MANSFIELD — Kingwood Center Gardens on Saturday offered a winter dichotomy.
Snow on a late January day covered the grounds of the 47-acre estate founded by Charles E. King.
At the duck pond, waterfowl lay quietly on the ice or swam in a small, open water area.
The colorful floral gardens that make Kingwood one of the most popular tourist attractions in north central Ohio are months away from an April return of crocus and daffodils and magnolias in May.
Decorations from a busy Christmas season at Kingwood are still visible along walkways that reveal the icy signs of the coldest days of winter just a few days ago.
A “wind song” above offers sounds that remind visitors spring cannot be that far away as children in snowsuits are pushed in strollers through the chilly park.
But inside the warm greenhouses, vibrant colors are all around as tropicals, succulents and other plants paint a picture as bright as the air is warm.
The greenhouse is also home to Kingwood’s production houses where thousands of annuals are raised yearly for outdoor displays.
The garden is open daily from10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter months, though Kingwood Hall is closed during January and February.
The garden gift shop and greenhouse are open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the Gateway Cafe is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call 419-522-0211 for more information.
(Below are photos taken Saturday at the Kingwood Center Gardens.)
