Ohme Gardens Cancels 2020 Season Due to Coronavirus

WENATCHEE, WA – It has just been announced that Ohme Gardens will not be opening for the 2020 season. After much deliberation the Chelan County Commission along with the Gardens Director, Jason Browning, have decided to cancel the 2020 season. Look for Ohme Gardens to reopen on April 15, 2021.  

But this isn’t completely bad news for Ohme Gardens since the crew will take advantage of this time to make major improvements. Browning says the cancelation means crews will be able to start working on revitalization projects that garden staff wouldn’t have originally had capacity to accomplish. The Gardens will also get to jump start on several capital improvement projects that formerly wouldn’t have started until after the Gardens closed in October. 

“We had an amazing season planned for this year and are disappointed that the Gardens won’t be opening this season,” says Browning. “But we plan on taking advantage of the closure with major maintenance projects that we will get started and finished over the next few months, and that means the 2021 season will definitely be a great re-opening.” 

Browning says members who were hoping to visit the Gardens this season can have their membership extended for a year. Movie nights had already been cancelled and as of yet, there has been no decision made about the Concerts in the Gardens. 

Among the major maintenance projects that will be getting worked on: 

• New ticket office and gift store 
• Parking lot improvements and expansion 
• New plantings 
• Refinishing of all pond/pools 
• New trails 
• Tree removals and more 

Browning says they are working on a plan to give local residents a special opportunity to enjoy the Gardens when they reopen in 2021. More details will be posted to the website, www.ohmegardens.org, when the final details are determined.   

About Ohme Gardens:

Herman and Ruth Ohme began with a small "backyard" garden in 1929 with the intent of creating a private family retreat.  Eventually they opened the Gardens to the public as they continued to transform their rocky bluff into a unique, forested landscape.  Now visitors from all over the world are amazed to see what they have accomplished. Currently owned and operated by Chelan County, the Gardens are open daily April 15 - October 15. The admission fee goes towards the cost of maintaining the grounds. Parking is free. A small gift shop is onsite. Good walking shoes are recommended. Located near the junction of Highways 2 & 97A in Wenatchee. For more details visit the Ohme Gardens website.