese torii. It's said that if someone passes through a torii, it brings good health, prosperity, and a long life.


So of course we passed through it! Twice actually. Never hurts to have extra good health, prosperity and an even longer life!




I spotted these hens and chickens on a big rock near the pond. Amazing that they could grow on that.


We wanted pics taken against the loveliness of the gardens.





This concrete water garden and statue were at the far end of the Japanese Garden.


From there, we could see a pretty little bridge in the distance.


How cute is this?


Here it is from another angle. We didn't cross it as we were running out of time because the gardens were about to close for the day. Besides, there were no steps up the hill from this spot.


However, a lantern at the edge of the Japanese Garden marked the way toward steps back toward the upper level of the estate.


We made our way up the steps which was bordered by these floral baskets.


We enjoyed our visit to Schedel Gardens so much! My daughter wants to come back again someday. I think we should make an annual trek there if nothing more than just to see what new sculptures and artwork they have each year! Plus, they change flower arrangements yearly. I also think it would be lovely to visit in the fall.

Well that wasn't the end of our trip though! We decided to visit the scenic village of Elmore where we visited an antique shop, had a bite to eat, then visited the local pond on the banks of the Portage River. Check back tomorrow late afternoon for more pics as our trip continues!

8 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a beautiful garden. Everything is just so pretty and I love all the waterfalls, ponds, sculpture and of course the plants are just stunning. It looks so serene and peaceful. Love it. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Marty

Blondie's Journal said...

What a very neat place to visit!! As you said, I would love to go alone and just sit and think...can you imagine the peace in that. I also agree with you that the first bridge was the best, but the last one lined with flower pots was fab too!

Beautiful pictures! Thanks for being our tour guide! I'd love to visit this arboretum someday!!

xoxo
Jane

bj said...

Now this is one neat place! So glad you and daughter got to go enjoy all this.
By the way...you are looking just fantastic. Congrats on the weight loss and I just know you are feeling better, too. GREAT!!
HUGS, bj

SmilingSally said...

Kady, it's all so perfect, isn't it? Not a weed, not a leaf out of place.

Justine said...

Ooh, the Japanese garden is definitely my favorite part of this place too! How gorgeous can it get? But... hens and chickens? That's what those plants are called? Are you SURE of that? LOL

Your favorite picture? WOW. kady, you HAVE TO enlarge that and frame it!

Justine :o )

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

This place is huge and filled with so much beauty! I'm so glad I got the opportunity to see it. laurie

Unknown said...

Jeannie:babblife@gmail.com. Thanks for the beautiful pics. I am making a small japanese garden on my own and these gave me great ideas.

Unknown said...

Thanks for these pics. I am making a japanese garden on a smaller scale but these pics helped alot.