The property was formerly the private estate and residence of the Innis sisters before being donated to the community in 1972.
The Secret Garden is specifically designed with low-height features and interactive elements for young children.
The gardens include a specialized 'Herb Garden' that displays plants categorized by their historical and culinary uses.
The preserve acts as a significant wildlife corridor, often hosting native Ohio fauna including deer, foxes, and various raptors.
The Memorial Foundation regularly hosts horticultural workshops and community education programs within the park facilities.
Inniswood Metro Gardens is a 123-acre preserve located in Westerville, Ohio, originally donated by sisters Grace and Mary Innis. The grounds feature over 2,000 species of plants distributed across themed garden areas, including a formal Rose Garden and a Secret Garden designed for children. The site includes a network of woodland trails that connect to the broader Alum Creek Greenway. A historic farmhouse on the property serves as the administrative center and contains a horticultural library. The gardens are part of the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system and emphasize native plant conservation.
The central fountain within the formal Rose Garden provides a symmetrical backdrop.
Bring a pair of binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching, as the woodland trails are active with migratory species.
Check the website's 'Bloom Calendar' before visiting to see which seasonal flowers are currently at their peak.
Visit the boardwalk area in the wetlands to see native aquatic plants and local amphibian life.
Walking through the mulched garden beds, as this compacts the soil and damages plant roots.
Stay on marked paths to protect delicate flora, and pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
