GAINESVILLE - The new Atlanta Botanical Garden in Gainesville welcomed its first visitors Saturday on 168 acres of land just north of town on U.S. Highway 129. C.E.O. Mary Pat Matheson expects the $21-million development will make Gainesville a tourist destination.
"Anyone who comes today or tomorrow will forever remember in their lives the day this beautiful garden opened," Matheson said. "This is an inaugural moment, how often in a life time do you get to come to a garden that's brand new?"
Matheson said the Garden will add to the area's cultural vitality, offering a connection with nature. The garden is on land donated in 2002 by the late Charles Smithgall and his widow Lessie and will be nicknamed the 'Smithgall Woodland Legacy'.
It took several years to develop; Garden Director Mildred Fockele said money was raised during the recession.
"I think it takes a while to get a project off the ground and try to get the public to understand what a botanical garden is and what it means to the community,"Fockele said.
Fockele added the garden offers diversity including including a visitor center, a 2,000 seat amphitheater, five acres of display gardens, even a model train garden. Fockele hopes the garden will have regional, even state appeal; she is most proud of the countless plant settings where visitors can get an education on the wonders of the natural world in addition to plant conservation.
The Gainesville garden is at 1911 Sweetbay Drive off U.S.129; It will be open April through October, Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. and from November through March, Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m.-5p.m.
Friday
May 10th, 2024
11:18PM
