Grassland Gardens opens August 2, 2025, showcasing over 2 acres of deer-resistant landscape on a 46-acre Ohio farm operated by Old World Garden Farms. Phase One features more than 3,000 plantings representing 50 ornamental grass varieties, along with deer-proof annuals like marigolds, zinnias, and ornamental peppers that deter browsing through scent and toxicity. Winding walkways connect waterfalls, ponds, and sitting areas designed for wildlife observation and visitor relaxation. Future phases will add a greenhouse atrium and expand to 25,000 total plantings by 2027, creating a living reference for successful deer-resistant gardening strategies.
What to Expect at Grassland Gardens’ August 2025 Opening
The grand opening of Grassland Gardens on August 2, 2025, will showcase over 2 acres of fully developed landscape featuring more than 3,000 individual plantings.
Visitors will experience winding walkways that weave above a pond and patio area, connecting waterfalls, sitting areas, and carefully planned garden spaces.
The landscape includes 50 different varieties of ornamental grasses, complemented by deer-resistant annuals, perennials, bushes, and trees.
Nearly all plants selected naturally resist deer browsing, while vulnerable species will be protected with themed plant guards for complete protection throughout the growing season.
For those seeking additional security, premium deer fencing offers comprehensive protection to keep wildlife at bay while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the garden.
Why 46 Acres of Deer-Resistant Gardens Matter in Ohio
Beyond the visual spectacle of its opening day features, this 46-acre project addresses a widespread challenge facing Ohio gardeners, property owners, and land managers throughout the state. High deer populations create constant damage to traditional landscaping, forcing many to abandon ornamental plants entirely.
The Grassland Gardens demonstrates practical solutions through deer-resistant varieties that maintain beauty without constant protection measures. By showcasing over 50 ornamental grass varieties alongside compatible annuals and perennials, the garden provides a living reference guide.
Visitors can observe real-world performance of these plants in Ohio’s climate, making informed selections for their own properties while reducing landscaping frustration and expense. For those seeking additional protection for vegetable gardens, cedar raised garden kits offer an elevated growing solution that can help deter deer while providing optimal drainage and growing conditions.
Phase One Delivers 3,000 Plantings Across 50 Grass Varieties
Starting in early March 2025, Phase One brings over 3,000 individual grass plants representing 50 distinct ornamental varieties to a carefully designed 2-acre section of the property.
Installation teams will construct walkways that weave above the pond and patio area, incorporating waterfalls and sitting areas throughout the landscape.
The carefully chosen varieties provide year-round interest while resisting deer damage.
Phase One features include:
- Over 3,000 ornamental grass plantings across 50 varieties
- Integrated walkways, waterfalls, and seating areas
- Deer-resistant annuals, perennials, bushes, and trees
- Themed plant guards protecting vulnerable species
Metal edging landscape solutions will define and protect the borders of each planting bed while creating clean visual transitions between different garden zones.
Grand opening occurs August 2, 2025.
Ornamental Grasses That Survive Deer and Drought Year-Round
Ornamental grasses anchor the Grassland Gardens design because they naturally resist deer browsing while thriving in drought conditions once their root systems establish. These hardy plants require minimal watering after the first growing season, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
The grasses provide year-round visual interest through seasonal changes in color and texture, transforming from vibrant greens in spring to warm golds and browns in fall and winter. Their diverse sizes and forms create layered displays throughout the garden, while their seeds and foliage offer essential food and shelter for birds and beneficial wildlife across all four seasons. When maintaining your garden, collect dried grass clippings and plant debris in a stainless steel compost bin to create nutrient-rich soil amendments that further support your sustainable landscape.
Deer-Proof Annuals and Perennials Worth Growing
The garden’s deer-resistant strategy extends to carefully selected annuals and perennials that complement the ornamental grasses while providing vibrant color throughout the growing season.
Phase One incorporates several proven varieties that deer naturally avoid due to their scent, taste, or toxicity.
Key deer-proof selections include:
- Ornamental hot peppers – bright colors, natural capsaicin deters browsing
- Coleus – toxic when consumed, available in numerous vibrant foliage patterns
- Marigolds – strong scent repels deer, provides continuous blooms
- Zinnias – natural deer-repelling properties, attracts pollinators
These selections require minimal protection while delivering maximum visual impact throughout summer and fall.
To extend the growing season and protect young seedlings from both deer and cold temperatures, consider using a garden cold frame premium structure that allows for earlier planting and better establishment of these deer-resistant varieties.
How Theme-Based Plant Guards Protect Vulnerable Varieties
While nearly all plantings in Phase One are naturally deer-resistant, a small selection of vulnerable varieties receives protection through decorative plant guards that blend seamlessly with the garden’s overall aesthetic. These themed guards shield susceptible plants from browsing while enhancing visual appeal throughout the space.
The guards feature designs that complement surrounding ornamental grasses, walkways, and water features, ensuring protection doesn’t compromise beauty. By incorporating decorative elements into the protective barriers, the Compettis maintain the garden’s cohesive appearance while expanding plant diversity.
This strategic approach allows inclusion of otherwise vulnerable species without sacrificing the deer-resistant integrity that defines the landscape. For homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor space, decorative garden fencing offers both functional protection and aesthetic value that can transform any landscape design.
Waterfalls, Walkways, and Wildlife-Friendly Garden Spaces
Beyond serving as visual focal points, waterfalls and carefully designed walkways transform Phase One into an immersive experience that supports both human visitors and local wildlife populations.
