Gardening
Gardeners Favorite Hocking Hills Spots
The following spots and businesses have been named by the Hocking County Master Gardeners as being among their favorites in the Hocking Hills. All directions are given from the Welcome Center.
- The Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center
- Logan Clay Products Decorative Garden Center
- The Prairie Gardens at Lake Logan Spillway
- St. Matthew Lutheran Church
- The Hocking House
- Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove
- Bishop Gardens - Lilyfest
- Hutchison’s Hilltop Haven
- Main Street in Logan, and surrounding neighborhoods
The Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center
Operated by the Hocking Hills Tourism Association, the Welcome Center is located on the SE corner of U.S. Route 33 and State Route 664, directly in front of the Ohio Department of Transportation complex. The building is a replica of an 1800’s grist mill.
Our gardens have been tended and trimmed lovingly by volunteers. The gardens include native perennials and annuals, our water wheel and plunge pool of our pet fish. The middle section of parking lot median is a Native American and Pioneer garden, filled with plants such as blue corn, Jerusalem artichokes and nettles, and other crops that were important to the settlers. Around our gazebo is a flourishing herb garden, and on the far end of the median is a tribute garden to a dear friend of tourism and avid gardener, Lilyfest co-founder Bruce Bishop. Maintained by the Master Gardeners, here you will see many examples of Logan Clay being used creatively in a garden space. Across the drive from the Welcome Center is a prairie garden, made possible by a grant from the Ohio Arts Council. Displays in the gazebo will teach you about the prairie, plus stop inside the Welcome Center for a brochure about the other plants and flowers on our campus.
Logan Clay Products Decorative Garden Center
From the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, turn right out of our driveway. Turn right onto U.S. 33 East, heading towards Athens. Continue to the State Route 93 Exit (the next exit). Turn right at the top of the ramp. Turn right at Wendy’s. The Logan Clay Products gate is straight ahead. As you enter the gates, the Garden Accents Outlet is on your immediate right.
Logan Clay is a local business that has been producing clay pipes for more than 100 years. Now local artists shape the clay into garden accessories sold at "Garden Accents" at the factory. Stepping stones, bird baths and planters are crafted by local artists. Be certain to check out Kiln #14, where you will be able to find some creative ways to use clay pipes in your garden. Check out the garden in front of the main building for more ideas. The Outlet is open April 1 through October 31 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
The Prairie Gardens at Lake Logan Spillway
Just past the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, you will cross bridge. Turn into the parking lot directly on your left. On both sides of the drive you will see two little prairie gardens. According to the rangers at Lake Logan (part of the Hocking Hills State Park), the gardens represent many native Ohio varieties of prairie plants.(Picnic tables are available for your use.)
St. Matthew Lutheran Church
"The Mary Reichert Kleinschmidt Memorial Garden" is located on Hunter Street and Orchard. Take the same exit as described above for the Logan Clay Products, and continue straight four blocks from the State Route 93 exit to Hunter Street. Turn right. The church is tow blocks down Hunter, on your left.
The Mary Reichert Kleinschmidt Memorial Garden’s design was inspired by sections, lessons and verses of the Bible. A brochure detailing the plantings and their messages is available.
The Hocking House
From the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, turn left out of our driveway and continue south on State Route 664 for five miles to the corner of State Route 664 and Big Pine Road. The old log cabin is the Hocking House – a gift shop displaying works of local artists.
The grounds around the cabin and the nearby house were designed by Jean Magdich, artist-in-residence at Logan Clay. Take time to enjoy all the clay artifacts that have been incorporated into the gardens. The shop and gardens are open from noon to 5:00 Tuesday through Sunday from June to mid-August. Fall hours are noon-5:00 on weekends only or by appointment. For further information, call (740)385-4166.
Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove
From the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, turn right out of our driveway. After the traffic light at the Wal-Mart Shopping Center, turn left into Rempel’s Grove (area where AmeriHost Inn is located). Adventure Golf shares a parking lot with the Olde Dutch.
This miniature golf course is located in historic Rempel’s Grove. Adventure Golf course has become well known for its landscaping, beautiful gardens, and one-of-a-kind wood-carvings, created with a chain-saw utilizing the oak tree stumps left behind after the construction of this beautiful golf course.
Bishop Gardens - Lilyfest
From the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, turn right out of our driveway. Turn left onto U.S. 33, heading towards Lancaster. Exit to the left at Buena Vista Road (County Road 34). Travel along Buena Vista Road for approximately 6 miles to Little Cola Road (Twp. Road 137). Turn left onto Little Cola Road and proceed approximately ½ mile to 13200 Little Cola Road.
The Bishop Gardens are the home of the Lilyfest, the second weekend each July (July 8-10 in 2005). This don’t miss event features stunning gardens skillfully manicured by master gardeners, hundreds of varieties of day lilies, arts and music in a beautiful Hocking Hills setting. By appointment, you may stop by other times of the year and enjoy a stroll through the gardens that (of course) feature daylilies, plus other plantings of hostas, perennials, annuals, and water plants. Please call (740) 969-2873 for further information and an appointment. Gardening and Lilyfest enthusiasts may also call the same number to inquire about adopting a Lilyfest garden or volunteering at the event.
Hutchison’s Hilltop Haven
From the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, turn right out or our driveway. Turn left onto U.S. 33, heading towards Lancaster. Follow the signs for the Natural Rockbridge Nature Preserve. Pass the preserve parking lot and go to the top of the hill where you will find Hutchison’s Hilltop Haven, "Mother Nature’s abode."
Leota Hutchison’s handmade basket and dried floral arrangements are sought after and you’ll enjoy browsing Leota’s treasure trove! Open daily -sometimes she’s out gathering flowers, but will leave a note about her return. Enjoy the gardens and the fantastic view of Hocking County.
Main Street in Logan, and surrounding neighborhoods
Follow directions to Logan Clay, but instead of turning on Walnut, continue on 93 North. The third traffic light is Main Street, and turn right here.
Don’t miss the summer baskets hanging throughout Downtown Logan on Main Street. The lovely Gazebo and gardens at Worthington Park are the setting for a Fright Summer Concert series. Businesses and residences in this area actively participated in the Logan in Bloom and America in Bloom competition, so keep your eyes open for some of the best landscaping.
