While out running around Saturday, I meandered into Alley Park near Lancaster, Ohio. Part of Lancaster’s city park system, it’s home to picnic areas, seven miles of trails, a terrific log cabin, nature center, a catch and release lake and this covered bridge.
It’s called the George Hutchins Covered Bridge. Built somewhere else in 1865, it was brought here for the Fairfield County Bicentennial Celebration in 2000.
At just 49 feet, it’s not an enormous bridge but it’s in great shape and the perfect venue for small events. In fact, it was decorated Saturday for a late day wedding.
I wandered around here for a bit before heading down the road to bargain shop at Peddlar’s Junction. Just before this, I had visited a local sunflower field. Read about that experience here!
Also, in case you need a pep talk – this flower was growing all alone in a pavement crack. If a little flower can muster this kind of resilience and will to live, we can too!
Look closely and you’ll see weeds in this picture. Don’t and you’ll find many colorful flowers.
This hydrangea was a gift from a friend’s yard many years ago. I had it for well over a decade before it bloomed and had all but given up on ever seeing it produce a flower.
Hands down, the coolest greenhouse I’ve ever been to is Groovy Plants Ranch. It’s located near Marengo, Ohio just north of Columbus and is a fun place to wile away an afternoon.
And this pretty little number!
They also use some more rustic pieces like old tractors and bikes. A restored 1956 Century Camper serves as a food truck.
Plus, there’s retail space in this 1869 schoolhouse.
And lots of fun flower pots and metal yard art.
And then there are the plants. There’s an enormous variety of things that are just a little different. Sure, you can buy a petunia but it will be a variety you won’t find in most local greenhouses and certainly not at a big box store. It will also be enormous and healthy.
Overall, they have a nice selection of perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, houseplants and succulents and I enjoyed my shopping trip immensely.
Want to go? I hope you will! Get their current hours and address, read their blog and check out some of the selection at their 
The crocus are blooming in earnest. It never ceases to amaze me when this happens after a harsh Ohio winter.