Atlanta Botanical Garden - Atlanta, GA
My latest adventure has taken me to the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta, GA. It is truly one of a kind and has something for everyone, including gardens, art, and food. The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a wide selection of gardens: rose garden, Japanese garden, cascade garden, edible garden, children’s garden, storza woods, and skyline garden.
Garden Features
The ATL botanical garden offers a variety of gardens and sculptures for visitors to view.
Trolls: Save the Humans
During my latest visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden there was an astounding seasonal display of Thomas Dambo Troll sculptures. Dambo is a world-renowned recycled artist, well known for his troll sculptures. The gardens map and guide could be used to find the trolls like a scavenger hunt and provided additional information about each sculpture.
There were six trolls throughout the gardens. Each sculpture was made from recycled materials, mostly wood. They all were nestled amongst the gardens and promoted messages of recycling and the preservation of nature. I thought the sculptures were incredible and quite charming.
Chihuly Glass Collection
There is a small selection of Chihuly glass sculptures at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The sculptures are found as centerpieces of a couple gardens. One example is the Radiant Yellow Icicle Tower in the Storza Woods Glade Garden. A giant tower of yellow glass spikes is featured at the end of a long reflection pool and surrounded by flower beds. The Chihuly sculpture’s reflection in the pond is a striking scene and very interesting to see.
Storza Woods
The storza woods section often houses the seasonal sculptures, as well as the Chihuly glass tower. Additionally, throughout the wooded section there are interesting elevated platforms that allow visitors to walk through the treetops and view the trees from the top and the bottom, which also allows for two levels of walkable area. It is a very nice shady area to walk around.
Cascade Garden
The cascade garden includes a pond and waterfall with a beautiful, massive topiary sculpture called the Earth Goddess. It is a stunning sight to see. The huge sculpture is covered in a variety of plants that create the colors and textures of the sculpture. You won’t see it anywhere else!
Skyline Garden
When I visited, the skyline garden included an amazing assortment of colorful water lilies. It also includes as conservation garden of native plants. The skyline garden gets its name from the Atlanta skyline you can see over the trees in garden. Also, it looks out over Piedmont Park when the trees are not as tall and leafy.
Orchid Center
Atlanta Botanical Garden houses a HUGE orchid center. The orchid center is a series of massive green houses. Each room has a selection of tropical plants including a wide variety of orchids that are absolutely gorgeous. Also, there are several varieties of tree frogs and turtles inside as well, so watch your step!
Who Goes Here?
A variety of people go to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, including families, friends, and couples. Also, there are often groups having special events. Additionally, some people visit to have photo shoots done.
Venue
Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a lively and relaxing atmosphere. The surroundings are beautiful and lush with many water features. All of the gardens and pathways are well organized and maintained. The facilities are very well kept and look new. Refreshments are available, including an upscale restaurant and a snack bar. A gift shop is available on the way out. The garden has something for everyone. It would be a great place to go with friends, on a date, or to explore with family (or solo!).
Location
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located in downtown Atlanta, GA next to Piedmont Park. It actually shares a parking garage with Piedmont Park. You do have to pay for parking. The gardens are in a central location downtown. There are not many places to eat within walking distance, but there are a few. It is a good location, but it is pretty busy and congested because it is downtown.
Summary
The Atlanta Botanical Garden really blew me away. It is a stunning combination of world-renowned artwork and beautifully manicured gardens. The gardens offer a unique way to experience nature and amazing artwork in unison while enjoying the outdoors. The ambience could be as classy or as casual as you would like and has something for anyone. I would recommend visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden to anyone going to Atlanta, GA.
