Some three to five thousand visitors enjoyed touring this privately owned horticultural estate in Knox County which was recently open for its annual, two days of public visiting.

SCHNORMEIER GARDENS--

Every once in awhile life throws you a bouquet.

That happened recently when I discovered the Schnormeier Gardens in rural Knox County just a chip shot south of Gambier.

And, my timing was exquisite. They are open to the public only two days each year and I learned about them just a few days before this year’s event.

Ted and Ann Schnormeier bought an old farm down there just over 10 years ago. That has since morphed into a 150 acre setting of which 75 acres are now transposed into a world-class, Asian-themed, horticultural treasure.

As you drift down the gentle slope from the visitor center you are treated to the eye-candy view of their Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home across a large pond with a foreground bejeweled with a colorful, Chinese style walking bridge that arches gracefully to Swan Island. A Japanese tea house soothes visitors at water’s edge.

A swish-tinkling stream tumbles into the far side of the pond inviting your ascent to Serenity Garden draped high on a plateau featuring its own Japanese Garden house.

Schnormeier has been quoted as describing his creation as “...a landscape on steroids”. He and wife Ann own Jeld-Wenn Inc., of Mt. Vernon and work actively in maintaining their creation with the help of a small, landscape staff.

I heard a visitor quip, with admiration; he wished he had the money they spend on maintenance alone. I could understand his compliment.

It didn’t matter which direction you looked, visual treats abounded.

I wandered into the Chinese Cup Gardens behind Mrs. Schnormeier (right in blue top) where she took a seat among admiring visitors and gracefully shared the story of the small oriental pavilion from that ancient culture.

The Woodland Garden offered an oasis from the day’s heat as visitors trekked in the cool shade beside the bouncing stream.

The Meadow Garden featured one of my favorite elements; a Zig-Zag Bridge; thought to discourage bad spirits from following the walker--such spirits said to have difficulty navigating the corners.

A classy and colorful brochure tells visitors “...over fifty pieces of an eclectic sculpture collection...enhance the enjoyment and pleasure of our visitors.” The collection is considered to be the “jewelry” of the gardens.

Thanks Ted and Ann for your jewel of a creation.
 

 
 

The Zig-Zag bridge of The Meadow Garden (above) while the waterfall below sends its flow delivering a stream of tranquility through the heart of the gardens--and the hearts of visitor's as well.

________________________________

http://www.schnormeiergardens.org/