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Seminar: The Grotto, Dayton's Historic Garden Treasure

September 5, 2014
The Grotto, Dayton's Historic Garden Treasure

There's more to Dayton history than the Wright Brothers and NCR: a beautiful, living piece of the past has been hibernating in our midst, just waiting to be rediscovered. In 1868 at the Dayton Soldiers Home, The Grotto was coaxed to life by veterans, gardeners, and architects as a place of remembrance, honor, peaceful reflection and healing.

At the garden’s highpoint, it welcomed visitors from all over the nation: over 600, 000 annually in 1910 (more than six times the population of Dayton itself!  (More history and photos here!)

Now, thanks to the efforts of the VA, community donations,  and many volunteers from the Montgomery County Master Gardeners, it is being restored  for public to enjoy once again.   

Update:  This seminar was a great success...thanks for your support!  On Saturday, Sept. 13 at 10:00 am here at Knollwood, a group of the Master Gardeners (led by Knollwood's Susan Pearson) will present a slide show of before and after photos, the history, and the future of the gardens.  There are so many fascinating stories about how it came to be... you won't want to miss this seminar, and you will want to visit the gardens very soon!   Space is limited, so please call, or leave your name and number attending the Grotto Seminar here!