Botanical Gardens in Dayton, Ohio

When I moved to Germantown, Ohio in July of 2009, I never knew about some of the sites surrounding this area. We were surprised to discover the bed and breakfasts in the Business District of Germantown, as well as restaurants you wouldn't expect to find in such a small rural town. We are just minutes from Miamisburg and the Dayton Mall, but we were surprised again at some of the great parks we found near the city. Being lovers of nature, my husband and I embarked on an internet search for parks in the Dayton area, and what we found was a pleasant surprise.

The first botanical garden we discovered is the Cox Arboretum, just down the street from the Dayton Mall. It seemed to fall in such an unusual place, but it was nice to find such a peaceful place off a main drag. As you drive down Springboro Pike, you can't miss the large sign that boasts "Cox Arboretum". As you are nearing the entrance you can't help but see the backside of the Greenhouse where you will find a wide array of wildflowers, native flowers, and planters for purchase. Near the Greenhouse you will find a Business Center where meetings can be held and a small gift shop with rain sticks, flower bulbs and small jewelry items for purchase. Every spring Cox Arboretum has a Bulb Display where they feature spring favorites like tulips, daffodils and various other flowers that bring this garden alive with color. As you walk through the center of the park, you will come to small area called a Butterfly house, where you will find an array of Monarchs floating around your head. What we found amazing was the display of Chrysalis' that were hanging from the netting awaiting a new butterfly to emerge! .

Cox Arboretum has been growing since 1962, and continues to flourish as a site for weddings, holiday parties, and various flower shows. You can find this garden a mile from I-75, located at 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45449. For more information, you can call (937) 434-9005. Their hours of operation are as follows: November 1st-March 31st from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. EST, and April 1st-October 31st from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. EST. They are closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

The second botanical garden that we found is Wegerzyn Gardens in Dayton, Ohio. This garden is near the city as you head down toward the University of Dayton. If you head onto North Dixie Drive from I-75, you will continue to go straight as if heading into the city. This garden has a wealth of knowledge for everyone. The avid gardener can pick up design techniques throughout this park, just take a stroll, and there is a Children's Discovery Center. In addition, for those who struggle to produce healthy plants, you will find information on cultivation techniques for the Miami Valley's climate. As you walk through the park, you will come upon a trail that takes you the scenic Forest Swamp Boardwalk, opening up to the Stillwater River.

As you stroll through this garden, you get a "formal garden" sort of feeling. In the spring season you will find hummingbirds going about their search for nectar as they buzz along the witch hazel blossoms, tulips, daffodils, crap apple trees, and tree peonies. This garden is easy on the eyes, and boasts a light fragrance too if you catch a light breeze. It is no wonder that the history of this park encompasses the heart's desire of its founder Benjamin Wegerzyn. He started this garden in 1973, and his intent was to boost the curiousity and love of horticulture in the Miami Valley area. This is definitely one of the biggest surprises in gardening pleasure in the state of Ohio, so be sure to visit if you are in the area.

The address for Wegerzyn Gardens is 1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue in Dayton, Ohio 45414. You can call for more information at (937) 277-6545. In addition to reaching the gardens from the city itself, you can take I-75 N to Wagner Ford Rd./Siebenthaler Avenue exit, and turn onto North Dixie Drive, then left onto Siebenthaler Avenue. You will pass Ridge Avenue and the Administrative offices for the Five Metroparks. The hours are November 1st-March 31st 8 a.m.-8 p.m. EST, and April 1st-October 31st 8 a.m.-10 p.m.