Outdoor Columbus

Perhaps the most different of the MetroParks, Inniswood Gardens offers up the beauty of cultivated nature, rather than that of the semi-wild.  Carved from grounds given to the MetroParks by two sisters, Grace and Mary Innis (pictured above, as children, in bronze), Inniswood is home to nine different gardens (several including their own sub-gardens), nicely landscaped paths between them, and several short (0.3-0.5 mile) paths through the woods.  It’s definitely not a place to go for hiking, but for a nice relaxing stroll, it can’t be beat.

The gardens are well designed, and full of beautiful flowers, which in turn attract some beautiful insects (see below), and they vary to suit many tastes.  The Rose Garden, of course, has many varieties of roses, and it can also be reserved to host weddings.  The Conifer Garden, has many varieties of evergreens and shrubs.  The Herb Garden can be most aromatic (but don’t tell the homebrewers that they have hops growing on a trellis!).  But we at Outdoor Columbus had two favorites: The Rock Garden and the Sisters’ Garden.

The Rock Garden is the sort of quiet (except for the constantly rushing waters), meditative place I would love to have in a future backyard.  The multi-stage cascade would make the perfect place to sit and write, gathering inspiration from the waters and the buzz of small life around you.  It is at once both relaxing and entrancing.

The Sisters’ Garden has nine sub-gardens itself, making it the perfect place to spend some time while at Inniswood.  From a plains garden, complete with sunflowers stretching well beyond 6 feet in height, to a wetlands garden, teaming with amphibian life, there is something for everyone.  And even if you’re tired of admiring the flowers, there is a treehouse to explore and a flagstone “maze” that offers up an Indian creation story along its path.  Be sure, though, not to miss the “secret garden” and it’s well-hidden beauty.

Inniswood, like all the MetroParks, offers up its share of wildlife.  Joining the butterflies and bees pictured above who love the variety of flowers offered, dragonflies team above the many pools.  Below them, you can spot an uncountable number of frogs (and in late July, many of the young, just coming out of the waters).  Numerous birds, including blue jays and cardinals in addition to the goldfinch pictured below, fill the Gardens with song, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot wise, old Mr. Owl — even in the daytime!  Finally, don’t be surprised if your walk in the woods is filled with the sounds of squirrels and chipmunks frolicking about, or even one or two popping up throughout Inniswood, looking for a snack.

As mentioned, this isn’t the park to come to if you want to do some hiking.  It is, however, well worth your time.  And, located just south of 270 (in Westerville, take rt. 3 S, and follow the signs), it is easily accessible to anyone in the Columbus area.   We would suggest a nice picnic lunch (there is a beautiful picnic area across from the main entrance), and plenty of time to walk around and enjoy all the various gardens.  Just don’t forget the camera!