gardenview horticultural park

WOW had no idea this place was here. such a hidden jewel and excellent for getting local resources on plants and such

I hadn’t been to Gardenview in a few years and went the other day with my mother, husband, and fourteen year old son. I was saddened to hear that the primary caretaker, since 1949, had died at the beginning of this year. The other caretaker, who has been working there for 18 years, is still toiling over the property. It is true that there is a lot of work to be done, but if enough people looked beyond the weeds and deteriorated statues, the park could get well deserved and well needed donations to get more people to help with the upkeep. Perhaps even local colleges would find it beneficial to send students interested in horticulture to volunteer as interns. Anyone who lives in Strongsville knows the constant hustle and bustle of the city. Yet, within that city of traffic, construction, and people on their cell phones everywhere you look, there is a place of serenity right nearby. If there is any negativity to be gained from this experience, it’s the thought of Gardenview ceasing to exist because not enough people care enough to help continue what one man started. Henry Ross had a vision and made Gardenview a reality, and he did it on his own terms and in his own way. I think anyone who has a love for flowers, gardens, nature, and peace should visit and then donate a small contribution as well. Despite much work to be done, my family and I were still able to appreciate the “oasis of beauty” that Henry Ross took his whole life to create and maintain. Watching his memorial video on Gardenview’s website gives a remarkable look at the past and present of Gardenview and the story behind the man who started it all. However, even if I didn’t watch the video, it is evident, after visiting Gardenview, that the beautiful gardens that have blossomed and thrived within its walls are due to the eternally beautiful soul of Henry Ross.

The gardens may have been a lovely place to visit in the past but the owner died in early 2014 and they have sadly deteriorated. Any large garden is a lot of work to tend and it appears that this garden is woefully understaffed in order to maintain it in a condition that is commensurate with charging addition. The greenhouses are littered and in disrepair, the worksites are messy, pathways are not conducive to strollers for small children, and weeds abound. With fabulous alternatives available (Cleveland Botanical gardens, Quailcrest, Kingwood etc) I would not want to take an out of town visitor to see Gardenview and give them a negative experience. Let's hope that the new overseers invest time and money in the garden to restore it to its former glory before it's too late to recover its reputation.

These gardens are worth a trip any time of year. Hidden behind a wall on the busy main street through town, you find quiet beauty along garden paths. Stop for a bit - get away from the stresses of your busy life, relax with nature in this botanical paradise, and then you can go back to the hustle and bustle of your day renewed and enriched. Bring your Mom's there on Mother's Day. In the winters many plants are dormant of course, but the green houses are alive with color. Become a member. Support this wonderful nonprofit organization.My family and I thank Garden Founder, Henry Ross, for his lifetime dedication to creating, improving and maintaining this hidden treasure!

Gardenview is the unique inspiration of the Henry Ross and his pursuit of an island of beauty in a sea of monotony. Strongsville is hardly a quaint French (or American) village. Rather it is bland and similar to many other suburban communities that are laced with fast food franchises, big box stores, and shopping malls. It wasn't always this way, but "progress" has caught up with what once was "small town America". Inside Gardenview one will find flowers arranged in and around its many trees. Sometimes the weeding can get too much for the staff, so use your imagination and ignore them. The place is enclosed with a high fence that provides lots of privacy for your visit.

We were in a Strongsville Hotel for a nearby wedding and were looking to kill a few hours in an area we didn't know. This place was absolutely beautiful, stunning really. It was so lush and had so much gorgeous variety. A definite Secret Garden type feel.

The trails just keep drawing you further in to the next beautiful and serene vantage point. Quiet and lovely with amazing plants and the freedom to wander at will among nature. The best part is realizing that one human being is responsible for all that beauty and it inspires me to do more myself to bring beauty to my own little space. You won't be sorry you spent time there. Fee ($5) is the most reasonable for any attraction I've been to. The amazing beauty and gift of the place makes me want to give more as a fiver couldn't possibly help to keep all that going. Thanks to the designer and worker, Henry and all who helped him put that together!

Gardenview Horticultural park is an amazing place to visit. It's very quiet, serene, and highlights the local natural beauty. There are many winding paths, tons of foliage, trees, ponds, and wildlife. Great for an afternoon stroll with the family. It's the Metroparks on steroids. My daughters love watching dragonflies, butterflies, frogs, and other wildlife.

Decent place but nothing special. Nice horticulture & etc,but I still wouldn't spend my precious time there for very long.

This "oasis of beauty" is a garden of uncommon plants plus ponds, birds, and arboretum, with many benches and viewpoints. English Cottage Gardening presented by the ever-laboring Henry Ross; he'll probably be there to greet you. I'm going to go back for the Crabapple flowering in May or so. Only $5 to enter and stroll, and $25 for a membership which gets you in free. Don't be fooled be the big gray wall, look for the small sign. Also, it is near a good destination restaurant in an historic building, so make a day of it, as I did with my elderly mom, and she loved it!