A Gardener's Paradise - Callaway Gardens, GA

Botanical Garden at Callaway Gardens

In January 2004, I went to Callaway Gardens, GA to attend a Southern Gardening Symposium.

I read about the symposium in Southern Living Magazine and thought it would be helpful in planning for a southern heirloom garden for the old country home and birthplace of an Ala. Governor, Big Jim Folsom, which was moved to Elba in 2003. Also we had just moved into a home that had no landscaping and I needed all the help I could get.

I arrived at the Lodge late Friday afternoon and attended the Opening Reception where I met others attending the symposium, many who come every year. I could hardly wait for the classes to begin on Saturday. A bus arrived at the Lodge to take us to the classroom building inside Callaway Gardens. There were many interesting speakers and workshops throughout the day. I opted for a box lunch so I could spend some time in the gardening marketplace where there were so many plants for sale and a a silent auction. I signed up for a lot of unusual plants and was I ever surprised at the end of the day when I was top bidder for lots of healthy plants; almost more than I could load in my car! I think I spent less than $25 for all these, including an amaryllis that had 4 or 5 large blooms which I brought back to a sick friend.

I bought some books and had them signed by the authors who presented programs. One I really enjoyed was a program on Southern Heirloom Gardens (bought that book) that was presented by one of the authors, Greg Allen, from Center, TX. Greg was the speaker at the banquet on Sat. night. Another book I bought was "Front Yard Idea Book" by Jeni Webber, who was great.

Sunday afternoon I drove through the gardens and sat inside the chapel while someone was playing the organ. What a treat! Then I drove through the gardens enjoying every minute. In January you can see much more of the landscape than in the summer.

I have been to the gardens in the summer when all of the azaleas and other flowers are blooming and it's beautiful. This was my first winter trip except to go to "Fantasy of Lights" at Christmastime. We have been twice to see the lights and both times it was extremely cold, even sleeting once. It's truly a winter wonderland.

This is a place that changes every season. I can't wait to go back again someday.  Check it out at:
http://www.callawaygardens.com/Callaway/