Top Georgia Gardens
1. Atlanta Botanical Garden: 1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia
(404) 876-5859 http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/home.do
The Atlanta Botanical Garden has both indoor and outdoor collections to view. The indoor collections include: Fuqua Conservatory (The Lobby, Tropical Rotunda, Desert House, Special Exhibits, Orangerie, Animals) and the Fuqua Orchid Center (Orchid Hall, High Elevation House, Display House). The outdoor collections include hydrangeas, dwarf and rare conifers, hardy palms, cobra lilies, summer bulbs, winter garden, herb garden, Japanese garden, rose garden, water plants, annual color, and conservation garden. Its themed gardens make a beautiful day trip for the lover of plants.
2. Barnsley Gardens: 597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville, Georgia
(770) 773-7480 or (877) 773-2447
While there is a luxury golf course, spa, restaurants and historical landmarks around Barnsley Gardens, the main crux of the 1,300 acres is the gardens. A month by month bloom calendar will let visitors know when to go to view the different collections of flowers. For example, there are over 150 varieties of roses alone. A huge and awe-inspiring garden to behold and a must for every Georgia gardener to see.
3. Callaway Gardens: GA Hwy 18/354, Pine Mountain, Georgia 31822
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2000, Pine Mountain, Georgia 31822-2000
(800) 225-5292 http://www.callawaygardens.com/info/main.welcome.asp
Callaway is probably the most well known of the Georgia gardens. Known for its amazing floral spreads, natural woodlands, and crisp lakes; there is beauty all around. Callaway garden collections include the Overlook Garden, the general garden, the Callaway Brothers Azalea bowl, the Cecil B. Day Butterfly center, the John A. Sibley Horticulture Center, and the Mr. Cason’s Vegetable garden.
4. Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden: 1311 Music Hall Drive, Hiawassee, Georgia (706) 896-4191
This famous garden is the largest rhododendron collection in the state with over 400 varieties and 2,000 plants. There are also trails that overlook Lake Chatuge. There is always something in bloom. It is a wonderful example of what a public garden should be like. A bit of history: In 1982 the Hamilton’s donated their garden to the Georgia Mountain Fair and moved 1,000 plants to the present site. It is open year round and is free to the public.
5. Georgia Southern Botanical Garden: 1505 Bland Avenue, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8039, Statesboro, Georgia (912) 871-1149
This garden was originally a farmhouse. It charges no admission and has much to offer the average gardener. Situated on 11 acres the Georgia Southern Botanical Garden includes walking woodland trails, the Bland Cottage Visitor Center and Gift Shop, Heritage Garden, Rose Arbor, Children Vegetable Garden, Camellia Garden, Native Plant Landscape Garden, Native Azalea Collection and Bog Garden. A visitor’s guide is available at the Bland Cottage.
6. Lewis Vaughn Botanical Gardens: Main, Center, Commercial & Railroad Streets, Conyers, Georgia (770) 602-2606
This botanical garden is over an acre and has some of the finest native plants in the Piedmont region. There is a pavilion beside the gardens which is host to many community service events and festivals.
7. Meadow Garden: 1320 Independence Drive, Augusta, Georgia (706) 724-4174
Owned and operated by Georgia State Society Daughters of the American Revolution, The Meadow Garden is one of Georgia’s oldest structures, a rare 18th century building. It is comprised of two homes. The operators of the garden hold guided tours there five days a week. It’s a breathtaking garden that any southerner will be in awe over. Operating hours are Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday by appointment, and closed on major holidays.
8. Massee Lane Gardens: American Camellia Society, 100 Massee Lane, Fort Valley, Georgia (478) 967-2358
Camellias abound in this nine acre area. It has the Abendroth Japanese Garden, the Scheibert Rose Garden, and other planting to insure year round beauty. The garden began in the 1930’s as a private garden of David C. Strother. Mrs. Strother donated the land to the American Camellia Society in 1966. The visitor center is located in Annabelle Lundy Fetterman building and has a slideshow for information. There is also a gift shop, a reception room and an auditorium. Check out the Stevens-Taylor Gallery if you visit.
9. State Botanical Garden of Georgia: University of Georgia, 2450 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, Georgia (706) 542-1244
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is home to several collections including an International Garden, Heritage Garden, Shade Garden, Native Flora Garden, Rose Garden, Annual/Perennial Garden, Dahlia Garden, Trial Garden, Rhododendron Garden, Groundcover Collection, and the Native Azalea Collection.
10. University of Georgia Research and Education Garden: 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, Georgia (770) 229-3367 info: Susan Thornhill, (770) 233-6107
This amazing Garden is a collection of 17 theme gardens. Each theme was chosen and developed by members of the Griffin community and include a garden for the disabled, Pergola, Xeriscape, Turf, Rock Garden, Perennial Garden, Native Plants, Herb Garden, Water Garden, Ornamental Grasses, Children’s Garden, Butterfly Garden, Antique Roses, Irises & Daylilies, Heirloom Garden, Bog Garden, and Wild Flowers. Plant material was donated by the area nurseries and over $150,000 has been donated by individuals. This Garden is open to visitors May to September, all weekdays except holidays from 9:00a.m. To 4:00p.m and Sundays from 1:00p.m. To 5:00p.m.
11. Vines Botanical Gardens: 3500 Oak Grove Road, Loganville, Georgia
(770) 466-7532
Pick up a map at the Gate House or Manor House for taking a breathtaking self guided tour of the Vines Botanical Garden. Garden hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00a.m. To 5:00p.m. Members have free admission; non-members are charged $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and for children 5-12 yrs of age, and children less than 5 years old are free.
