Colorful and majestic are two words I would use to describe my visit at Gibbs Gardens last month in June. It is nature at its finest, a garden experience I have never encountered on this grand of a scale. Gibbs Gardens is located at Ball Ground, GA in the northern part of the state. It is a private family estate turned into a world class public gardens and designed by Mr. Jim Gibbs, the founder of Gibbs Gardens. He developed and created 220 acres of perfectly landscaped gardens, lakes, streams, and ponds.
The Daylily Gardens were one of the highlights of my trip. They bloom in June and July. The vibrant rows of different variety of lilies stretched out over the estate as far as the eye could see. Yellow, orange, purple, pink: I felt like a child who just opened my 64 count of colored crayons with all the colors of the rainbow. I made my way along to the Waterlily Garden where there is a replica of the Monet Bridge which highlights these gardens. The water lilies were scattered about the pond with their mirrored reflections looking back at me. It was so peaceful.
Another treasured spot I discovered was the Japanese Gardens. I felt my inner photographer giggle with delight. Serenity is the word to best describe this 40 acre garden that looks like it is from some painting that I would have seen in a museum. Everywhere I look I saw spring-fed ponds, boulders, rocks and Japanese lanterns along with Japanese maples and meandering paths guide you to this little bit of heaven. I look forward to going back in the fall when over 1,000 maples turn brilliant shades of orange, red and yellow. This garden claims fame to be one of the largest Tsukiyama gardens in the nation.
If you would like more information on this botanical wonderland, please go to www.gibbsgardens.com. Hours of operation are March through May from Tuesday-Sunday 9:00am to 5:00pm and June through early December from Wednesday-Sunday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Every month there is a different colorful plant in full bloom. As for this photographer, I will have trouble choosing what images I want to frame.
Great photos of a very beautiful place.. thanks for all the great details. I will definitely put this on my road trip list.