“I attended a presentation about the spring Zoo Blooms Gardens at the Cincinnati Zoo. The gardens were beautiful but what stood out to me was the tremendous attendance increases to see the spring flowering bulbs. As Board Chair at FPC, I knew in my heart that the monumental bulb show at Franklin Park Conservatory would have an instant impact and increase our membership and visitor experience.”
-Bill Gerhardt, CEO & Founder of GreenScapes Landscape Co.
The inspiration for Columbus Blooms began with this vision. In 2015, Franklin Park Conservatory launched its first large-scale spring bulb display, with GreenScapes’ founder playing a key role in bringing the idea forward. That inaugural year, Conservatory staff and volunteers planted 70,000 bulbs across the interior courtyards and entrance beds.
The response was immediate. Visitor admissions rose more than 30% compared to the same time the year before. By 2016, nearly 100,000 bulbs were planted, and in subsequent years the number continued to climb past that milestone. By 2017, admission revenue had grown by 67% compared to 2014, cementing Columbus Blooms as one of the Conservatory’s most popular seasonal attractions.
Today, Columbus Blooms continues to delight guests each spring with breathtaking floral displays, creating a vibrant experience that draws visitors from across Central Ohio and beyond. The project is a lasting example of how visionary leadership and community collaboration can transform a public garden into a must-see destination.
Columbus Blooms at Franklin Park Conservatory was established in 2015, with GreenScapes’ founder, Bill Gerhardt, being the driving force behind this project.
In 2015, Conservatory staff members and volunteers planted 70,000 bulbs within the interior courtyards and in park entrance beds. The number of bulbs grew to nearly 100,000 in 2016, and more than 100,000 in following years. Bill Gerhardt’s hear proved prophetic as admissions to the Conservatory increased by more than 30% in 2015 compared to the same time the prior year. The popularity of Columbus Blooms continues to grow, with 2017 admission revenue to 67% from 2014.
GreenScapes Landscape Co.
Landscape Architects & Contractors
4220 Winchester Pike
Columbus, OH 43232
614.837.1869
info@greenscapes.net
GreenScapes Landscape Co.
Landscape Architects & Contractors
4220 Winchester Pike
Columbus, OH 43232
614.837.1869
info@greenscapes.net
