Are you looking for a peaceful escape from the daily grind? Get back to nature in the beautiful botanical gardens scattered throughout Georgia! These lush, tranquil oases are the perfect place to unwind and appreciate the stunning beauty of nature. From Metro Atlanta to the North Georgia Mountains to Savannah on the coast, there is a garden not too far from you.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a must-visit for anyone in the Atlanta Metro area. Its 30 acres of gardens and plant collections showcase a diverse array of plants from around the world. Be sure to check out the beautiful Japanese Garden, the Canopy Walk through the treetops, and the indoor conservatory with a stunning orchid collection.
Right now, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is showcasing the Trolls: Save the Humans exhibit (from Feb. 18 – Sept. 17). Thomas Dambo’s exhibition of enormous folklore-inspired sculptures built from reclaimed materials. This is a MUST see!
Located in Athens, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia boasts 313 acres of beautiful gardens, trails, and natural areas. Check out the Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center, which offers exhibits, art galleries, and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
One of the most interesting gardens to visit is the Herb and Physic Collection, which is part of the International Garden. The Physic Collection contains herbs prized by European medicine, as well as other cultures and regions, such as those of Indian Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and ancient Egyptian medicines. The collection also features New World specimens that gained popularity in the 1700s.
If you are in Savannah, you need to see the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. This 51-acre garden features an impressive collection of ornamental and edible plants, including amazing specimens that Georgia is known for: camellias, azaleas, and magnolias. Be sure to stroll through the charming Cottage Garden and the Rose Garden, and take a walk along the scenic lakeside trail.
If you really want to have your breath taken away, the River of Iris is the one exhibit you should not miss. The River of Iris is home to hundreds of Louisiana iris varieties that populate the low-lying swales. The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens describes it perfectly: After a heavy rain, slow-moving water flows through the iris plants in the picturesque, gently bending “rivers.” Peak bloom at the River of Iris is in April and early May, so you better hurry!
More of a mountain type? Gibbs Gardens is nestled in the North Georgia mountains and is a stunning 220-acre estate garden. The garden features numerous ponds and bridges, making it a peaceful and idyllic escape.
It is home to the nations largest daffodil garden with over 20 MILLION blooms and was rated by Flower Magazine as 1 of the top 10 best places in the world to view daffodils. There are over 100 acres of hillside and valley covered in a variety of daffodils.
They also have amazing live music events throughout the year that are definitely worth checking out. Don't miss the Japanese Garden, the Monet Waterlily Garden, and the Daffodil Gardens in the spring.
Looking for a weekend getaway? Callaway Resort & Gardens is the ticket! Located in Pine Mountain, this 2,500-acre resort offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The gardens feature over 3,000 varieties of plants, including a beautiful Butterfly Garden and a stunning Azalea Bowl.
What makes this garden so attractive is that there is so much more to do than stroll through gardens and you have activities for all ages. This is the one stop that has something for everyone. Personally, I love the butterfly gardens and love the hiking.
Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a peaceful escape, these gardens are sure to inspire and delight.
If you're considering a move to Georgia, or within Georgia, let's chat about what you're looking for in your next home.
Graham Witt - Real Estate Consultant
Realtor with Keller Williams Atlanta Partners
c: 847-507-7126
o: 678-341-2900
e: GrahamWitt@KW.com