The Sehedel Arborctum and Gardens
Readers from the South skip over this paragraph because what I am about to say is heresy. We’ve visited the Callaway Gardens in Georgia and the Schedel Gardens are its equal in many respects and they are within an hour’s drive of Tiffin. Its spacious lakes and other features make it a must for garden lovers, especially this summer.
Sixteen sculptures created by Midwest artists are beautifully displayed throughout the gardens. In many instances beds of flowers frame them. Joseph and Marie Schedel built their house in the early thirties on a bluff overlooking the Portage River just outside Elmore. They created an oasis of beauty on their seventeen acre property.
Lovers of trees, they planted many hackberry trees, oaks and honey locusts which have now grown to majestic heights. Several large lakes grace the lower level, providing a home for waterlilies. They traveled extensively and collected Oriental lanterns, pagodas, and other Japanese garden ornaments. The well designed Japanese garden on the lower level with its pools and waterfalls is a serene place to meditate.
Upon the Schedel’s deaths in 1980, a foundation headed by Richard Fisher, botanist at Bowling Green, became the director of the gardens. He died and Reginal Noble is now in charge of preserving and maintaining them. Susan Shaffer and David Halsey oversee the staff of twelve permanent and around twelve seasonal employees, and many volunteers, Master Gardener interns, and horticultural students.
They also plan the planting of many, many beds of flowers. Many of the annuals are grown in their greenhouses. We sometimes had to dash around sprinklers watering the flower beds in this dry season. The water is supplied by the lakes on the grounds and these are replenished by several deep wells when necessary.
The management of the gardens feels that the sculpture displayed this summer provides a unique cultural experience for visitors and demonstrates the integration of art into gardens in ways that enhance our appreciation for both art and nature. “Summarian Peace” of welded steel by James Havens of Woodville greets the visitor to the gardens at the upper level. It is framed by two towering hackberry trees. “The Cloak” of resin aggregate by Joe Ann Cousino of Toledo is circled by pink profusion cherry zinnias, dusty miller and intensely purple leaved Gynura. “The Temptress” of limestone by Emanuel Enriquez of Bowling Green lies blissfully asleep by one of the lakes. “Alone Together” is also his creation. These few are but a sample of the visual delights that await a visitor to the gardens.
As botanists, we noted the many unusual varieties of trees and bushes. The Bristlecone Pine is the oldest living species in the world. Nearby is the largest Zelkova we have seen. On the lower level is a striking specimen of Weeping Alaskan Cedar (Chamaeapparis nootkelensis pendula).
There are also Dawn Redwoods, bald Cypress and many other evergreens. Bush Buckeyes, Beauty Bushes (Kelkwitzia amabilis) Azaleas, and Oakleaved Hydrangeas add interest to the grounds. We admired the lovely leaves of three varieties of Beech trees, Tricolor, Purpurea and Aspenifolia.
We missed the blooms of the iris garden which would be at its height in late May and early June. There is an extensive young orchard with pears, apples, peaches and nectarines. Many varieties of peppers were featured in the vegetable and herb garden.
There are more than 80 varieties of roses growing on the grounds. The Blue Bed is planted only in blue annuals and perennials. There is a Bonsai Exhibit. The oldest bonsai in their collection is 50 years old. At the foot of the stairs on the lower level are two trees of special interest, a Bloodgood Japanese Maple and a White Fringe Tree. This tree bears panicles of fragrant flowers in the late spring. Beside the Water Lily Lake is a cluster of tall pink flowers called Queen of the Prairie (Venusta filapendula). We especially noted it because we have been able to grow it in our garden just this year. It grows wild in the prairies and we hope it is easy to grow. We were surprised to see a Mimosa tree. We didn’t think they grew this far north.
A visitor should allow plenty of time to enjoy the gardens. In addition to absorbing the serene atmosphere, a gardener can learn many useful ideas to try in their own gardens. The staff is very knowledgeable about plants and quite willing to share their ideas.
The Schedel Arboretum and Gardens, l9255 W. Portage South Road, is located one mile from the exit of the turnpike on Route 51. As you approach Elmore, turn sharply to the left on to Portage South Road. It is three-tenths of a mile to the gardens.
The Schedel Arboretum and Gardens Sculpture Exhibit will be there until October 1. Guided tours are offered second and fourth Saturdays, July through September. Call for reservations. The hours are from 10 Am to 4 PM Monday through Saturday and on Sunday from noon to 4 PM. The entry fee is $5 per person (5 and under free). Phone (419) 862-1909.
– Mary