Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens
Situated on the West Campus of Ohio State University, Chadwick offers settings for both education and relaxation.
Fans of buckeyes (as well as Buckeyes, with a capital B) won’t want to miss the Buckeye Collection, which includes the eponymous native Ohio tree along with related plants.
Other gardens within Chadwick focus on wildflowers, bamboos and shade perennials.
A highlight of the Clintonville neighborhood, this park lies within the larger Whetstone Park. (Some moms might remember that Whetstone hosted Victory Gardens during World War II.)
Although roses won’t yet be in full swing, you can scope out graceful Japanese maples, an herb garden and a variety of colorful perennials. of unusual plants.
If the weather cooperates on Mother’s Day, don’t miss the elegant outdoor Brides Garden.
But if rain threatens, head for an exotic indoor feature such as the Himalayan Mountain Biome. Inniswood Metro Gardens
Located northeast of Columbus in Westerville, Inniswood offers both wildflowers and landscaped beds, woodlands and wellgroomed lawns.
The 2.8-acre Sisters Garden is a special spot for children — and moms who retain a childlike streak — that honors the memory of Grace and Mary Innis, sisters who donated their property to Franklin County Metro Parks. Topiary Park
“The Topiary Park is a landscape of a painting of a landscape,” according to a quote on the park’s website by James Mason, the creator of this one-of-a-kind interpretation of Georges Seurat’s iconic painting “A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte.”
Visitors to this Downtown gem will enjoy strolling among 12-foot topiary figures of sculpted yews or admiring specimen trees such as a weeping European beech.
On Saturday and Sunday afternoons of Mother’s Day weekend, Columbus Modern Dance Company will perform. (Call 614-702-7090 or visit comodance.org/ performances.) Diana Lockwood, a freelance writer covering gardening topics, posts on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ mrsgardenperson.