State Botanical Garden of Georgia @UGA

Athens is the proud home to the state of Georgia's official botanical garden. This 313-acre botanical garden on the Middle Oconee River serves as a cultural, educational and recreational facility and is one of Athens' most-visited attractions. Numerous themed display gardens include the Flower Garden, International Garden, Heritage Garden, Shade Garden and more. The garden is an All-American Selections Garden, Southeastern Conifer Society Reference Garden, American Daffodil Society Display Garden and Audubon Society Important Bird Area.

Five miles of nature trails extend into the natural areas typical of the habitats and plant communities found in the Georgia Piedmont.

The Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center & Conservatory contains a collection of tropical and semi-tropical plants providing a backdrop for concerts, lectures and art exhibitions.

The Alice B. Richards Childrens Garden is an interactive experience of wonder for all ages, and opened in 2019. The children's garden requires free timed tickets due to the pandemic. Unlike any other in the Southeast, it is an experience crafted in layers, for children to explore under, around and through.

The Porcelain & Decorative Arts Museum opened in March 2021.

The Garden Gift Shop offers plants, books, local gifts and art, jewelry, and educational toys.

PLAN YOUR VISIT:

Allow 30 minutes minimum to view the conservatory and have a quick view of the gardens; longer to read interpretive panels, take a lengthier look at the gardens, or walk through the five miles of nature trails.

*Fall 2022 Hours update: The garden closes at 5 PM in preparation for Winter WonderLights.
 

IN THE NEWS:

• Alice H. Richards Children's Garden  to open in March 2019. Update from OnlineAthens.com.


• New official entrance to Garden & Visitor Center planned

ADMISSION: No admission charge; donations accepted.
No pets.

TOURS: The State Botanical Garden offers tailored field trips and educational tours to school children and adults of all ages. Programs on Healing Medicinal Plants, Edible Gardening, Stream Ecology, and many other topics are available. Check out Field Trip offerings or Adult Programs directly on the web site.

FACILITIES/RENTAL INFORMATION:
Four buildings set within the Garden offer unique facilities for a diverse range of events.

Callaway Building Designed to blend into its natural setting, the Callaway Building serves as administrative headquarters for the Garden. The upper level houses an auditorium, reception area, conference room, and kitchenette. Weather permitting, the front plaza provides additional informal meeting and break space. This facility is ideal for meetings, receptions, conferences, workshops, and retreats.

Visitor Center & Conservatory The Visitor Center & Conservatory serve as a stunning centerpiece for the Garden. The building includes a gift shop, Garden Room cafe, classrooms, offices, and a 3-story conservatory. Changing art exhibitions are on display in the foyer. The great room, overlooking the conservatory, is well suited for receptions, parties, and other gala events. Portions of the building overlook the expansive International Garden. Weather permitting, the front and rear plazas provide additional space for evening events.

Day Chapel Modern in design, the Day Chapel contains an eclectic blend of architectural styles and decorative details. Special features include custom-made, hand-tufted rugs and a magnificent set of carved mahogany and glass doors separating the vestibule and sanctuary. The lower level includes dressing rooms, a full catering kitchen, and a reception hall overlooking a beautiful woodland ravine. The adjoining garden terrace provides a pleasant outdoor space as well as a stunning view of the chapel. The facility is well suited for weddings, memorial services, retreats, small concerts, and recitals.

Garden Club of Georgia State Headquarters (Terrace Room) The newest building at the State Botanical Garden, this traditional design facility contains offices, work spaces, archives, and formal reception rooms on the upper level. The lower level, available for rental, contains a catering kitchen, restrooms, storage, and a large meeting/reception room, which opens on to an expansive brick terrace. The attractively appointed Terrace Room is ideal for meetings, conferences, receptions, and retreats.