WMNI Events

It may be winter in Ohio, but garden lovers and plant enthusiasts don’t have to go very far to experience a touch of the tropics.

Ohio State University Extension Clark County Master Gardeners and the Friends of the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden will offer “A Touch of the Tropics Tour” on Feb. 15 from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour will stop at places throughout Columbus, Ohio, where warm-loving plants, such as orchids and palm trees flourish regardless of the weather.

The cost of the tour is $50 with a portion of the proceeds going to the Friends of the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden to support the garden and residence efforts. The fee covers the bus tour, lunch and refreshments. Registration deadline is Feb. 11.

The tour group will depart from the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center at 2201 Fred Taylor Drive in Columbus, OH. The tour will stop at the following locations:

• Nationwide Insurance and the Nationwide Atrium – A downtown oasis of splashing waterfalls, towering palm trees and soothing beds of tropical plants. The gardeners who maintain the space will share secrets for keeping the lush look flourishing during the winter months.

• Franklin Park Conservatory – Flora is found to appeal to every gardening taste, from cool mountainsides to cactus-studded deserts to palm-shaded tropical forests. Visitors will tour the garden and learn, among other things, how the orchid show is created.

• Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center – Located on the campus of Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, OPGC leads efforts to preserve plants around the world. Visitors will learn how germplasm is stored and protected.

• Ohio State University Howlett Hall greenhouses – Visitors will lean about some of the research projects taking place, as well as visit a small conservatory that holds various tropical plant species.

For more information or to register, contact Paige Bilott at 614-644-7644, ext. 5, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or log on to http://extension-cms.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/counties/clark/topics/horticulture/files-for-other-links/Tropics%20Field%20Trip%202010.pdf/view.