COLUMBUS, Ohio – Despite its remarkable growth in recent years, Ohio's buzzy capital boasts an incredible number of public gardens, green spaces and parks, which offer Columbus visitors space to stretch their legs, soak up some solitude and take in vibrant flower displays. Beautiful weather, seasonally themed events and one-of-a-kind plant exhibits draw thousands of visitors each summer. Admission to any one of the city's many destination gardens is less than a trip to the movies, if not free, and travelers can spend a whole day wandering the grounds, relaxing among the colorful buds or getting inspiration for home gardens.

Columbus is home to one of the best spots to stop and smell the roses. The second largest rose garden in the United States, Columbus Park of Roses is filled with more than 12,000 rose plants (400 different varieties) stretched across 13 acres located just north of downtown in the hip Clintonville neighborhood. Beginning in May, its Heritage Rose Garden is in peak bloom and bursting with colorful blossoms and scents that fill the air. Admission is always free and roses throughout the Formal Rose Garden stay vibrant until mid-September.

Imbuing some of the city's most celebrated features, Columbus' Scioto Mile is an urban sanctuary with more than 175 acres of lush parkland. It winds along the picturesque Scioto River waterfront, from the lively Arena District to the natural beauty of the Whittier Peninsula and its celebrated Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Riverfront parks connect downtown to the river via an integrated system of parks, boulevards, bikeways and pedestrian paths. A 15,000-square-foot interactive fountain, spectacular events like the Jazz & Rib Fest and Rhythm on the River summer concert series lure travelers to miles of beautifully maintained trails with downtown skyline views.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, just two miles east of downtown Columbus, offers beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens, dynamic exhibitions and world-renowned artwork. Until September, visitors take part in a butterfly release daily at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The highly anticipated Chihuly: Celebrating Nature collection opened June 1, new Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden features interactive discovery stations and two acres for children to explore and play. The Conservatory also hosts hands-on classes that range from glass blowing and pasta making to potting succulents and painting with watercolors.

Georges Seurat's painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte,” comes to life in the Topiary Park. Featuring 54 human figures, eight boats, three dogs, a monkey and a cat, this mind-blowing topiary representation of Seurat's famed painting is crafted by volunteer artists from yew and metal armatures, with the tallest figure standing at 12 feet. Guests can see this unusual portrayal from the artist's point of view from a bronze frieze of the painting perched atop the park's hill. With no admission and plenty of beautifully landscaped walks, benches and picnic tables, this highly instagrammable spot is ideal for picnics, family photos and selfies. Another gorgeous free park, Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville, is just minutes from downtown. This scenic nature preserve boasts 10 different massive cultivated gardens and six walking trails. Visitors can also enjoy educational programs and events from yoga to plant identification and garden techniques.

If wandering garden grounds inspires travelers to test out their green thumb, Columbus has plenty of places to learn how. Flowers and Bread is part bakery, part flower shop and encourages guests to join classes in bread baking and flower arranging, all while sipping coffee and sampling artisan favorites such as double-stuffed roasted grape focaccia or cinnamon monkey bread. With locations in both German Village and Italian Village, Stump Plants' owners Brian and Emily Kellett's goal is to educate visitors in order to ensure they'll be successful plant owners. Stump sells succulents, cacti, air plants and tropical houseplants and sustainably crafted wares, from classic terracotta to custom planters and art pottery. Each comes with a liberal dose of expert advice.

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