Have you ever driven past a gate so often that, when you finally turned in to explore, you felt a little guilty for having waited so long? That’s how I felt when I finally stopped in at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. The Gardens encompass 51 acres of plantings, ornamental gardens, lakes, and berry fields (where you can pick your fill in the season). For the first half of the 1900’s, the property was used by the US Department of Agriculture to trial and evaluate Asian plants for use in American agriculture. By the 1950’s, federal funding dried up and the acreage became somewhat neglected until the 1980’s when the University of Georgia acquired the site and revamped the Gardens as a plant research and education center.
Taking a walk around the Gardens will introduce you not only to bamboo and one of the world’s largest bamboo mazes, but it will also showcase plants that are not commonly seen in the area. A variety of benches and picnicking areas exist so that you can stop as often as you like and just appreciate what’s around. This would include a rose garden, fountains, as well as banana trees and other fun plants. I had expected to enjoy the abundant greenery and peaceful lakeside vistas. However, I was surprised to learn that a wide variety of events are held at the Gardens, including star-gazing evenings with local astronomy clubs, an upcoming Oktoberfest brew and dance bash with the appropriate Polka-style musicians, and an elaborate Christmas lighting spectacular. Obviously, my visits may become frequent, especially since the Gardens are within two miles of my home.
Isn’t it lovely to be surprised by another Savannah treasure?
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