Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville is a beautiful place to view spring wildflowers. (Credit: Inniswood Garden Society)

By Ken Drenten

With spring upon us, now is a great time to get out and look for Ohio wildflowers like Trillium, Yellow Trout Lily, Dutchman’s-breeches and Spring Beauties. Two of the best places I know of to discover these spring blooms is Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville and Wahkeena Nature Preserve near Sugar Grove.

Situated on 123 acres, Inniswood Metro Gardens is a continual source of inspiration for central Ohioans of all ages. A natural woodland is home to native wildflowers, wildlife and waterways which provides a majestic backdrop to beautifully landscaped gardens and lawns.

Dedicated to the enjoyment, cultivation and preservation of nature’s treasures, Inniswood boasts more than 2,000 species of plants, specialty collections and themed gardens, including a children’s garden, as well as the Rose, Herb, Conifer and Woodland Rock Gardens. The park also includes six easy walking trails, four of which are ADA-compliant.

Inniswood Metro Gardens is a facility of the Franklin County Metro Parks. Operation and maintenance funds are provided by the taxpayer-supported park district, while continued growth and development relies upon gifts from private citizens and philanthropic organizations, such as the Inniswood Garden Society.

Inniswood is located at 940 S. Hempstead Road in Westerville (614) 895-6216.

Another rich source for finding spring wildflowers is Wahkeena Nature Preserve near Sugar Grove. Wahkeena can best be described as a living museum, showcasing the rich natural diversity of the Hocking Hills region. With a focus on education, the site features a nature center with seasonal displays, self-guided interpretive trails, natural history programs and historical signage.

Wahkeena is aptly named with a Yakama word meaning “most beautiful.” The area is breathtaking in every season of the year. The outdoor area is used exclusively for nature study and as a preserve for birds and other wildlife.

Wahkeena Nature Preserve is one of 58 sites owned by the Ohio History Connection, a private, non-profit organization. The park is managed by the Fairfield County Park District and supported by the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs.

The preserve offers 12 species of native orchids, 33 species of ferns and numerous and diverse species of wildflowers through all seasons. Wahkeena is located at 2200 Pump Station Road, Sugar Grove (800) 297-1883.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) offers resources to help you find and identify wildflowers at its website. You can find weekly bloom reports, featured wildflowers and viewing hotspots.

Learn more about Inniswood, Wahkeena and other unique parks and gardens in Ohio at Dusty Tires.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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