Fall Sights in Columbus

Celebrate the change in foliage at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 

By Joe Frye 

As summer turns into autumn, one of the more notable features is the foliage and flora that turns with it. Summer hydrangeas turn to fall mums, and green leaves turn into vivid warm colors. At the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, visitors are invited to come and see more of the horticultural offerings of the season.  

Since September, the “Harvest Blooms” exhibit has been highlighting gardens full of mums, pumpkins and even cabbages. Houses made of pumpkins invite visitors inside to see cornucopias of more fall foliage. Trees also made of pumpkins tower over guests as they explore the gardens.  

Pumpkins are highlighted even further in the “Pumpkins Aglow” exhibit, a family-friendly offering that takes place exclusively at night. Featuring over a thousand illuminated pumpkins, visitors walk through the gardens to take in the spooky scenery. The pumpkin houses from the “Harvest Bloom” exhibit are aglow while skeletons, a pumpkin tunnel and an alien abduction display are exclusive additions to the exhibit. 

In addition to the displays throughout the garden, “Pumpkins Aglow” will feature a craft market, glow-in-the-dark yard games, food vendors and a bar with three specialty cocktails. 

Admission costs, hours of operation and more information can be found on the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’s website.