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Wasteland to
Wonderland
Ohme Gardens, perched high on a rocky
cliff overlooking the Wenatchee Valley, is the
achievement of over sixty years work by the Ohme
family. Their efforts have gradually transformed
the once barren hill into one of America's
leading gardens, visited by travelers around the
world.
Nine Acres
Started in 1929 by Hermen Ohme to be a private
family retreat, the gardens were opened to the public in
1939 at the insistence of early visitors that the beauty
should be shared. Through the years the Ohme family
enlarged and improved the gardens to its present nine
acres. To continue the Ohme dream the state of Washington
purchased the gardens to maintain and improve the
grounds. By a management agreement with Chelan County the
Gardens will remain a place set apart.
Natural by Design
Unlike a formal garden, Ohme gardens is
completely natural in appearance with the emphasis on
greenery. Patterned after high mountain country, the
grounds have a quiet, restful beauty that isn't dependent
on floral displays. The evergreen trees and low-growing plants have been
blended with the existing rock formations to create
effects varying from the lush growth of rain forest to
the variegated patterns of an alpine meadow. Where once
there was nothing but sagebrush and dust, there are now
shaded, fern bordered pools with tricking waterfalls. The
once brown slopes are now covered with a profusion of
greenery, the weathered rock formations emerge from
carpet-like plantings. Groves of trees create shady glens
and secluded hideaways, complete the mountain
setting. The stone pathways wander from one level to another,
across irregular shaped lawns, to the blue-green pools,
rustic shelters\, a wishing well, and on to the stone
lookout on the highest point. Vista areas offer sweeping
views of the Wenatchee Valley, Columbia River and Cascade
Mountains. Visitors may spend from half an hour to half a
day wandering in the serene, peaceful atmosphere.
Location
Twenty two miles east of Leavenworth or Three
miles north of Wenatachee, Washington, near the junction
of Highways 2 and 97.
Ohme Garden, 3327 Ohme Road, Wenatchee, WA 98801
Season
April 15 - October 15 Seven
days a week
Hours
Spring - 9:00 - 6:00 pm
(before Memorial Day Weekend)
Summer - 9:00 - 7:00 pm
Fall - 9:00 - 6:00 pm
(after Labor Day Weekend)
Admission
Adults $5.00 • 7 through 17 $3.00
6 and under free when with parents.
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