Road Trip Garden-Gibbs Gardens
Ball Ground, GA
About an hour north of Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gibb’s Gardens is a dream turned reality.
Jim Gibbs, one of the founding members of Atlanta Botanical Garden, searched for the perfect spot for a world-class garden for six years. The north Georgia region near Ball Ground, with its rolling hills and streams, was picturesque and full of possibility. Jim purchased 376 acres, built a manor house, and started on the plantings in 1980, making Gibbs one of the largest estate gardens in the country.
What I love about this Garden;
Gibbs is home to the largest Japanese Garden in the U. S. with 40 acres of streams, trees, moss, and statuary accents. 16 individual gardens include the Manor House Garden, Waterlily Garden, Rose Garden, and Meadow Garden.
The big draw, especially in spring, is the bulbs. Tulips, hyacinths, they’re all there, but if you like daffodils …Wowzers. Picture 20 MILLION daffodils on rolling Georgia hillsides. You can’t. 20 Million daffodil bulbs! Photos and videos can’t do it justice. My advice is to just GO and see it in person. The daffodils are planted in huge drifts and labeled temporarily while in bloom. It’s a great place to learn about early bloomers vs. late bloomers and compare.
What you need to know before you go;
-It’s big AND very, very hilly. Comfy shoes are a must. Most trails are gravel or lawn. So skip the high heels.
-It’s so big, there are TWO maps. Volunteers are stationed in certain areas for directions and questions.
-Restrooms at the entrance and the far side near the Manor House. Some portable potties are stationed in high-traffic areas. Water fountains at restrooms.
-A small gift shop at the front Visitor Center entrance with local items, plant-related books, and merchandise.
-Food is available in the Arbor Café with ample tables for dining outdoors. No outside food or drinks. No picnicking or tailgating in the garden or parking lots.
-If you plan to see bulbs, check the website for what’s in bloom and plan accordingly. Remember, spring’s arrival can fluctuate just as much in the south as in St. Louis. In 2023, we were two weeks behind our average, and Georgia was 4 weeks ahead of theirs.
Quick Facts;
-Year Created-1980
-Size-300+ Acres
–Distance from St. Louis-Approximately 536 miles/8 hours
-Website- World-Class Garden | North GA Destinations | Gibbs Gardens
Other nearby Plant-Geek attractions;
-Atlanta Botanical Garden-Atlanta– Road Trip Garden-Atlanta Botanical Garden (garden-lou.com)
-Atlanta Botanical Garden-Gainsville
-South Carolina Botanical Garden
Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2023, All rights reserved.
