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Also on the grounds: the lovely Day Chapel and the headquarters of the Garden Club of Georgia. Gift shop, gallery, and Café Trumps at the Garden.
The Garden is located approximately 3 miles south of the University campus. It encompasses over 300 acres, much of which borders the Middle Oconee River, containing speciality gardens, special collections, and a tropical conservatory, featuring a broad array of native and exotic plants. More than five miles of nature trails traverse the natural areas of the Garden.
Handicap Accessibility: The State Botanical Garden makes every effort to ensure the accessibility of all programs and buildings. Most gardens and collections and all facilities are handicap accessible, however, the nature of the facility prevents portions of the trails and natural areas from being completely accessible to all visitors. Walking, wheelchair or electric scooter are the primary ways in which to experience the Visitor Center & Conservatory and nearby gardens. |
| Special Collections |
Rhododendron Collection
Featuring hybrid rhododendrons prized for their large showy flowers which range in colors from white to vivid reds. The Native Azalea Collection honors Fred C. Galle, well known plantsman and author. This collection features hybrid rhododendrons prized for their large showy flowers which range in colors from white to vivid reds. Most varieties bloom in April or May.
The native evergreen rhododendrons common in the north Georgia mountains do not generally thrive as far east and south as Athens. The hybrid rhododendrons are, in general, better adapted, but siting, proper planting, and care are critical to long term survival.
Rhododendron Prunifolium
The Rhododendron genus is large and complex and contains those plants commonly referred to as azaleas. Most azaleas grown in the Southeast, excepting the native deciduous azaleas, are of Oriental origin.
The original Rhododendron Collection was established in 1976 through a gift from the Athens Garden Club. Many of the plants were donated by Wight's Nursery and Rhododendron Farms. A new collection is being established near the Orient & China section of the International Garden.
Native Azalea Collection
The southeastern U.S. is rich in native azaleas (Rhododendron spp.). Flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) and Pinxterbloom azalea (R. periclymenoides) [syn. R. nudiflorum] are among native azalea species abundant throughout Georgia. Many rarer species also exist like Plumleaf azalea (R. prunifolium) found only in southwestern GA and eastern A.
The genus Rhododendron includes the azaleas. Although considered distinct by most gardeners, there are no consistent botanical differences between azaleas and rhododendrons. Azaleas are largely deciduous with funnelform flowers where rhododendrons are mostly evergreen with campanulate flowers, but there are many exceptions.
The collection honors Fred C. Galle, well known plantsman and author of Azaleas, a widely respected reference on the subject. Donations from the Azalea Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, Tom Dodd Nurseries, and Green Thumb Nursery helped make the collection possible.
The original collection, located near the Garden's entrance, was severely damaged by deer. A new collection, within the protective deer fence, is located adjacent the Native Flora Garden.
Conifer Collection
A conifer collection is presently being assembled near the Callaway Building with a primary focus on dwarf and mid-sized cultivars that perform well in the Southeast U.S.
Conservatory Collection
The Conservatory collection is built around the theme of beneficial tropical plants. The collection contains examples of food crops, beverage crops, spice crops, ornamental plants, and plants from which medicinal and industrial products are derived. People living in temperate regions of the world often see and use these end products, but rarely have the opportunity to see the plants from which they come. |
| Nature Trails |
Approximately 5 miles of nature trails wind through the Garden. A wide variety of natural physiographic features and plant communities can be found within the Garden's ecological areas—wetlands, floodplains, slopes, and upland plateaus.
Successional stages range from beeches more than 100 years old to fields tilled for agricultural research as recently as 1960. Geographic disturbances caused by cotton farming, livestock grazing and fire have left their mark on the land; older hardwoods exist mainly on slopes too steep for terracing.
Portions of the Orange Trail and White Trail parallel the shoreline of the Middle Oconee River which borders the western portion of the Garden. Small populations of wildlife such as rabbits, raccoons, opossums, fox and numerous bird species find the Garden a natural habitat. Birding is a popular activity at the Garden. The State Botanical Garden together with UGA's Whitehall Forest has been designated an IBA (Important Bird Area) by the Georgia Audubon Society.
Sites of archeological interest include several old home sites and rock mounds of uncertain origin. |
| Garden Etiquette |
Enjoy yourself. Dress appropriately for the outdoors, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and water.
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-Days Open and Fees |
| Grounds are open daily 8 AM - 6 PM Oct. - Mar. and 8 AM - 8 PM Apr. - Sept. Visitor Center hours: 9 AM - 4:30 PM Tue.-Sat. and 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM Sun. Café hours: 11 AM - 2:30 PM Tue. - Fri. and 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Sat./Sun. Closed Mondays. |
| Contact, Address, Gardens Map and Website |
Phone: 706-542-1244 - Address: International Garden Lawn, S. Milledge Ave. , Athens, GA 30605 - Located 1 mile past Athens bypass (Loop 10)
Gardens Map State Botanical Gardens Website |
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