The two-acre space incorporates several integrated features:
- Meandering walkways weave through garden spaces positioned above the pond and patio area
- Water features include multiple waterfalls that provide drinking sources for birds and small animals
- Strategic sitting areas allow visitors to observe wildlife while resting throughout the garden
- Natural cover zones created by dense ornamental grass plantings offer year-round shelter for local fauna
Homeowners looking to create similar water features can transform their outdoor spaces using a waterfall kit outdoor, which simplifies the installation process while achieving professional results.
These elements work together, creating functional spaces that benefit both guests and ecosystem health.
Phase Two Plans: Greenhouse, Atrium, and 3.5 Miles of Trails
Building upon Phase One’s foundation, Phase Two in 2026 will expand the Grassland Gardens with additional walkways, an atrium/greenhouse structure, and enhanced trail connectivity across the property.
The new atrium will serve dual purposes: growing annuals and vegetables from seed during winter months, and providing rental space for private events during summer.
Extended walkways will connect garden displays across 3.5 miles of existing trails, creating continuous viewing experiences throughout the farm.
This expansion supports the ambitious goal of installing over 25,000 total plantings by the end of 2027, transforming the entire property into an interconnected, deer-resistant landscape.
Selecting the right greenhouse polycarbonate panels will be essential for ensuring optimal growing conditions and year-round durability of the atrium structure.
Reaching 25,000 Deer-Resistant Plantings by 2027
The ambitious timeline to reach over 25,000 plantings by the end of 2027 represents a carefully planned three-year installation schedule designed to transform the entire 46-acre property.
This expansion strategy includes several key components:
- Phase One foundation with 3,000+ ornamental grasses and companion plantings establishing core garden spaces
- Phase Two greenhouse construction enabling year-round propagation and winter seed starting operations
- Trail integration extending displays across 3.5 miles of existing woodland pathways
- Continuous planting cycles adding thousands of deer-resistant specimens annually through 2027
This methodical approach guarantees proper establishment while maintaining the deer-resistant integrity throughout. Installing a heavy duty greenhouse kit will provide the structural durability needed to support extensive propagation activities throughout all seasons.
What to Know Before Planning Your Grassland Gardens Visit
Since the grand opening is scheduled for August 2, 2025, prospective visitors should understand several important logistical details to make the most of their experience at this developing deer-resistant showcase. The 46-acre farm, operated by Old World Garden Farms, is surrounded by hundreds of acres of woodland and offers cabin accommodations for extended stays.
Phase One covers over 2 acres with walkways, waterfalls, and sitting areas featuring 3,000 plantings across 50 ornamental grass varieties. For those looking to create deer-resistant gardens at home, metal raised beds provide an elevated growing solution that can help protect plantings from wildlife damage. Visitors can contact the farm at thefarm@owgarden.com for booking information, tour schedules, and event rental inquiries regarding the future atrium space.
Deer-Resistant Design Principles You Can Use at Home
Beyond planning a visit to see the Competti’s innovative approach, homeowners facing their own deer challenges can apply many of the same design principles used at Grassland Gardens to create beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes in their own yards.
Key Deer-Resistant Design Strategies:
- Anchor with ornamental grasses – These drought-tolerant plants provide year-round interest while naturally deterring deer browsing.
- Layer with toxic or aromatic plants – Coleus, marigolds, and zinnias offer color without attracting deer.
- Protect vulnerable plants – Use decorative guards around susceptible species during establishment.
- Choose diverse textures – Mix sizes and forms to create visual appeal across all seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Dog or Other Pets When Visiting Grassland Gardens?
The provided knowledge does not specify whether pets are allowed at Grassland Gardens. Visitors interested in bringing dogs or other pets should contact Jim and Mary Competti directly at thefarm@owgarden.com for their pet policy.
Is There an Admission Fee to Visit the Gardens When They Open?
The knowledge provided does not specify admission fee details for Grassland Gardens. With over 3,000 plantings planned for Phase One alone, visitors should contact thefarm@owgarden.com or check the official communications for pricing information before the August 2, 2025 opening.
Are Guided Tours Available or Is the Garden Self-Guided Only?
The knowledge provided does not specify whether guided tours will be available or if the garden will be self-guided only. Details about tour options have not been announced for the August 2, 2025 opening.
Can Visitors Purchase Ornamental Grasses and Plants From the Garden Directly?
The knowledge tantalizingly details thousands of plantings yet remains silent on sales opportunities. Based on the available information, whether visitors can purchase ornamental grasses and plants directly from Grassland Gardens is not specified or addressed.
What Are the Garden’s Operating Hours and Seasonal Closure Dates?
The knowledge provided does not include information about the garden’s operating hours or seasonal closure dates. Only the Phase One grand opening date of August 2, 2025, is mentioned in the available documentation.
Conclusion
Grassland Gardens plants a flag in the ground, proving deer-heavy landscapes don’t require surrender. By August 2025, visitors will witness how strategic grass selection, thoughtful companion plantings, and phased expansion create beauty without constant battle. The 3,000 initial plantings demonstrate that ornamental grasses, paired with deer-resistant perennials and annuals, offer sustainable solutions for any climate. Whether exploring the completed 3.5-mile trails or applying these principles at home, gardeners gain practical ammunition against browsing pressure while supporting year-round wildlife habitat.
