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The Garden's nearly 11 acre site, located in the middle of the growing city of Statesboro, includes walking woodland trails, the Bland Cottage Visitor Center, Heritage Garden, Rose Arbor, Children's Vegetable Garden, Camellia Garden, Native Plant Landscape Garden, Native Azalea Collection and Bog Garden.
Mission Statement: Georgia Southern Botanical Garden promotes knowledge and appreciation of the native plants and animals of the southeastern coastal plain, connects people to the natural and cultural heritage of the region and inspires environmentally responsible behavior. |
| Bland Farmstead |
From 1916 until late in their lives, the Blands lived and farmed on more than 50 acres of land in Bulloch County, Georgia. In 1985, Mr. Bland left what remained of the couple's beloved farm -- 6.5 acres -- to the Georgia Southern College Foundation to be used as a botanical garden.
Just a few short blocks from Georgia Southern University, the Garden is tucked behind stately magnolias, American hollies, and loblolly pines, and is a popular destination for college students, faculty, and staff as well as school children, community members, and out-of-town visitors.
The Garden has now grown to 11 acres with the purchase of adjoining property. What remains of the Blands’ original farmstead is their home, now the Garden’s visitor center, two barns, a chicken coop, milk shed, outhouse, smokehouse, garage and several smaller storage buildings. This farmstead forms the core of Georgia Southern Botanical Garden. |
| Heritage Garden |
| Stroll around Bland Cottage and you will see beautiful flower beds overflowing with old fashioned southern favorites. Visit the Rose Arbor, Whelchel Camellia Garden, and the Butterfly Border. The Whelchel Camellia Garden is located along the allee. |
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| Native Plant Landscape |
| This garden showcases native plants in the landscape. Designed by local landscape architect Thomas Black, the garden is still under development. |
| Woodland Trail |
| Along the south woodland trail, you will find the Native Azalea Collection and Longleaf Pine/Wiregrass Community. Walking along paths through the north woodland area, visitors see trees typical of dry woodlands along with plantings of leucothoe, coral-bean, saw-palmetto and the rare Georgia plume. The Kennedy Outdoor Classroom is located in this area. Along both trails is a display of sculptures on long-term loan to the Garden. |
| Conservation - Longleaf Pine Restoration |
Georgia Southern Botanical Garden is currently restoring an area within the Garden with native plants found in the longleaf pine ecosystem.
Staff and volunteers enhance the site with native plants and conduct controlled burns every two years to maintain the site. Several mature longleaf pines stand high above longleaf pine seedlings, wiregrass, and several species of wildflowers and other grasses. Education programs for visiting adults and children focus on the dynamics of the longleaf pine ecosystem and describe efforts to protect one of the most threatened habitats in the United States. |
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| Garden Etiquette |
Enjoy yourself. Dress appropriately for the outdoors, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and water.
Be safe. Please keep out of farm buildings unless you are instructed to enter by your program leader. Observe animals but do not approach or handle them.
Be respectful. Stay on paths and avoid flower beds. Do not pick leaves or flowers from plants. Keep voices low to experience the sounds of the Garden. |
| Hours and Fees |
| Gates are open daily, 9 a.m. to dusk; Bland Cottage Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Saturday. Admission to the Garden is FREE. |
| Contact, Address and Directions |
Phone: 912-871-1114 - Address:1505 Bland Avenue, Statesboro Georgia 30458
Directions: Hwy 67 to Chandler Rd. to Georgia Ave. to Bland Ave., located a few blocks off the main Georgia Southern University Campus |
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Visit:
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GA Southern Planetarium
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