Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens-Part 1

The parks in the Columbus area play many different roles in our lives. Some are wild areas where nature watchers and hikers delight in the difficult climbs and rare sights. Others such as The Franklin Park Conservatory are highly designed perfectly manicured parks that invite relaxation and a sense of lazy clam. Most of the parks in the middle of our urban environment are sculptured in this way to allow for the greatest amount of variety in the smallest amount of space. These types of parks also focus on environmental education and local Ohio wildlife attraction. The Conservatory surpasses the goals of this type of urban green space by producing assorted plant life and educational areas through an ingenious layout.

The Franklin Park Conservatory is divided into two main sections, the indoor buildings and the outside gardens with walking trails. Touring both in one day can be overwhelming so my boyfriend and I visited just the outside portion of the Conservatory this past weekend. On East Broad Street the Conservatory’s beauty is nestled in the middle of a busy neighborhood bring a bit of sanctuary to the middle of this residential urban environment. The 88 acres of park provide something for everyone to do no matter your interests. The park boasts a seasonal display at the Entry Plaza, the Grand Mallway where the larger then life sculpture the NavStar sits, the Trail Gardens which houses a impressive collection of seasonal editable plants, the Brides Garden where abundant foliage grows in an intimate setting, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus and more. These areas of the park can be reached by walking the meandering trail that wraps around the outskirts of the park.  

Zac and I walked the trail stopping for pictures and to smell the roses. We thoroughly enjoyed the creative use of landscape that brought to mind the diversity of much larger parks. The Franklin Park Conservatory is a beautiful place to visit for those who love well sculpted gardens and easy strolls. The plants are dazzlingly beautiful and aesthetically arranged to astound the senses. Even for those not truly fond of horticulture the park draws a small amount of local wildlife that feeds on the plant life.

This park is ideal for any activity as the space’s diverse landscape lends itself to many outdoor hobbies. We saw people fishing, jogging, riding bikes, and reading books as we strolled around the park hand in hand. Personally I found that this is a gorgeous place to take a date and wander around the gardens. Please enjoy this stunning park as a respite from your busy life or take a partner and enjoy a lovely walk in a romantic setting.

 

Finally just a little bit of friendly advice. Please pick up your trash. The park is fairly clean for the amount of visitors it receives. But please deposit your trash in the proper bins. Zac and I picked up everything from water bottles to a brand new cigarette lighter on our walk this weekend. That being said trashcans are few and far between so bring a bag to carry your trash or just take it with you till you find a can. Litter doesn’t just diminish the visual value of the park but it also harms local wildlife.

http://www.fpconservatory.org/