Schedel Arboretum and Gardens

Elmore, Ohio, United States

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The Schedel Arboretum and Gardens in Elmore, Ohio, originated from the estate of Joseph and Marie Schedel who lived there from 1930 until 1989.

The property was originally owned by Israel Harrington, the founder of Elmore, and went through several owners before the Schedels acquired it. The Schedels transformed the estate into a remarkable botanical haven, creating lakes, rare tree and shrub collections, and waterfowl breeding operations. After Joseph's death, the estate fell into some neglect until the foundation took over in 1989, restoring the grounds and opening it to the public in 1991.

Spanning about 17 acres, the arboretum features a diverse array of plants including a Japanese garden, extensive bonsai collections, and rare dawn redwood trees thought to be extinct elsewhere. The historic manor house on the property also houses the Blair Collection, the world’s largest collection of 19th-century lithophanes displayed on translucent porcelain plaques.

The arboretum combines natural beauty, art, and horticultural history, offering a tranquil and educational experience for visitors today.