More from Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Franklin Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio was well worth the drive from Marysville (about 30 minutes). It was an overcast day with mild temperatures - perfect for a garden visit. Although the conservatories were awesome (see my previous post), the outdoor gardens were lovely as well. I saw workers everywhere tending to stunning displays. The above photo shows a raised bed near the front entrance which contained a striking agave ("Whale's Tongue"??), ornamental grasses and coneflower.

Ornamental grasses and lantana -



There was a lot of coleus used throughout the gardens. In the front entrance garden, a spectacular ribbon of coleus is used as an edging.



More coleus surrounding a palm in a container -




A dramatic display near the front entrance. I cannot think of the dark burgundy plant - can someone identify it please?



A red ribbon memorial to AIDS victims made of begonias along the driveway entry -

 

Japanese anemone and rudbeckia in borders below the conservatories -

 
The borders also held Goldenrod (Solidago), ornamental grasses and that mystery burgundy plant. It was growing several places throughout the gardens.



 
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) and Sedum can also be seen in this border -

 
More goldenrod -



I grow Lespedeza (bush clover) in our garden but it not as stunning as this one because of our shade.

 
Hot colors dominated the outdoor displays.



The centerpiece in the perennial gardens was a dramatic sculpture.


 

Sedum was another popular plant in Ohio - I saw throughout this garden as well as in a lot of private gardens.



One of the prettiest displays of Beautyberry (Callicarpa) that I have ever seen. This was actually on an outdoor terrace outside of one of the conservatories.




Another terrace outside the conservatory -




The Bride's Garden - a beautiful spot for a small wedding.



Seven Sons Tree (Heptacodium miconioides) -

 

As we were leaving the gardens, I noticed a small test garden off to the side. I could not find a label for this paniculata hydrangea - it may be "Pinky Winky" or "Vanilla Strawberry".

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy