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Art, butterflies and flowers - a hearty morning walk around the Smith-Gilbert Gardens




We all have local places that we mean to visit but never do. And, you know, most of the time we really, really do want to go, right? My list of places is mostly outdoors - to visit local parks, gardens and trails and also to travel to all the beautiful waterfalls in Georgia. 

 AN UNPLANNED VISIT
The Smith-Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw is practically around the corner and I'd known about it for years. But I never put it in the family's weekend plans. Two Saturdays ago we finally visited - on the fly. Other plans fell through and we still wanted to get outside. The Smith-Gilbert Gardens were just minutes away so we decided to go there.

 What a charming and playful garden it is! It is not overwhelmingly large. The well-designed grounds offer a variety of plant life for you to enjoy - and plenty of shade. The Woodland Walk is not very long, maybe a half mile, and takes you around the entire property under an umbrella of cooling trees. 

There are plenty of places to sit, rest and enjoy the view as well as a few areas for little kids to play. The fairy garden here is absolutely precious and surrounded with flowers that attract butterflies.


 ART - HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE 
As you walk around the property you will be pleased to find about 30 outdoor sculptures of all shapes and sizes, abstract and realistic, openly out on the grounds or nestled into the scenery.




BIG FISH!

One of my favorite sites was the carp pond, nestled in the middle of the property. The fish were just huge! The largest ones must have been a good 20 inches long. There is a bench at the base of the pond so you can sit there for ages watching them swim around. 
If you need your weekend to relax and refuel to get you ready for another chaotic work week, sitting outside in a place like this may give you some needed respite.

Carp Pond

BONSAI - A NEW HOBBY? 
I can't say for sure that I will take up growing bonsai trees will be a new hobby, but I sure am considering it. The bonsai area was pretty, relaxing and inspirational. Each little tree is its own work of art. The meditative nature of handling such a lovely little tree certainly has its appeal.
There is a bonsai study group every second Saturday of the month led by Rodney Clemons. It is an informal event, where Mr. Clemons cares for the bonsai on site and you can watch and ask him questions. Please do not bring your own bonsai to the event. Hmmm... you may just see me there on September 14. I already put it in my phone's calendar!


SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 
These gardens are absolutely lovely and well worth a few hours of your time. You don't need hiking shoes. A pair of decent sandals are fine. Pack some sunscreen, a little snack and some water and you will be good to go. I will be back in the fall when the leaves start to turn. And in the spring when they host their annual native plant sale. I probably won't be able to get a bonsai there but I bet I can get a couple of hearty azaleas and some coreopsis.

SMITH-GILBERT GARDENS
2382 Pine Mountain Road
Kennesaw, Georgia 30152
770.919.0248

Hours Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4pm
Closed Sunday and Monday.
No dogs except service animals permitted
Admission Fee: $10 General / $8 Seniors / Military & Student $5 / Youth 3-17 $5 / Children 2 and under FREE

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