This year, Executive Arrangements celebrates its 40th Anniversary! That is 40 years of working and connecting with great Northeast Ohio companies, recruits, new hires, and families!
As part of our celebration, EA’s Director of Employee Engagement Margie Biggar is sharing one of her favorite spots in Northeast Ohio. Here are Margie’s thoughts on this Cleveland gem…

Cleveland Botanical Garden in 1960.
I love the Cleveland Botanical Garden! To think that in 1916, what began as a garden center to house the personal collection of Eleanor Squire’s 250 horticulture books has grown over the past 100 years into 10 acres of outdoor gardens. I enjoy the chance to escape to all the outdoor gardens—from the Japanese Garden to the Woodland Gardens—you can’t believe you are in an urban area.
In addition to gardening exhibits, CBG has always believed in education. Because of their location in University Circle, they have a strong presence in the Cleveland community. Our children, now in their 30’s, have always enjoyed the programming at CBG. And, now I have the opportunity to introduce my nieces and nephews to the Hershey Children’s Garden, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, in addition to the all the children’s programming offered.
CBG serves as a national leader in the sustainability movement and as an exciting destination for Northeast Ohio families and garden lovers. There are beautiful glasshouses that can take you out of Cleveland to Madagascar and Costa Rica all year round…now with more birds and butterflies.
The CBG’s Green Corps program is near and dear to my heart. As you may know, Green Corps works with several local community and youth organizations. It is a leading urban farming program that connects us directly to communities through their farms, community gardens, farm stands, and Shaker/Tremont Farmers Markets. All while teaching a new generation about growing the food we eat. Green Corps makes an effort to improve access to healthy food in all neighborhoods, and many farms donate leftover produce to local churches and community centers for distribution.
My husband joined the CBG board in 2001; and, during his tenure I learned much more about Green Corps and their mission. In September 2012, CBG celebrated its third RIPE! Fest and a decision was made to add an additional activity to the event. Autumn’s Eve Dinner, a four-course dinner featuring locally grown ingredients prepared by Cleveland-area chefs, made its debut on September 20, 2012. I agreed to chair this benefit, where you could dine at community tables under the stars on Wade Oval. All proceeds went to Green Corps. I have remained involved with this event. Autumn’s Eve had a two-year break, but it will be back again this year on Friday, September 20, 2019. Mark your calendars!
I also enjoy the winter events: Glow and Orchid Mania. Glow has a wonderful display of decorated holiday trees in addition to gingerbread houses designed and created by the Cleveland community. Families love the outdoor train ride around the garden. And, who wouldn’t enjoy seeing beautiful orchids during the cold, wintry month of March at Orchid Mania.
There is so much to see and learn at CBG, make a date on your calendar to visit.