Seasonal Splendor
Story and photos by Alice Crann Good
While standing at the foot of a hill trying to soak in the spectacular scene of millions of daffodils, their little, glowing yellow heads waving in the wind under a blue-sky umbrella, amazement seized my mind, heart and soul.
And the overwhelming natural beauty set the tone for the late March day when my friend of 50 years, Molly Maher of Canton, Georgia, took me to Gibbs Gardens. My husband, Thomas, and I had stopped to see Molly and her husband, Chris, on our way back from a Blue Ridge Mountain retreat.
When Molly asked me one morning what I wanted to do, I said I wanted to get out and walk, perhaps see Gibbs Gardens. A generous hostess and avid walker, Molly was game, and the next thing I knew, we were on the road.
Gibbs Gardens, about one hour from Atlanta in Ball Ground, Georgia, opened in 2012 after decades of worldwide garden visits and research, planning and developing by James Gibbs — the retired president/founder of Gibbs Landscaping Co., one of Atlanta’s leading landscaping companies for more than 60 years. Gibbs, who believes in “gardening genes,” comes from a long line of gardeners.
What literally put the spotlight on Gibbs Gardens upon its grand opening was a six-page Southern Living Magazine spread complete with “glorious dramatic photography,” according to Gibbs. Southern Living’s senior gardening editor at the time, Steve Bender, couldn’t praise Gibbs enough, causing a landslide of attention from other media and readers across the Southeast.
The magazine’s key point: Gibbs’ fields-of-dream-come-true project is a world-class destination.
The property of rolling hills, mature trees, natural flora and fauna, springs and streams, open land and view of Mount Oglethorpe covers more than 375 acres in northeast Cherokee County. Natural plants and trees aside, Gibbs designed 24 ponds, 19 waterfalls, 32 bridge crossings, plentiful winding pathways and many different gardens.
As soon as visitors enter Gibbs Gardens, vibrancy rules. Barrels, baskets, planters, pots and expansive serpentine planting beds burst with mixed brilliant colors of annuals and perennials, setting the scene for the orchestrated gardens.
Must-sees: daffodil gardens (Southern Living Magazine designated them “the largest display of daffodils this side of Holland”), Arbor Crest and Manor House gardens, Monet Water Lily gardens, Japanese gardens, Le Jardin Color Garden, the azalea garden, crape myrtle garden and daylily garden. Oh, and don’t miss Fern Dell; the 70 acres represent one of the largest fern groves in the United States.
To learn about the Gibbs family, manor home and gardens, garden rules, special events, visitor hours and what is blooming each season, visit the website, gibbsgardens.com. For instance, thousands of pansies and Japanese maples wow visitors in the fall, and Wildflower Meadow does the same in spring, summer and fall.
And, yes, Gibbs Gardens features a gift shop. During our visit, Molly bought me the best keepsake, the book “Gibbs Gardens, Reflections on a Gardening Life” by James Gibbs (BookLOGIX, $34.95).
Part of Gibbs’ sentimental journey speaks volumes:
“Passing down seeds and plants from generation to generation provides a kind of love that only a gardener understands. I’m sure my three children and 11 grandchildren will enjoy this garden for years to come as I hope the general public will enjoy visiting and viewing the legacy I leave behind.”
Final note: Plan to spend a minimum of two hours at Gibbs Gardens and wear comfy shoes. No worries, though. Its Arbor Café offers a variety of beverages and food, plus seating.
