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!

Trip to Schedel Arboretum and Gardens

On Saturday, my daughter and I took a wonderful trip to Schedel Arboretum and Gardens followed by a trip to Elmore, Ohio. The gardens are located just off the Ohio Turnpike (route 80/90) on Exit 81 at the edge of Elmore, Ohio. It is about 20 miles east of Toledo, so was not a long trip after I got to my daughter's home.

Please join us on a trip to this amazing place! It is surprising not well known in this area, but is most definitely worth a special trip. I took so many pics that I will have to split this up into a couple postings.



A new visitor center was opened just 11 months ago.


Here is a preview of what's to come from a window in their banquet area.


The flowers begin even before you enter the 17 acre estate.




This year, there is a feature of bronze statues. These are for sale and are amazing. Be prepared to spend thousands of dollars though! My daughter loves dolphins, so loved this statue, but at 8 grand, it wasn't coming home with her.


Schedel Arboretum opened 50 years ago. It was at one time a private estate. The main house still stands and is not open to the public. It served as a museum at one time.




On our way to the first of many gardens on the estate, we passed these beautiful flowers.














We also passed these beautiful statues. These are permanent fixtures on the grounds.


I loved her serene face.


Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of birds and animals.


We came to a lovely lily pond. I have always dreamed of having a water garden.






Across from the lily pond is a rose garden.


These were my favorite roses, but there were more gorgeous blooms there as well.










The estate contains a vegetable garden too, though some of it is off limits to visitors.


Don't you just love this rooster?


Adjacent to the vegetable garden was a garden where the bronze statues were located. Aren't they wonderful?


I think this one was my favorite. There were many more than the ones I have pictured here.








Here I am in the midst of all the art and nature. I'm loving it all.


This area was right next to the statues.




Here is another pretty bloom, my daughter Tara.


There was a stone bench on the grounds. It had the coolest ends.


We then proceeded to the bonsai garden area. My daughter was very intrigued with these little trees. The oldest of these is 60 years old.


This first arrangement was my favorite. It looks like a miniature forest.




Tara spotted the bird nest. Too bad its inhabitants were no longer there!


We passed a small patio before heading down the hill to the lower level of the estates. We found this bird statue.


Here is a view toward the path that led down the hill.


At the bottom, we came to this area where there were redwood trees.


Nearby at the edge of the estate's pond, I saw this tree. It looked almost sculptural to me.


I am always intrigued by holes in trees because I wonder what lives inside there.


This duck was right behind the tree. I got as close as I dared so that I could snap his picture.


We walked across this lovely area...


...passing a wishing well on our way.


We also came across this urn with beautiful flowers. I would love one of these in my yard!


Finally, we reached the estate's guest house. It is still serviceable today, and does occasionally house guests. It's at the edge of the big pond.


Wouldn't you love to sit out on this porch and look at all the pretty scenery? I sure would!


This area was to the side of the house. It reminded me of the time when I was little and spent summers at my grandparents' cottage at the lake. The neighbor had pine trees in their yard planted close together, and we used the area underneath as our "playhouse" with its pine needle carpets.


There was a fountain in the pond. Although you can't see them, some huge fish live there! I swear, they are at least 2 1/2 feet long!


Here is a view of the other side.


This sculpture was at the pond's edge. It was titled "Herding."


There was still so much more to see! I'm saving that for tomorrow, and believe me, I am saving the best for last as our next visit was to the Japanese Garden! Here is a preview.


Please do come back tomorrow for the next post on our visit to Schedel Arboretum and Gardens!