Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville, Ohio, is a beautiful 123-acre botanical garden and nature preserve. Thanks to the vision and generosity of sisters Grace and Mary Innis, this space has become a community treasure, combining stunning cultivated gardens with natural woodlands.
Location
940 S. Hempstead Road Westerville OH 43081
From I-270, take the Route 3/Westerville Rd exit south to Dempsey Rd and turn left. Go about 1 mile to Hempstead Rd and turn left. Turn again on Hempstead Rd as it jogs right just past the Blendon Township Community Complex. The entrance is approximately 100 yards on the right.
April 1-September 30: 6:30am-9pm
October 1-March 31: 6:30am-7pm
Phone (cell): 614-208-4301
Phone (office): 614-895-6216
History
In 1960, Grace and Mary Innis purchased a 38-acre parcel of land known as Brookwood. Grace, an Ohio State University graduate with a passion for horticulture, and Mary, who appreciated the natural beauty of the woods, developed extensive gardens while preserving the area's natural features. After Grace's passing in 1966, Mary initiated plans to donate the estate to the Metro Parks system, with the condition that she could continue to reside there until her death. The donation was formalized in 1972, and additional adjacent land was acquired to protect the site from development.
In 1984, Inniswood Metro Gardens officially opened to the public as the eighth park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The former Innis residence, now known as Innis House, serves as the park's administrative center and houses a horticultural library and multipurpose room for educational programs and community events.
Development and Features
Over the years, Inniswood has expanded and developed into a renowned botanical garden. The park features more than 2,000 plant species across various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Herb Garden, Conifer Garden, and the Woodland Rock Garden. The Sisters' Garden, dedicated in 2002, encompasses 2.8 acres and includes interactive spaces designed to "nurture the nature of the child in everyone," reflecting the Innis sisters' legacy.
Detailed Description of the Gardens
Brookwood Trail Garden:
Seasonal display garden transitions into shade plantings, a host collection and a sunny perennial border.
Circle Garden:
Four mixed planting points create a compass of seasonal color inviting visitors to choose a path of discovery.
Conifer Garden:
Collection of evergreen and deciduous conifers, including dwarf varieties.
Cutting Garden:
Annual and perennial plants suitable for use as cut flowers.
Fern Garden:
A test site of the Hardy Fern foundation, featuring a collection of rare and unusual hardy ferns.
Herb Garden:
A wide variety of herbs grouped by uses, featuring a thyme collection.
Memorial Garden:
Shade gardens featuring island beds of mixed perennial and woody plants, location of signature Inniswood gate and site where the Innis hosta was discovered.
Rose Garden:
Collection of hybrid tea, floribunda, climbing and Earth-Kind™ roses.
Sisters’ Garden:
Seven gardens within a 2.8-acre children’s garden honoring Grace and Mary Innis.
» Click here to download the Sisters’ Garden PDF brochure and map
The Woodland Rock Garden:
Features cascading waterfalls amid conifers and woodland.
Community Involvement
The development and maintenance of Inniswood Metro Gardens have been significantly supported by community involvement. In 1983, Inniswood Volunteers, Inc. was established, comprising members from various garden clubs and plant societies. This organization has been instrumental in maintaining the gardens and organizing educational programs.
Inniswood boasts more than 2,000 species of plants, specialty collections and several theme gardens. You can support Inniswood Metro Gardens by becoming a member of the Inniswood Garden Society.
Contact Information Inniswood Garden Society 940 S. Hempstead Rd. Westerville, OH 43081
Telephone: (614) 895-6216 Fax: (614) 895-6352
Hiking Trails
Boardwalk
0.5 miles
Easy – Hike – Boardwalk and gravel – ADA
Winds through a beech-maple forest.
Brookwood
0.5 miles
Easy – Hike – Paved – ADA
Crosses Spring Run and passes the Memorial and Sisters’ Gardens.
Chipmunk Chatter
0.6 miles
Easy – Hike, Bike, Pets – Paved – ADA
A paved multi-use trail located at the end of the parking lot on the exterior of the gardens.
Frog Talk Walk
0.1 miles
Easy – Hike – Boardwalk – ADA
Adjacent to a pond and passes the Rose and Herb gardens.
Sister’s Garden Loop
0.3 miles
Easy – Hike – Paved – ADA
Goes through woods and loops around the Sister’s Garden.
Spring Run
0.3 miles
Easy – Hike – Gravel
Runs through an oak-hickory forest.
Innis House
The former home of sisters, Grace and Mary Innis, is the site for education programs, staff offices, and has a non-lending horticulture library. Work of local artists is featured in the main room on a monthly basis. Public restrooms are located outside of Innis House on the main grounds.
Open Tuesday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm and from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Conclusion
Today, Inniswood Metro Gardens stands as a living tribute to the Innis sisters' dedication to horticulture and conservation, offering visitors a serene environment to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature. It is definitely worth a visit.
