With 13 acres of lush gardens, botanical biomes, and horticulture and art exhibitions, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens showcases the best of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The conservatory, located in Columbus, Ohio, has over 400 species of plants from around the world in its diverse exhibits and botanical gardens.
“Franklin Park Conservatory features glass-enclosed gardens filled with exotic plant life from around the world, water features, seasonal floral displays, and special exhibitions,” says Dee Ashworth, associate director of visitor experience at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. “In addition to beautiful plant life, the conservatory is known for its permanent collection of 18 installations of Dale Chihuly glass artwork, and also houses an on-site glassblowing studio featuring local glass artists giving daily demonstrations.”
Credit: Franklin Park Conservatory
Just 2 miles from downtown Columbus in central Ohio, the botanical garden is situated east of Franklin Park and is home to the iconic grand Victorian-style glass greenhouse—the John F. Wolfe Palm House—which dates to 1895. Horticulture designs and magnificent floral displays bloom year-round in the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The 2-acre Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden provides an interactive experience to reconnect with nature and take in a wealth of horticulture education in a natural setting.
In addition, the conservatory hosts special temporary exhibitions throughout the year, displaying national and international artists from around the world.
Current rotating seasonal exhibitions include “Orchids, Blooms & Butterflies,” “Columbus Blooms,” “Harvest Blooms,” and “Conservatory Aglow.” There’s also a wide range of workshops and classes, including gardening, cooking, fine art, and wellness that are offered throughout the year.
Hourlong walking tours educate groups on the conservatory plants, art, and history. Groups larger than 15 are eligible for group rates.
“Of course, we have an amazing plant collection, and our horticulturists are true artists in their own right; but you don’t have to be a plant enthusiast to find something to love about the conservatory,” Ashworth says. “Whether you love plants, art, or model trains, the conservatory has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information on Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens call 614-715-8000 or go to fpconservatory.org.
Main image and credit: Franklin Park Conservatory
Article by Erica Zazo
