This is the first of a many monthly e-newsletters that will keep you updated on events and happenings at the Gardens.  Please share this newsletter with others you think would enjoy receiving it. 

 

Eighty years ago Herman and Ruth Ohme's vision began.  This dream has developed into a nationally acclaimed garden and one of Washington State's top attractions.  Visitors from around the world come to see this unique, awe inspiring and memorable attraction.  Once visited, people spread the word of this hidden gem by telling their friends and acquaintances of this "must see" attraction in Chelan County near Wenatchee, Washington.
 
A newly formed non-profit organization called the Ohme Gardens Friends' Society was formed last season and has injected a new energy and enthusiasm for helping raise awareness, funding for projects, and provides volunteers to help maintain and preserve this incredible garden.  Bonnie Orr, President of the 'Friends', along with other board members have done an amazing job of creating a momentum for building a strong base of support for the self-supporting Gardens.  
 
The ownership of the Gardens was transferred last December when the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission passed ownership to Chelan County, which has operated the Gardens since becoming a public garden in 1992.  The new ownership will help speed up approval time for necessary projects that will allow us to be self sustaining.
 
Sally Brawley; Marketing & Promotions, has put together a new Summer Concert Series for July & August.  These nine early evening concerts will be a great way to spend a summer evening in a relaxing atmosphere with a picnic dinner, enjoyable music, and a sunset glow.  
 
The 80th Anniversary season will be filled with many opportunities to enjoy this special attraction. You can also check out all these opportunities on our events calendar at: www.ohmegardens.com/events.htm.
Sincerely,
 
Mike Short
Garden Administrator 

Excerpt from the book: Ohme Gardens - Alpine Wonderland

"When I came up here I found the most sensational panorama I'd ever seen," Herman said.  As he stared out from his hilltop and saw snow-capped mountain backdrops, rivers and valleys stretching for miles, he told himself, "This is where I should build a house.  It's like looking down from heaven.  "It occurred to me at once what to do with it-with this rock that nature had left that had been millions of years in the making.  The rock had beautiful formation for a garden."  In the spring of 1929, Herman began work on his hilltop project.  He started a small rock garden near the top of his hill. "It was hardly more than a shifting around of the rock that was already there in abundance," he remarked, "It was either find a use for the rock or have to cart it away somewhere."  
  
Herman soon after met Ruth Orcutt and they were married on August 14, 1930. At the end of the day working in their apple orchard, they would enjoy the view and tranquility from the top of the rocky bluff. Looking west toward the Cascade Mountains one fall day, they sat and marveled at the incredible view. Herman turned to his new bride and said, "You know, this spot could be made as beautiful as those mountains over there," and that was the inspiration they used to create their dream.  At that point, they decided that this bluff would be a good place to build their home as they created their mountain setting. However, because of the Great Depression in 1930, banks weren't loaning any money.   The Ohmes decided ..."We'll just start our yard until such time as the banks have money to loan again."
 

Of course their "backyard" grew and the Ohme's dream became a reality and an inspiration to all of us, of what hard work and perseverance can do.   Their effort has left a legacy for us all to enjoy!