Wetumpka’s Little Corner of Greece is a destination
Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum could be – indeed, should be, according to Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce Director Gerry Purcell – a destination drawing card for tourists who spend hotel and restaurant dollars in the area when they visit.
The Elmore County garden that was founded nearly 100 years ago by Benjamin and Mary Fitzpatrick is one of about a dozen existing attractions or activities that chamber members identified as local highlights with the potential to economically boost visitor spending. Purcell said promotion is the key to making that happen.
“It’s like a Callaway Gardens,” Purcell said. “A little smaller but certainly just as spectacular.
“The chamber of commerce is committed to helping get the word out about the gardens. It’s a win-win for everyone. It’s definitely a destination visit, so we should be pulling from the surrounding areas – from Birmingham, from Atlanta, from
Columbus, from Mobile.”
Dubbed the area’s “Little Corner of Greece,” the gardens feature replicated architecture and statuary commissioned by the garden’s founders to recreate many of their favorite pieces from their frequent travels to the Mediterranean.
The Fitzpatricks cultivated these other-worldly gardens with meticulous care and the help of local workers. In addition to the collection of trees, shrubs and bulbs that bloom year round in this 20-acre paradise, Mary Fitzpatrick also grew friendships with those who loved the gardens as much as her husband and she did.
About 50 years ago, Fitzpatrick invited Wetumpka’s Jim Inscoe to afternoon tea. She had seen Inscoe and his daughter on numerous occasions as they strolled through the gardens, and it didn’t take long for a friendship to blossom over their shared passion for the abundant blooms and artistic features.
Before she passed away in 1982, Fitzpatrick sold Jasmine Hill to Inscoe and his wife Elmore.
Though the garden is operated by the non-profit Jasmine Hill Foundation today, Inscoe remains active there, and his love and knowledge of the gardens flows as freely as the fountains within its ornate iron fences on a bright Sunday afternoon.
“Mrs. Fitzpatrick made sure her help told me everything I needed to know,” Inscoe said.
One of the most unique features of Jasmine Hill Gardens, and one that offers potential as a year round tourist attraction, is that flowers bloom year round. With spring comes the color and sweet aroma of Japanese cherry trees, azaleas, jasmine, wisteria, dogwood, roses, mountain laurel and hydrangea, and summer brings the blooms of crape myrtle, waterlilies, lotus, lantana, impatiens and countless others. Spider lilies, chrysanthemums and flowering kale usher in the cooler fall months as gingko and colorful berries add to the spectacular autumn color. The winter garden denies the season’s drabness with camellias, winter blooming azaleas and pansies.
With a twinkle in his eye, Inscoe pointed out the various plants and trees that are already in full bloom at the gardens this spring. Japanese cherry trees, azaleas, flowering crabapples, irises, jonquils, snowballs, narcissi and Carolina jasmines, along with some annuals, currently each show off blossoms alongside the garden’s pathways.
“Every blossom has its own personality,” Inscoe said.
Another feature of the gardens is its distinct marriage of local history with the history of two prominent, ancient Mediterranean cultures. Visitors enter the gardens through the Greek Olympian Centre, which boasts a Temple of Hera-inspired façade, as well as a Great Hall that is reminiscent of a Roman courtyard. The Great Hall houses replicas of several famous Greek sculptures, including Hermes of Praxiteles, the Diadem Wearer and the Charioteer of Delphi. Because the replicas were created from molds made from the original sculptures, they look extremely authentic, Inscoe explained.
Guests continue through the gardens, strolling down the stone walkways where they encounter a multitude of additional sculptures, primarily replicas of works from the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods of Greek art. Visitors are also introduced to several sculptures and works of art from Italy along the way.
Perhaps one of the most recognizable pieces upon which visitors gaze with admiration is the Venus de Milo replica. This remarkable statue is illuminated in the springtime with the brilliant burst of Japanese cherry blossoms that serve as the backdrop to Venus’ graceful elegance.
Despite the awe-inspiring beauty of the numerous statues and artwork throughout the gardens, the Temple of Hera ruins stands as the crown jewel of Jasmine Hill. Except for the reflective pool that rests serenely within the center of the ruins, the temple is the world’s only exact reproduction of the original temple located in Olympia, Greece.
Before the 1996 summer Olympic Games, the Olympic flame traveled from the Greek Temple of Hera all the way across the Atlantic to its Jasmine Hill Gardens twin. Inscoe’s son Turner had the prestigious honor of carrying the Olympic torch through the gardens as it made its way to Atlanta, Georgia.
Visitors also can walk atop the western ridge of the crater impact site, formed some 85 million years ago by an estimated 1,000-foot wide asteroid. In fact, the pathways that traverse the gardens are created from stones that were gathered all along and within the impact site. From one area of the gardens, guests can take in a sweeping panoramic view of the eastern ridge of the crater across a 3-4 mile expanse.
The grounds also include a renovated 1830s cottage that is available for events, including weddings and garden parties.
Having such an enchanting place steeped in so much history makes Wetumpka and Elmore County rich in a unique way. Inscoe said he hopes to share the gardens with generations to come from near and far, and he recognizes that promotion, including social media, is a key component in doing so.
“We have close to 1,500 likes on Facebook when we should have 15,000,” Inscoe explained.
In a recent meeting, City of Wetumpka officials and experts in the field devised a preliminary plan to attract visitors.
“I had my first opportunity to tour Jasmine Hill Gardens a few weeks ago. My first impression was, ‘Wow! Beautiful! What a treasure!’ So I’m buying an annual membership for my family. I encourage everyone to visit and support this treasure,” Purcell said.
He elaborated on what a higher visitor turnout to Jasmine Hill Gardens could mean for all of Wetumpka.
“The more visitors to Jasmine Hill Gardens, the more people spending money in Wetumpka. Exciting stuff!” Purcell said.
The gardens are located at 3001 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka. The garden is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon until 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 to 12. Discounts are available for seniors and active military; season passes also are available. To arrange tours, call 334-263-5713 or email admin@jasminehill.org.
