Birmingham Garden Offers a Natural High
BY MATT GREEN

It’s commencement week. Your parents are hot, tired and generally disgruntled. They want to take a leisurely stroll in the shade of the woods and the Arb just isn’t cutting it. This would be a good time to hop in the car and head out of Oberlin to the Schoepfle Garden in the little town of Birmingham. The garden is in Erie County, just past the Lorain County border.

(photo by Matt Green)

Located alongside the Vermillion River, the Garden is a pleasant destination for both parents and students. It is a 70-acre preserve of natural woodlands, horticultural gardens and river valley. The formal garden is situated on a beautifully landscaped and impressively maintained 20-acre plot of land. 
The garden houses a wide variety of plant, flower, and tree specimens, many of which have identification markers alongside them. Several ponds and shade groves are situated throughout the area as well as a dog-shaped topiary bush that stands guard.

The Garden also maintains 50 acres of forest. Several short walking trails lead leisurely trips through this wooded area. One trail rises gradually above the river and continues along the top of its steep embankment. In late spring, like the formal gardens, the woods are lush, providing refreshing shade from the sun.

The garden was started by Otto B. Schoepfle in 1936, who throughout his 33-year ownership began major plantings of specimen trees, a rose garden and topiary collections, all of which remain today. In 1969 he donated the property to the Lorain Country Metro Parks who continue to manage it. 

A short side trail leads to a small beach alongside the river where the steep eroded banks can be observed. There is also a resident flock of garrulous geese who can often be seen flapping around in the water. Don’t get too excited, no hunting allowed!

There is a visitors center at the entrance to the garden. Inside are trail guides, bathrooms, a short informational video and a small gift shop. The center rents audio tours along with providing free scheduled group tours. There are also occasional speakers and special programs.

To get to the Garden: Take Rt. 58 North to 113 West. Enter town of Birmingham, cross bridge and go left on Market Street. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parking and admission are both free.