The Schedel Arboretum & Gardens, a 17-acre paradise of intensively managed gardens and home to hundreds of rare and unusual species of trees, shrubs and plants opened its gates to visitors April 1.

“This year the timing should be perfect for viewing the crocus and hundreds of daffodils that should just be coming into bloom among our grove of dawn redwood trees,” said Veronica Sheets, events coordinator.

Sheets noted that in the next few weeks the gardens will be adorned with blooming tulips, forsythia, flowering crabs and hundreds of other trees and shrubs, including more than 20 varieties of Japanese maple trees – many growing in the Japanese Garden – that will also add their brilliant colors to the spring landscape.

According to lead gardener Barb Nelson, the thousands of annuals that are on display each year at the gardens won’t be planted until mid-May.

“There is still an amazing display of beauty here in the springtime that we’re excited for folks to have the chance to see during the month of April,” she said.

The arboretum and gardens are also home to many pieces of sculpture, including several by well-known artists Barry Woods Johnston, Tuck Langland, Emanuel Enriquez and Toledoan Joanne Cousino.

“Placement of sculpture throughout the grounds demonstrates the harmony between art and nature in an amazing way,” Nelson said.

April hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Beginning May 1, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

In addition to garden tours, the Brown Welcome Center will also be open. Currently on display in the McAlear Gallery is an exhibit of vintage Japanese kimonos by Toledoan Kerry Porter.

The Schedel Arboretum & Gardens is located at 19255 W. Portage River Road South in Elmore. For more information, call 419-862-3182 or visit www.schedel-gardens.org.

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