Garden and art lovers alike will find enjoyment just outside Elmore at Schedel

Arboretum and Gardens.
 
“It’s very beautiful out here and we’re just trying to get the word out that we’re here”, said events coordinator Veronica Sheets. “We’re teased about being the hidden garden or the secret garden because so many people just stumble on us on their own.”
 
Seventeen acres of “well manicured” gardens intertwined with artwork play host to annual garden seminars, guided tours and other events. Enthusiasts of all ages are invited to explore the grounds.

“We don’t try to be different; we just try to be the best that we can. So as a result of that is much more attention to the small details. We try to be as precise and perfect as we can in all aspects of the garden, down to the smallest details,” said David Halsey, assistant director, who has worked at the gardens for over 20 years.
 
One aspect that makes the area a unique setting is the two-tiered affect. The grounds contain both an upland and lowland with a 27-foot difference between the two. This allows a greater variety of plants, trees and flowers to grow on the grounds.
 
Another interesting spot and Halsey’s favorite area is the kitchen garden. This area has over 160 varieties of edible ornamental hot peppers, among unique herbs with sculptures in the center.
 
“[This is an] extremely popular area, for people that have never seen hot peppers used on such a large scale in such a unique way,” said Halsey.
 
Each season brings a new exhibit to the garden in addition to the ever changing exhibits displayed in the Trellis Gallery and the Brown Welcome Center. According to Sheets, all of the artwork in the garden is for sale.
 
“We really like to emphasize the art and the gardens together,” she said.
 
The grounds, which are home to over 120 types of plants, are decorated with 14 bronze sculptures by Maryland artist Barry Woods Johnston.
 
The gardens are only open from May through October, however the addition of the Brown Welcome Center last August allows guests to visit the grounds year round. Guests can reserve either the board or conference room for special events including bridal or baby showers, rehearsal dinners, business meetings, workshops, reunions and more.

Seminars scheduled
Garden seminars are listed below. Reservations are required for all events and the cost is $12 per person.

-Organic Vegetable Gardening with Susan Muezner of Nilsson’s Landscaping on July 14

-Bring the Tropics to Your Garden on July 28

-Organic Herb Gardening with Master Gardeners Vicki Gallagher on Aug. 11

-Basic Bonsai Care with Doug Ricci on Aug. 25

-Creating your own Rain Garden with Crystal Diamond on Sept. 22

Guided Garden Tours are offered on the first Thursday of each month.
 
Elegant Evening, is a special event planned for July 24. This includes a beef medallion and shrimp entrée and a stroll through the grounds. The cost is $45 a person or $340 for a table of eight.
 
The gardens are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10-4 and Sunday from noon-4. General admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors or AAA members and $6 for children.
 
For information visit http://www.schedel-gardens.org/schedel/main.asp  or call 419-862-3182.

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