Annual Ohme Gardens Opening Delayed by Thursday’s Snowstorm

Thursday's heavy snowfall along with additional snow earlier this week is delaying the seasonal opening of Ohme Gardens by a day.

The Gardens typically open annually on the 15th, which is Friday, but staff will now greet the public Saturday.

Chelan County spokesperson Jill FitzSimmons says the snow created some issues on the grounds of the hillside gardens with lingering snow and irrigation.

Ohme Gardens has a 93 year history in the Wenatchee Valley, featuring alpine meadows and evergreen gardens.

Herman and Ruth Ohme started their work in 1929, transplanting small evergreen trees from the nearby Cascade Mountains.

They then created pathways and borders from native stone that they hauled from the Columbia River. An elaborate irrigation system eventually pumped water to the site, and over time, desert sage gave way to low-growing ground cover. Pools took shape adjacent to massive natural rock formations.

Ohme Gardens was sold to the state Parks Department in 1991, and is now owned and managed by Chelan County.

The grounds are used for concerts and movie showings as well as weddings and private events.

Ohme Gardens is typically open 7 days a week from 9 am to 6 pm during the spring, summer and early fall.