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    Explore The Asian Influence of Schnormeier Gardens in June

    Nestled in the rolling hills of central Ohio, Schnormeier Gardens offers a landscape perfect for strolling on a beautiful summer day. An easy hour drive from Columbus, Schnormeier Gardens are privately owned by Ted and Ann Schnormeier and are open for public viewing most weekends in June. Tickets for the June 2023 open house season are now available, the reservation is $50 per vehicle with unlimited occupants.

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    The couple began transforming 75 acres of landscape in 1996, built around a private residence inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. The gardens have grown to include nine distinct areas, however, there are no walking paths and guests are allowed to explore the property however they wish.

    With an Asian influence, the gardens invoke a feeling of peace and tranquility. There are plenty of areas for rest and reflection. The sounds of the many waterfalls spread throughout bring a relaxing and meditative quality to your visit.

    Entrance to Schnormeier Gardens.
    Entrance to Schnormeier Gardens.

    Throughout the grounds are over fifty pieces of art, considered the ‘jewelry’ of the gardens. The sculptures range from whimsical, fantastical, thoughtful, and more.

    Visitors are greeted at the welcome center by volunteers and are provided with a map. There are restrooms located on the property. Parking is easy and accessible. Entrance is free, with donations accepted. While you can easily spend an entire afternoon here, guests are asked to not picnic on the grounds.

    lotus flowers
    Lotus flowers add color to the main lake.
    lotus flowers
    Colorful lotus flowers.
    red chinese bridge
    The Chinese Bridge leads to Swan Island.
    island in lakes
    Swan Island.
    waterfalls
    Another waterfall on the property.
    Japanese Teahouse
    A Japanese teahouse overlooks the main lake.
    rhododendrons
    Rhododendrons surround the Japanese teahouse.
    art in gardens
    A whimsical sculpture in a clearing.
    stone sculpture
    Sculpture near the lake.
    lakes in gardens
    A view overlooking the main lake.
    An asian inspired garden
    A view of the Chinese Cup Gardens, carved out of the hillside.
    asian sculptures
    Terracotta Warriors, a reproduction of the original Terracotta warriors that guarded the tomb of the Emperor in Xian, China.
    Schnormeier Gardens Main Residence
    The main residence that is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.
    art in the garden
    Eternal Woman, bronze by David Hostetler, located in the Japanese Garden, the first garden the Schnormeiers completed, in 1994.
    gardening with hostas
    The hosta garden is heavily shaded and peaceful.
    Ohio waterfalls
    There are many places to rest in view of waterfalls at Schnormeier Gardens.
    sunlight
    A Japanese Maple awash in sunlight.
    waterfalls in ohio
    Cascading waterfalls bring peaceful sounds to the gardens.
    leaping frog sculpture
    A leaping frog over a water feature.
    A fairytale prince awaiting a kiss.
    Or is it a fairytale prince awaiting a kiss?
    Chinese Pavilion nestled in Schnormeier Gardens
    A view overlooking the Chinese pavilion.
    ferns in Schnormeier Gardens
    Ferns on display.
    rocks naming the different areas of Schnormeier Gardens
    The nine gardens are noted with carved stone.
    quarry rocks in Schnormeier Gardens
    A scene from the Quarry Garden, the most recent garden, created in 2008.
    Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home at Schnormeier Gardens
    A view of the main residence across the main lake.

    “It has been said that a garden can have a soul, but only if it is shared with others,” notes the Schnormeiers in their map. “We are delighted to share ours with you.”

    Schnormeier Gardens is located at 8701 Laymon Road, Gambier, Ohio 43022. For more information, visit schnormeiergardens.org.

    Complete your day trip from Columbus with a lunch in Johnstown at Dashing Diner Uptown and try some of their tasty Bacon Jam.

    Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on June 25, 2020 and was updated May 2, 2023 with June 2023 season information.

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    Anne Evans
    Anne Evanshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-evans/
    Anne Evans is the Co-Founder and Director of Operations for The Metropreneur and Columbus Underground. She regularly contributes feature stories on both sites, as well as Mega Weekend each week. She has started and grown businesses, created experiences, forged community partnerships, and worked to create opportunities for others. She loves meeting new neighbors and those making an impact in our community. Want to connect?
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