Entrance to Mission Oaks with mission-style house through the gateway
“The Secret Garden” describes this hidden-away place of relaxation in the midst of a residential area of Zanesville, Ohio. Mission Oaks Garden has five acres to keep you in the arms of Mother Nature. The setting acquired its name because the home had the appearance of a mission-house surrounded by oaks. Today that name has a double meaning as they definitely have a mission: to provide and protect a little piece of nature for all to enjoy.
Pathway to Beauty
Here you will find everything from waterfalls to conifer forests at no cost to you or your friends. Seven days a week from dawn until dusk, you are invited to relax surrounded by flowers, or explore these five peaceful acres for free.
The stone path is lined with flowers of the season. From Springtime until Fall, some variety of flowers are blooming here…from tulips to mums. The porch makes a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the scents of the beautiful blossoms.
Established in 1925, legend has it this charming mission style home was built by a local businessman for his mistress, a party dress designer during the roaring 20’s. But for the last twenty-five years, the home has been owned by Albert “Bert” and Susan Hendley.
Mission Oaks home surrounded by flowers.
When Bert first saw the abandoned mansion in 1988, he told his wife, “It’s a dump.” Now, Bert’s developed a masterpiece of beauty and his greatest joy is finding unique plants for visitors to view.
Rustic Gazebo in the middle of the garden
After you have had a leisurely walk through the upper gardens, then it is time to explore the rest of the acreage. Head down a steep flight of stairs, or enter the garden from the rear entrance, which is marked with stone pillars. The sight before you, right in the middle of Zanesville, will amaze you.
Once into the forested section of the garden, the paths go two separate directions. One path leads to the Woodland Garden, while the other descends to the Conifer Garden.
Paths meander throughout the wooded areas with surprises around every bend. While no overall plan was ever made for the gardens, unusual trees and flowers greet you at surprising places along the pathways.
There are two small waterfalls, which flow over rocky hillsides into a small pond at one end, and a small stream on the other. The small pond had the most beautiful lotus in bloom along the water’s edge. This was a great spot to sit on comfortable wooden benches and relax while soaking up the ambiance of the scenic view.
Small Lake in Conifer Garden
Over 300 trees give plenty of shade to the home and wooded areas. This includes original white oaks as well as many unusual trees Bert has discovered in his travels. In addition there are nearly 200 conifers, making Mission Oaks acknowledged for having one of the most renowned conifer gardens in Ohio.
Lotus Blossoms
Mission Oaks provides the perfect place to avoid the maddening crowds, relax in meditation, take a walk with Mother Nature, or just run away from home for the day.
All this is kept beautiful by the Muskingum Valley Park Department with assistance of Mission Oaks Foundation staff and many volunteers. Be sure to stop by and visit this hidden garden…if you can find it!
Mission Oaks Garden is actually hidden away in the city of Zanesville, Ohio at 1865 Norwood Avenue. Easiest approach would be from I-70, and exit on Maple Avenue. At the third traffic light on Maple Avenue, turn left on Dresden Road. Make a quick right on Yale Avenue , turn right on Norwood Avenue, and at the corner you will see Mission Oaks Garden on your right hand side. If you prefer the back entrance, from Yale Avenue make a right on Euclid Avenue and go left through the stone pillars at Hunter Avenue. There is only street parking at either entrance.
