68°f/19°C, humid, overcast.
So last Thursday was a very full day! First the Nelson Ledges State Park, then the Hambledon Mill and Fellowes Gardens, and next, the Hippley Gardens. It was hot too, but the Hippley Gardens were a total delight.
We were lucky enough to meet the creator of Hippley Gardens, Mr. John Hippley, who was there working on one of the water features. He zis a retired high school landscaping instructor (who knew they had such classes in high school!), and owns a landscaping business in nearby Salem, Ohio. His electric bill for the gardens is $2500 a month! Fortunately there is now a nonprofit foundation for the gardens, but Mr. Hippley told us he puts all the money from his landscaping business into these gardens. His love and dedication is apparent everywhere. What a man.
Hippley Gardens is free to tour, and open to the public. The internet advised calling to schedule a tour but when I called, Mr. Hippley was amazed that I was coming all the way from West Virginia to see his gardens, and told me to come anytime. It seems that calling ahead is really not necessary unless you want a formal tour, or are bringing a group, as there are no gates that I could see.
Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.
How did you learn of this place? It sounds like a great spot to visit.
ReplyDeleteMarcia, I learned of it through the Facebook group Ohio Road Trips---which is where I learned about the other two places we visited as well. Such groups are a great resource.
DeleteWhat a pretty place:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun place!
ReplyDeleteHippley Gardens is a true labor of love. The mix of whimsy, artistry, and personal dedication really comes through in your description. Meeting Mr. Hippley must have been a memorable highlight his commitment to creating such a joyful space is inspiring.
ReplyDelete...thanks for introducing John Hippley and his gardens to me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your trip! You sure found a lot of beautiful and unusual places to visit!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI am thinking, “Hippley, believe it or not,” because my mind is an odd place.
ReplyDeleteLove the two buildings — the succulent roof and the library.
Talk about dedication and passion! What a cool garden.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful garden! I would love to visit it too.
ReplyDeleteI like those gardens and I watched a part of the brick sculpting videos. How very interesting.
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