Rockome is so called because it has rocks. In 1939, a man hired locals to haul rocks of all kinds, shapes and sizes to his garden where he built fences, fountains, buildings, walled gardens and just about anything else you could think of. He finally open it to the public and later sold it to an Amish family who operated the park for years. Under new ownership last year, the gardens are starting to be added to and have some much needed maintenance done.This is a very low keyed theme park who's attractions run from buggy rides to watching a blacksmith shoe horses. Small enough to see in a few hours, it is also a very safe place to let kids be kids. They rang old school bells, payed tic-tac-toe with a chicken and fed baby goats. They and I enjoyed seeing the rocks made into different structures, walking through a typical Amish home, and eating freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
There are some gardens as they name implies, and while most of the plants have been newly planted, you can see the 'bones' are there.
I loved the sunken garden area. It was full of hanging ferns as well as woodland ferns planted around the center patio.
In the middle of the park is a raised mound that has three waterfalls coming down the sides. You can take a rock path to the top which has a wooden deck and view most of the area.
My 'girls'- who were all calling me Mama by the end of the day.
13 comments:
I'm glad you had a good day with Nikki, Beckie. I'm sure having you there made it extra special for her.
I'm amazed you spent the day with the kids and still had time to post tonight! I'm so pooped I'm going to bed early (got a few of the new flowers planted). Have a good weekend and a happy Mother's Day!
Oh Beckie...Isn't it just fun to be with children. They look a lovely bunch.
The gardens are lovely, I love ferns, the foliage is always so interesting.
I also love anything with cinnamon in....bagels with sultanas and cinnamon are my favourites.
Have a happy mothers day, we celebrated in March.
That looks like a really fun place to go with kids--what fun. I miss those field trip days but guess they'll come around again when Grandchildren start to appear in my life.
Rose, It was a special day. I had time to post because I came home and sat in my chair for the rest of the eve!. Can't wait to see what you planted and where.
Cheryl, The fern garden looked like it would be a cool retreat in the heat of summer. Me too on the cinnamon!
Beth, as my husband says, "grand kids are God's reward to you for not having killed your own kids!" Yo have infinitely more patience with them and they are pure joy.
They all look so happy. It sounds such a lovely day and the photos look good too!
I've never had cinnamon rolls, they sound delicious.
Surburbia, it was fun. You have surely had them only by another name. They are bread dough rolled flat, melted butter over that, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon rolled up, sliced, laid in a pan and baked. When they come out you can drizzled with icing. Yummm1
Lucky you! What a wonderful day you had. That park sounds like one not to be missed. I love cinnamon too - especially cinnamon rolls or buns as we call them.
Wendy, most of the kids said they'd like to go back, so I think they really enjoyed the low-key atmosphere. I enjoyed the spaces and the soon to be gardens. I so enjoyed it more than some of these 'theme' parks they have now.
This is a garden unlike anything I've seen before. I'm amazed that some of the walls are standing, the way they are laid out. Thanks for sharing!
Aiyana
I have heard of this garden before but have never been there. I am glad you had a good time with the girls.
Happy Mother's Day...
Aiyana, the walls are really unusual and in some spots they have suffered breakage, but the new owners are repairing them. Although not a big park. It is a lovely area and the kids enjoyed it.
Lisa, you and DB should take a drive over some day. I think you'd enjoy it. Hope your Mother's Day was great!
What a fantastic place to visit! That must have taken years and years to complete. He surely had a great deal of patience. It does sound like a nice, non-commercial place to take children. The columbines blooming through the ferns are lovely. I'll have to remember that planting scheme!
The lilacs in your previous post as wonderful. Such colors! You are certainly lucky to have so many varieties. And I have to admit I laughed as I watched your Hubby pull out that nasty rosebush!
Sometimes it pays to goof off and skip a little work. I'm glad I did today or i might never have discovered Rockome Gardens.
Thanks for the photos and link. I'm inspired and am now thinking of using something I never would have before - little stones. I love the look of those fences.
IYou put a smile on my face too :)
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