“Largest American bamboo collection east of California?” That’s what they say about the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. Let’s explore this Savannah treasure.
The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens began as a USDA plant introduction station. It transformed into a 51-acre public green space. This transformation showcases a rich history.
Let’s jump back to the late 1880s. Mrs. H. B. Miller planted three giant Japanese timber bamboo plants. By 1915, the bamboo grove impressed botanist David Fairchild. His friend Barbour Lathrop bought the site in 1919. He leased it to the USDA for just $1 per year.
Frank Meyer, David Bisset, and Alfonso McClure played vital roles. They developed the facility as a federally funded plant introduction station. This lasted throughout the mid-20th century. In 1979, the USDA closed the site. Then in 1983, it deeded the land to the University of Georgia. It remains part of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Today, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens boasts around 60 bamboo taxa. Most were planted in the 1920s and 30s. You’ll find genera Phyllostachys and Bambusa here. The gardens also display 40 winter-hardy palm species. Don’t miss the dwarf palmetto cultivars.
With at least 36 species, the gardens hold one of the largest collections of camellias outside of China. Explore the Judge Arthur Solomon Camellia Trail. Admire impressive specimen trees too. Look for China fir, southern magnolia, and Japanese evergreen oak.
The site also showcases landscape roses. You’ll see native Georgia plants and seasonal displays. A 50000-gallon water garden was completed in 2012. It sits on the shores of one of the site’s lakes. A Mediterranean-style garden was completed in 2013. This is near the Bridal Cottage and Conference Center. This area was historically the original entrance.
The new Andrews Visitor and Education Center opened in 2015. It now serves as the main entrance. You’ll enter from the improved Canebrake Road entrance drive. Four other gardens were completed in 2015 as well. The Woodland Shade Garden offers picturesque lake views. The White Garden boasts three white pergolas. The Formal Garden features parterres surrounded by olive and white crape myrtles.
The Georgia Trustees Garden replica is fascinating. James Oglethorpe began this agricultural plot. It existed from 1733 to 1755. It features edible, medicinal, and crop commodities. These are what the first settlers were expected to produce. You’ll see mulberry leaves for silkworms. There are also grapes, pomegranates, and cotton.
In 2016, the Sun Garden was created. New plants are continually added to this expansive area.
The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens hosts special events throughout the year. These include the Wild Game Supper and the Spring Plant Sale. Don’t miss Autumn Gardenfest and December Nights and Holiday Lights. The latter features 600000 lights in the evenings.
Visitors can pick their own fruit too. Strawberries are available in late-March to May. Blackberries are ready from mid-May to early July. Harvest times vary with the weather.
The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens is part of the University of Georgia’s Extension. It benefits from support from the Chatham County government. The Friends of the Coastal Gardens organization also helps. There is no fee to park. A gift shop offers souvenirs and garden items.
Remember the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. It is more than just a garden. It’s a living museum of plants. It is a tranquil escape and a testament to Savannah’s botanical history.