I can’t even count the number of times, we have stopped at Rockefeller Park Greenhouse with a candidate or newcomer as we guided their day of exploration prior to their relocation to Cleveland. It’s such an easy place to visit. Free parking. Free admission. Self-guided tours. Open every single day, including holidays. Completely ADA accessible. Smells like summer-time even on a cold grey winter day. Clean bathrooms. Giant fish tanks that are beautifully maintained. Greenery and flowers everywhere. It’s a perfect, get out of the car for a 5 or 30 minute stop to stretch the legs. But it’s so much more.
For those lucky enough to have found this off-the-beaten-path treasure, the Greenhouse has become their go to place…daycare centers arrive with groups of children to let them explore and burn off energy; photography clubs come with their cameras; families take holiday photos surrounded by the annual poinsettia displace, prom and senior graduation photos are shot and lovers of plants and flowers can quietly sit and read a book or enjoy lunch surrounded by flora and fauna.
On the land donated to the city of Cleveland by John D. Rockefeller, the Greenhouse opened to the public in 1904 and covers roughly 4 acres of under glass and outdoor gardens.
For 24 years, Greenhouse Manager, Perrin Verzi has been tending to this space. Owned by the City of Cleveland, it is part of the larger Rockefeller Park that includes the Cleveland Cultural Gardens that grace both sides of MLK, Jr. Boulevard all the way to University Circle.
Initially the location was used to grow plans for landscaping city parks and gardens, and while city beautification is still a major goal, the Greenhouse has evolved into a botanical garden with specialty plant collections, seasonal floral displays, outdoors classrooms and theme gardens.
represent the four seasons
The Willot Iris Garden, dedicated to Dorothy and Tony Willot, were passionate about irises and hybridized 353 kinds of irises between 1968 and 2008. This garden is filled with dwarf, median, tall, bearded and non-bearded irises in a flash of colors and is bordered by chunky stones “rescued” from the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium site. Mid to late May is when they are in their full glory!
The Betty Ott Talking Garden for the sight-impaired, with audio descriptions, Braille signs and raised beds that are meant to be touched and sniffed.
Becoming a member of the Friends of the Greenhouse (FOG) starts at just $25 and helps support the buildings and grounds. And this weekend (May 16-18 2024) is their annual spring plant sale to inspire you to get out in the yard and put your hands in the dirt!
Exploring the best of what Cleveland and Akron have to offer is imperative to what we do. Every candidate we work with has a unique set of hobbies, interests, and passions. EA needs to know a little bit about everything in our region in order to connect recruits and newcomers to the people, places, and resources they need to know to instantly feel at home. This knowledge helps to woo the best of the best to our region and to grow roots that ensure retention. If your organization’s talent attraction efforts could benefit from a partner like Executive Arrangements (80% success rate landing your first choice candidate), call us at 216.231.9311.