This Ohio Botanical Paradise In Westerville Boasts Over 2,000 Plant Species
I still remember the first time I stepped through the gates at Inniswood Metro Gardens, located at 940 S Hempstead Rd in Westerville, Ohio. The air smelled like fresh earth and blooming roses, and I could hear water trickling somewhere in the distance.
What started as a quick Sunday morning visit turned into an entire afternoon of wandering through pathways lined with thousands of plants I had never seen before. This place is massive, sprawling across 123 acres of pure botanical beauty, and it has more than 2,000 different plant species just waiting to be discovered.
I found myself stopping every few steps to take photos, read plant labels, and simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it one of the most accessible natural escapes in central Ohio.
Every season brings something new to see here, and I keep finding reasons to return. Let me walk you through what makes this botanical paradise such a special place to explore.
A Sprawling Layout That Invites Exploration
Spread across 123 acres, this botanical garden offers more space than you might expect. I spent my first visit thinking I could see everything in an hour, but I quickly realized that was impossible.
Multiple trails wind through different garden sections, each one revealing something unique. Some paths take you through formal gardens with perfectly trimmed hedges and colorful flower beds, while others lead into wooded areas where nature feels wilder and more untamed.
The layout encourages slow, meandering walks rather than rushed tours. I found myself doubling back several times just to see a particular garden from a different angle or to catch the light hitting the flowers just right.
Most trails are about 0.6 miles or less, making them perfect for families with young children or anyone who prefers shorter walks. The wooden boardwalks and paved paths make navigation easy, and benches appear frequently along the routes.
Every corner seems to hold a new discovery waiting to happen.
Over 2,000 Plant Species From Around the World
Walking through Inniswood feels like taking a botanical tour across continents. The garden houses more than 2,000 different plant species, ranging from native Ohio wildflowers to exotic specimens I had only read about in gardening books.
I noticed plants labeled with their scientific names, common names, and origin information. This educational aspect adds depth to the experience, especially if you enjoy learning about where different plants come from and how they grow.
Spring brings an explosion of tulips and daffodils, while summer showcases roses, daylilies, and perennials in full glory. Fall transforms the landscape with colorful foliage and late-blooming flowers, and even winter has its own stark beauty with evergreens and interesting bark textures.
The diversity means that no matter when you visit, something will be blooming or displaying interesting features. I particularly enjoyed the herb garden, where I could touch and smell different culinary and medicinal plants.
Plant enthusiasts could spend days here identifying species.
Rose Garden in Full Bloom
Rose lovers will find themselves in absolute heaven at the dedicated rose garden. When I visited in early June, the roses were at peak bloom, and the fragrance was almost overwhelming in the best possible way.
Dozens of rose varieties fill this section, displaying every color imaginable from deep crimson to soft peach to pure white. Each variety has its own character, with some producing large, showy blooms while others offer delicate clusters of smaller flowers.
The garden designers arranged the roses thoughtfully, creating color patterns that flow naturally and please the eye. I noticed many visitors taking wedding photos here, and it’s easy to see why the setting feels romantic and timeless.
Benches placed throughout the rose garden invite you to sit and enjoy the view. I spent a good twenty minutes just watching bees work their way through the blooms, completely mesmerized by the scene.
This section alone makes the trip worthwhile during rose season.
Peaceful Herb Garden With Aromatic Plants
Tucked into one corner of the gardens, the herb section offers a completely different sensory experience. I found myself bending down to touch and smell nearly every plant, releasing fragrances of lavender, rosemary, thyme, and mint into the air.
This garden focuses on both culinary and medicinal herbs, with helpful signs explaining traditional uses for each plant. I learned about herbs I had never heard of before and discovered new ways to use familiar ones in cooking.
The layout groups herbs by type and growing requirements, creating an educational display that home gardeners can learn from. I took mental notes about which herbs grow well together and which ones prefer sunny versus shady spots.
Children seem especially drawn to this area, perhaps because they can actively engage with the plants through touch and smell rather than just looking. The textures range from fuzzy lamb’s ear to needle-like rosemary.
I left with inspiration for my own small herb container garden.
Wooden Boardwalk Through Natural Areas
One of my favorite features at Inniswood is the extensive wooden boardwalk system that winds through wetland and wooded areas. These elevated walkways keep your feet dry while allowing you to get up close to plants and wildlife that thrive in wetter conditions.
The boardwalk feels sturdy and well-maintained, with railings that make it accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. I appreciated not having to worry about muddy trails or uneven ground while exploring these natural sections.
