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Smith Gilbert Gardens

83 Reviews
#4 of 24 things to do in Kennesaw
Gardens, Nature & Parks
2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30152
+1 770-919-0248
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Review Highlights
“Great hidden gem!!”

We visited the gardens & were amazed at the variety of plants, flowers, & trees! Great rose garden... read more

Reviewed 3 weeks ago
Barry B
via mobile
“Georgia Gem of a Garden”

Smith-Gilbert Gardens is a Georgia little gem of a garden set on 16 acres in Kennesaw with over... read more

Reviewed 6 May 2017
Richard W
,
Atlanta, Georgia
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With a variety of plantings, the Hiram Butler Home (ca. 1880) and 31 sculptures, Smith-Gilbert Gardens has something for everyone. At the center of Smith-Gilbert Gardens is the historic Hiram Butler House, dating back over 150 years. The house was once owned by Mr. Butler, a Confederate railroad man, who worked the lines most of his life and was present during the "Great Locomotive Chase." In 1970, Mr. Richard Smith and Dr. Robert Gilbert bought the Hiram Butler House and surrounding acreage in Kennesaw, Georgia. Over the following 35 years, they realized their dream of developing the house and grounds, with an emphasis on unique plantings and thoughtfully positioned sculpture. Now open to the public, Smith-Gilbert Gardens is 16 acres of serene setting with over 3,000 species of plants, several rare in American gardens. United by woodland paths, the Gardens consist of separate groupings with individual elements of fascination. These include the Bonsai Exhibit, Palladino Camellia Garden, tea house and waterfall area, Rose Garden, and Conifer Display. Our Garden is a proud member of various horticultural groups including the American Conifer, American Daffodil, American Hosta and the Southeastern Camellia societies. We are also a designated wildlife habitat by the Atlanta Audubon Society. Both our Rose Garden and the Conifer Collection have received special recognition as places to visit by their respective societies.

About Smith Gilbert Gardens

With a variety of plantings, the Hiram Butler Home (ca. 1880) and 31 sculptures, Smith-Gilbert Gardens has something for everyone. At the center of Smith-Gilbert Gardens is the historic Hiram Butler House, dating back over 150 years. The house was once owned by Mr. Butler, a Confederate railroad man, who worked the lines most of his life and was present during the "Great Locomotive Chase." In 1970, Mr. Richard Smith and Dr. Robert Gilbert bought the Hiram Butler House and surrounding acreage in Kennesaw, Georgia. Over the following 35 years, they realized their dream of developing the house and grounds, with an emphasis on unique plantings and thoughtfully positioned sculpture. Now open to the public, Smith-Gilbert Gardens is 16 acres of serene setting with over 3,000 species of plants, several rare in American gardens. United by woodland paths, the Gardens consist of separate groupings with individual elements of fascination. These include the Bonsai Exhibit, Palladino Camellia Garden, tea house and waterfall area, Rose Garden, and Conifer Display. Our Garden is a proud member of various horticultural groups including the American Conifer, American Daffodil, American Hosta and the Southeastern Camellia societies. We are also a designated wildlife habitat by the Atlanta Audubon Society. Both our Rose Garden and the Conifer Collection have received special recognition as places to visit by their respective societies.
4.5
83 reviews
  • Excellent65%
  • Very good28%
  • Average6%
  • Poor0%
  • Terrible1%
Travellers talk about
“rose garden” (9 reviews)
“outdoor wedding” (2 reviews)
“garden art” (2 reviews)
Closed
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Hours Today: Closed
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
LOCATION
2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30152
CONTACT
Website
+1 770-919-0248
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Reviews (83)
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1 - 10 of 83 reviews

Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile
Great hidden gem!!

We visited the gardens & were amazed at the variety of plants, flowers, & trees! Great rose garden as well as a bonsai area that was awesome!! Well taken care of grounds, historical home & extremely pleasant staff made our visit quite nice!! A must...More

Thank Barry B
Reviewed 6 May 2017
Georgia Gem of a Garden

Smith-Gilbert Gardens is a Georgia little gem of a garden set on 16 acres in Kennesaw with over 3,000 plant species. Its beautiful Bonsai garden has over 70 examples and is supported by an active Bonsai club. The property has rolling topography and foot paths...More

Thank Richard W
Reviewed 22 April 2017 via mobile
It's ok

It needs more up keep. I think it's priced right for what it is. I was good spending a hour there. I wish there was more in bloom it's more plant based then flowers. The check in lady was very helpful.

Thank chassidyl2014
Reviewed 21 April 2017
Stop here at least once

This is a lovely garden albeit a bit neglected. The bonsai garden is really interesting and has beautiful specimens which can captivate your attention. The pollinator gardens need a lot of work. Someone had been weeding there and left piles of debris, the mustards were...More

Thank Mycomagic
Reviewed 5 April 2017
Lovely garden and trails

If you are looking for a nice walk, photography fodder, or just a pretty day with a lot of interesting plant life, I highly recommend. The people who work there with the plants are also quite friendly.

Thank Veaya S
Reviewed 14 March 2017 via mobile
Hidden Gem in Kennesaw

What a fantastic day to spend time at the Gardens! They have a great space for children that adults will enjoy also. A lot of work has been done to make your experience very relaxing , with the Gardens having been developed into a beautiful...More

1  Thank Trisha T
Reviewed 13 March 2017
Lots of variety

My husband and I visited on a cool pre-spring day. It sprinkled rain a little toward the end of our visit. The garden isn't real large. You park & pay at the main house and then drive to a parking area to walk the gardens....More

Thank Norma W
Reviewed 8 December 2016
Beautiful garden for a loved one or a few hours by oneself

I enjoyed going here in the fall even without much there. The garden is very nice to walk through. It reminded me much about the peacefulness and simplicity of life, stuff that a garden should do. I also like the Japanese Bonsi garden very much.

Thank curlylekan
Reviewed 1 December 2016
2 yr ago

It's been a while but my husband and I enjoyed it. The price was more than I expected for the experience but it was convenient and relaxing.

Thank lydian337
Reviewed 9 October 2016
A Hidden Gem

Unique and you can get a guided tour if reserved in advance for 5 to 10 people....cost is only $10...otherwise, cheaper to get in and tour on your own....which anyone can do. Maps are provided and it is a small place. They also have a...More

1  Thank Norma J
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