Georgia Botanical Gardens

Located close to the Holiday Inn, The Holiday Inn Express and The Hilton Garden Inn is The Georgia Botanical Gardens.  It is about 3miles away from the University of Georgia campus.  It covers approximately 300 acres and is the state botanical garden of Georgia.  It was opened in 1968 and functions as a natural plant community for studies in different areas, especially environmental education.  It is also open for public viewing.  At the gardens you’ll find a huge variety of native and exotic plants, including tropical varieties.  There are nature trails that span a 5-mile area that all visitors are welcome to.

There are 6 gardens in total and each specializes in particular types of plants and flowers.  For example, The Heritage Garden contains plants that are of particular historic and socioeconomic interest to Georgia.  You’ll find fruit crops, row crops and other plants that are native to Georgia. 

The Georgia Botanical Gardens also offer classes and workshops for children, teachers and the general public.  The classes cover such topics as gardening, floral arranging and endangered plants.  You can find a complete listing of all up coming events and educational programs on the Georgia Botanical Gardens website.

Aside from the beauty it provides, this facility is instrumental in research performed by students and faculty at the University of Georgia in conjunction with the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance.  Most of their research focuses on environmental conservation and endangered species of plants.

Throughout the garden guests will also find many art forms on display to enjoy.  There are fountains, sculptures, and paintings by various artists.  One of the most well known pieces is a collection of six bronze statues of children.  Called field trip, the sculptures portray activities children might participate in while on a field trip at the Georgia Botanical Gardens.  It’s really spectacular.

After a full day of experiences in the gardens you’ll want to visit the Garden Shop.  Here you’ll find souvenirs from local artists, as well as books, gardening supplies and educational toys.

The Georgia Botanical Gardens are filled with so much beauty that all ages can appreciate.  While touring the facility you will also learn a great deal about plant life and the environment.  It is a favorite attraction in Athens, Georgia and one you won’t wan to miss and if you’re staying at the Holiday Inn, The Holiday Inn Express or The Hilton Garden Inn you’ll be minutes away.