Walking across the boardwalk in early morning offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities. I spotted turtles sunning themselves on logs, various bird species flitting through the trees, and even a rabbit hopping along the path ahead of me.
The sound of your footsteps on the wooden planks creates a rhythmic accompaniment to the natural sounds around you. It adds to the meditative quality of the walk.
These boardwalks make wild areas accessible without damaging sensitive ecosystems.
Charming Tree House on the Storybook Trail
Kids absolutely light up when they discover the tree house along the storybook trail. This whimsical structure sits nestled among the trees, perfectly sized for children to climb up and explore while parents watch from below.
The storybook trail itself is a brilliant concept that combines walking with reading. Pages from a children’s book are mounted on posts along the path, so kids can follow the story as they hike.
It transforms a simple walk into an adventure that holds their attention.
I watched several families stop at each page, with parents reading aloud to excited children who couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The tree house serves as a natural midpoint where kids can play and burn off energy.
The structure blends beautifully with its natural surroundings rather than looking out of place. It’s clear that thoughtful design went into making this feature both fun and environmentally appropriate.
This trail makes the garden especially welcoming for families with young ones.
Water Features and Tranquil Fountains
The sound of running water greets you in several locations throughout the gardens. Water features range from small bubbling fountains to more elaborate displays, each one adding a soothing auditory backdrop to your visit.
I found these water elements particularly relaxing on warm summer days. The sight and sound of moving water creates an instant cooling effect, both physically and psychologically.
Several benches are positioned near fountains, creating perfect spots for quiet reflection or conversation.
The Sisters Garden features an interactive water feature that children can play in during warmer months. I watched kids splash and giggle while parents relaxed nearby on the grass.
It’s a practical feature that helps families extend their visits comfortably.
Waterfalls, though small in scale, create pleasant ambient sounds that mask traffic noise from nearby roads. This audio screening helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere throughout the property.
These water elements prove that you don’t need massive fountains to create impact.
Wildlife Watching Opportunities Throughout
Bring your camera or binoculars, because the gardens attract an impressive variety of wildlife. The diverse plant collection creates habitats for birds, butterflies, bees, and small mammals that call this place home or visit regularly.
During my visits, I’ve spotted hawks soaring overhead, owls perched in trees, and countless songbird species flitting through the branches. The gardens clearly prioritize plants that support pollinators, resulting in clouds of butterflies during peak season.
Rabbits seem particularly common here, often spotted munching grass in the early morning or evening hours. I even encountered a family of geese waddling down one of the paths, completely unbothered by human visitors.
The abundance of wildlife indicates a healthy ecosystem. It’s refreshing to visit a cultivated garden that still provides habitat for wild creatures rather than excluding them entirely.
Patient observers will be rewarded with memorable wildlife encounters here. Photographers particularly love the opportunities to capture both flora and fauna.
Perfect Photo Opportunities at Every Turn
Every visit to Inniswood feels like a photo shoot waiting to happen. I noticed countless visitors with professional cameras, smartphones, and even full portrait setups complete with reflectors and tripods.
The gardens serve as a popular backdrop for weddings, graduation photos, senior portraits, and family pictures. The variety of settings means photographers can capture multiple looks in one location without everything appearing obviously staged in the same spot.
Natural lighting filters through tree canopies in some areas while other sections offer bright, open spaces perfect for capturing vibrant flower colors. The wooden boardwalks, stone pathways, and architectural elements add interesting leading lines and textures to compositions.
I’ve seen professional photographers working with couples, families posing with young children, and solo visitors taking selfies among the flowers. The gardens accommodate all types of photography without feeling crowded.
Even casual smartphone photographers will leave with stunning images. The beauty here makes everyone feel like a talented photographer.
Free Admission Makes Beauty Accessible to All
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Inniswood Metro Gardens is that all this beauty comes with zero admission cost. The gardens are open to the public daily, from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM between April 1 and September 30, and from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM between October 1 and March 31.
This free access policy makes the gardens a true community resource. I’ve seen people from all walks of life enjoying the space, from families with young children to elderly couples walking hand-in-hand to solo visitors seeking peaceful solitude.
The lack of admission fees removes barriers that might otherwise prevent some people from experiencing such beauty. It’s a gift to the community that deserves recognition and appreciation.
Volunteers dedicate countless hours to maintaining the gardens, and their work shows in every perfectly weeded bed and pruned shrub. The gardens remain impeccably maintained despite being free to enter.
This accessibility philosophy makes Inniswood Metro Gardens a treasure worth celebrating and supporting. Beautiful spaces should be available to everyone.