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By A. Jefferson Lewis III
University of
Georgia
Nestled near the University of Georgia campus in Athens is the
313-acre State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The botanical garden
serves first the interests of the university community. But it’s
also a public garden. It’s an excellent place for home gardeners
to learn about plants, gardening and a host of related topics.
The garden offers many educational programs, including seminars,
workshops, lectures, demonstrations and field trips. Some of
these are indoors in classrooms. But many are outdoors, providing
hands-on experience.
Looking at a plant in a book is one thing. Actually seeing it
growing in the landscape is another. Being there lets you examine
form, size, texture and other characteristics that determine
whether a plant is suitable for a particular area or use.
Flowers galore
Wildflowers, native plants, pruning, organic gardening and floral
design are but a few of many topics offered. The garden hosts the
popular Master Gardener program for the greater Athens area, too.
The garden doesn’t just cover plant and gardening topics.
Changing art exhibitions explore the beauty of flowers, plants
and nature. Classes in watercolor and other media are offered
occasionally, too.
Special exhibitions such as the recent Frabel glass flower
exhibition and Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibition,
“Exploring Garden Transformations 1900-2000,” explore special
topics.
Fruits, veggies, too
While “gardening” means flowers and ornamental plants to many
people, to others it means fruits and vegetables. The diversity
of fruits and vegetables grown in the Southeastern United States
is almost as endless as their cultural requirements. The Heritage
Garden contains a number of older, heirloom varieties.
Cooking classes that involve herbs, edible flowers and other
culinary topics round out a full range of gardening topics.
The garden has many programs for children, too, including
after-school programs and summer camps. It’s a favorite
destination for field trips.
It also offers teacher training workshops. These enable teachers
to take programs such as “Monarchs (butterflies) in the
Classroom” and “Endangered Plant Stewardship Network” back to
their own classrooms.
Unintended education
Much of the learning that goes on at the Garden is passive. Many
visitors don’t come with learning in mind. They just want to
enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Interpretive signs and other information are placed throughout
the theme gardens, special collections, nature trails and
conservatory. They enable visitors to learn about plants, plant
hunters, horticultural and botanical milestones, endangered
habitants and historical plants as they enjoy the Garden.
To learn about programs, special events and other opportunities
at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, write to 2450 South
Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605. Or call (706) 542-1244, e-mail
garden@uga.edu or visit the Web site (www.uga.edu/botgarden).
(Jeff Lewis is the director of the State Botanical Garden of
Georgia near Athens, Ga.)
