A Living Legacy in Bloom

Nestled on the rolling hills just above historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio, Clary Gardens is a 20-acre botanical garden that celebrates the beauty of nature, community, and history. What began as a family’s love of flowers and local heritage has grown into a beloved public garden, free to all visitors and home to countless weddings, educational programs, and community events. Each path, stone bridge, and blooming bed tells part of a story that began centuries ago and continues to grow today.

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Early Origins (Pre-1900s)

Long before Clary Gardens became the vibrant space it is today, the land was part of early Coshocton’s settlement history. Located just above the canal town of Roscoe Village (originally Caldersburgh), the property once belonged to James Taylor Calder, son of the town’s founder, James Calder. Two historic homes still stand on the grounds, the red Compton House, built around 1830, and the tan Garden House, dating to about 1850. Natural springs, more than thirty in total, flow through the hillside, creating the lush environment that makes the gardens thrive.

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The Clary Family & the Birth of the Garden (1907–2000)

In 1907, the Clary brothers established their greenhouse and florist business, known especially for their “hot-house roses.” Decades later, when Lawrence “Larry” Clary passed away, his wife Elizabeth “Beth” Clary sought a meaningful way to preserve his legacy and their shared love of flowers. Through her vision and a charitable trust, the dream of a public botanical garden was born. Beth’s earliest plantings, a rose garden, paid tribute to the family’s floral roots and set the foundation for what Clary Gardens would become. Over the years, the landscape grew to include daffodils, magnolias, perennials, and trees, as well as restored stonework and the original springhouse.

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Official Opening (2001)

In 2001, Clary Gardens was formally dedicated as a public botanical garden. The grounds opened free to the public, providing a place where guests could walk among the blooms, explore wooded trails, and experience nature in every season. What began as a memorial garden quickly blossomed into a living landmark for Coshocton County.

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Growth, Restoration & Education (2010s)

Throughout the 2010s, Clary Gardens expanded both physically and in purpose. Restoration efforts preserved the 19th-century springhouse, and educational programs for children and adults became a cornerstone of its mission. New trails and garden beds were developed, and the amphitheater space became a favorite spot for outdoor concerts, weddings, and community gatherings—strengthening Clary’s connection to both nature and neighbors.

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20 Years in Bloom (2021 – Present)

In 2021, Clary Gardens celebrated its 20th anniversary as one of Coshocton County’s top destinations. Today, it continues to flourish as a nonprofit organization dedicated to horticultural education, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of local history. Visitors come year-round to enjoy seasonal displays, attend workshops, and celebrate life’s moments surrounded by natural beauty.

Clary Gardens remains a symbol of what can grow when history, heart, and community come together, continuing the legacy that began with the Clary family more than a century ago.