State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Plants and History Meet in a 300-Acre Paradise
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, located in Athens on the campus of the University of Georgia, showcases native plants, All-American winners, and plants in history.
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a true gem among public gardens. Its diverse plant collection, focus on education and conservation, and attention to the importance of plants throughout history make it a unique destination for plant lovers. The 313-acre preserve is located on the grounds of the University of Georgia, and serves as a "living laboratory" for faculty and students to study the importance of plants across a multitude of disciplines. It is, perhaps, this focus on learning about the greater role of plants in our world that sets the State Botanical Garden of Georgia apart from other public gardens.
Studying the History of Plants
Two unique gardens at the State Botanical Garden are the International Garden and the Heritage Garden. Both focus on the role of plants in history and our interaction with them. The International Garden demonstrates the interrelationship between people and plants in three important historical periods: the Middle Ages, the Age of Exploration, and the Age of Conservation. The Middle Ages are represented by an herb and a physic garden reminiscent of 17th century gardens. The Age of Exploration showcases plants from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Spanish America, American South, and China as plant hunters fervently searched the globe for new and valuable plants. The Age of Conservation focuses on threatened and endangered plants. As a whole, the International Garden pays homage to three plant hunters who had large impacts on the American South: John and William Bartram and Ernest Henry Wilson.
The second unique garden is the Heritage Garden, which "contains plants of historic and socioeconomic interest to Georgia." It showcases heirloom annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs, antique roses, important agricultural crops such as cotton and peanuts, and several plants that are native to Georgia. The garden also celebrates important milestones and people in Georgia's agrarian history. History buffs and plant lovers can get happily lost in these two gardens.
All-American Display Gardens
Two wonderful features of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia are the All-American Rose Garden and the perennial garden featuring All-American Selections. These areas will be of special interest to gardeners who are looking for reliable plants for their own landscapes.
More About the Collection
There are several other wonderful and unique gardens within the preserve. These include:
- Native Flora Garden
- Rhododendron and Native Azalea Collection
- Shade Garden
- Dahlia Garden
In addition, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia boasts five miles of color-coded nature trails, visitor center, gift shop, cafe, and conservatory.
Sources:
State Botanical Garden of Georgia Website
Gardens Across America, Volume 1: East of the Mississippi by Thomas S. Spencer and John J. Russell
Gardenmob post: State Botanical Garden of Georgia by Barrie Collins
