QUAKER CITY — A one-of-a-kind garden project is taking root in the heart of Guernsey County, promising to put the region on the national map for garden tourism, sustainability and outdoor hospitality.

Old World Garden, a 46-acre farm located just outside of Cambridge, Ohio, has announced the development of the Grassland Gardens, a first-of-its-kind garden in the United States that will be fully dedicated to ornamental grasses. When completed in 2027, the main garden will span over 3 acres and feature more than 10,000 ornamental grass plantings, along with a range of displays for all ages.

The new garden space will become part of the existing offerings at The Farm at Old World Garden, which already includes 3 miles of scenic hiking trails, a rentable cabin house, three overnight sleeping cabin rentals, a pondside pavilion, pickleball court, and a rustic party barn and courtyard. Also nearing completion is a main event center that includes a 2,300-square-foot open conference room.

Jim and Mary Competti, who own and operate six nationally recognized home, garden and recipe websites along with a garden podcast and YouTube channel, built the farm as a natural extension of their work sharing DIY projects, gardening tips and sustainable living advice. The Farm at Old World Garden allows them to bring their online content to life in a way that visitors can see, walk through and experience firsthand.

“We started Old World Garden by clearing an old overgrown homestead with years of brush, debris and neglect — but we saw the potential for something truly special,” said Jim Competti. “The Grassland Gardens are the next step in that vision, and we hope it becomes a source of pride and new energy for Guernsey County.”

Designed as a peaceful, immersive experience for visitors, when completed, the Grassland Gardens will include:

∫ A winding outdoor scale train weaving through the plantings and water features

∫ Several small waterfalls and reflection pools throughout the space

∫ A large glass atrium and educational center for workshops and seasonal exhibits

∫ Quiet sitting areas, stone walkways, and shaded paths for rest and relaxation

In addition to drawing plant lovers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers from all over, the gardens are expected to play a key role in boosting tourism and supporting local businesses across the region.

“We want this to be more than just a garden or an event space. We want it to be a destination,” Mary Competti said. “Eastern Guernsey County is sometimes overlooked in the tourism conversation, but we know how much it has to offer. We hope this project draws visitors from across the state – and even the country – who then discover everything else our county has to enjoy. When people ask what we grow at our farm, our answer is happiness!”

The Grassland Gardens will be connected to all the features of the farm, including:

∫ A rentable cabin house along with three rustic sleeping cabins.

∫ A new event center ideal for weddings, retreats, and large gatherings

∫ A rentable party barn and courtyard with a full outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, and fireplace

∫ Access to walking trails, grassy meadows, and scenic views all over the farm

Future development plans also include an indoor/outdoor coffee shop and a destination restaurant that will highlight seasonal and locally sourced food, further enhancing the farm’s draw as a full-day or weekend retreat.

Construction on the Grassland Gardens began in early 2025, with Phase One including initial walkways and plantings, trails and installation of water features. The garden is expected to expand steadily over the next three years, with thousands of new plantings and additional features added annually.

“We’re not rushing the process — we want every step of the garden to grow naturally, just like the plants themselves,” said Jim Competti. “This is about creating something lasting, something that brings people together and helps our area thrive.”

The farm is currently open for tours by appointment only. The party barn, cabins, cabin house are currently available to rent. The Event Center is scheduled to open in August, with the gardens expected to be open to the public in early 2026.

For more information, upcoming opening dates, or to schedule a tour or event, visit owgarden.com or follow Old World Garden Farms on Facebook.