Gibbs Gardens is located about one hour north of Atlanta. You will find the largest display of daffodils in the United States. It’s breathtaking, really. Gibbs botanical gardens is situated on nearly 300 acres at the foothills of the North Georgia mountains in an amazing outdoor spectacle of well kept nature.
The photos are stunning but you need to visit in person to get the full effect. Bring your camera.
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Most Stunning Daffodil Garden
Mother nature controls the precise opening date for the season but it is generally somewhere around early March at Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, Ga.
The Daffodil Gardens are hailed as the largest display of daffodils in the U.S. with over 200 varieties of early, mid and later bloomers on over 50 acres. They are the first gardens on the property to bloom each year and they showcase over 20 million daffodil blossoms.
Gibbs Gardens is much more than only the daffodils. Let me share a small preview of why you should plan a day trip to Gibbs.
Waterlily Gardens
You will find five spring fed ponds and over 140 varieties of water lilies at the Waterlily Gardens. I know, it’s almost overwhelming the quantity of beauty you can enjoy when you spend time at Gibbs Gardens.
After a visit to Paris, Mr. Gibbs, the owner of the gardens, was inspired to build a replica of Monet’s Japanese Bridge which is covered with Wisteria just as the original and painted to resemble it’s inspiration. You will find the bridge located in the Waterlily Garden. Don’t try to remember that tidbit, they give you a nice map of the property to guide your way on your walking tour.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese garden is over 40 acres making it the largest Japanese Garden in the U.S. Over 3,000 Japanese Maples are found with more than 200 varieties. Be sure to see them in the Fall when the Japanese garden is stunning.
Hundreds of Yoshino Cherry Trees bloom in the Spring, generally around March to April. Warm weather will cause the beautiful blooms to fall off carpeting the ground in pink flowers. These are the same Cherry Trees you will find at the International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Ga.
Hydrangea Garden
The Hydrangea Garden is a don’t miss spot on your botanical tour at Gibbs Gardens. There are benches along the pathways to allow you to sit a spell and enjoy the beauty of God’s handiwork.
Over 1,000 hydrangea bloom from May until October each year. I don’t know about you but personally, I never get tired of hydrangea and I love to decorate with dried hydrangea too.
More Gardens at Gibbs
Manor House Gardens and yes the owners do live on the property. the Hydrangea Gardens begin here.
Azalea Gardens with blooms spanning from April until November. In the Spring you may think you are visiting the Master’s Tournament.
Crepe Myrtle Gardens embody the essence of a southern summer.
Daylily Gardens: Plush green grass compliments the vibrant colors of the Daylilies which bloom from June until August.
Rose Gardens where gorgeous flowers are hanging from trellis and arbors, sprouting tall in leveled beds and lined up in rows escorted by plush green grass.
Wildflower Meadow comes to life in late summer with mowed paths to allow those who wish, to admire the many colors popping from the Earth.
The Pleasance is a nod to olden times, prior to the many distractions of the world. Folks would build a Pleasance garden as a place of solitude and quiet for being alone and thinking. You will find over 50 benches to allow you to sit a spell and enjoy the solitude of this area.
The Grandchildren’s Sculpture Gardens which displays sculptures to honor each of the Gibbs 11 grandchildren in some form of activity. This place will make your heart smile.
Gibbs has the largest display of daffodils in the U.S. and so much more. You will find plenty to enjoy outdoors from early Spring until late Fall. In addition to the 20+ million daffodils, you will also see gorgeous; daylilies, roses, ferns, hydrangea, Cherry Blossom trees, Dogwoods, Crepe Myrtles, Japanese Maple and a plethora of more including annuals and perennials.
Plan around 3 to 4 hours to tour the entire botanical gardens. The property is 292 acres and the house and gardens include 220 acres. Gibbs is one of the nation’s largest residential estate gardens.
Go here to see what’s in bloom at Gibbs Gardens and plan your visit accordingly between Spring and late Fall.
2020 Travelers Choice on Trip Advisor where they have 4 1/2 Stars with over 750 reviews
Tips for Visiting Botanical Gardens
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking. There is lots of outdoor walking to do
- Bring a camera and a selfie stick
- Dress comfortable. Dress in layers if visiting during cooler weather season
- Wear sunscreen
- Wear a backpack but make sure it is allowed by checking the rules on their site. Pack water, snacks, and hand wipes and a small trash bag so you don’t litter.
- Bring money. There will be opportunities to make purchases for food, drink and souvenirs.
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