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Smith Gilbert Gardens

86 Reviews
#4 of 23 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
“Interesting local garden”

This is a large garden with many different plants and animals. There is also an fairly old house... read more

Reviewed 1 week ago
FamilymanDoug
,
Kennesaw, Georgia
“Hummingbird Banding Event”

This event lasted from 8-11 am. There were so many additional things to see! The butterfly house... read more

Reviewed 2 weeks ago
Sandy H
via mobile
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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
86 reviews
  • Excellent64%
  • Very good29%
  • Average6%
  • Poor0%
  • Terrible1%
Travellers talk about
“rose garden” (9 reviews)
“plant life” (3 reviews)
“outdoor wedding” (2 reviews)
Open Now
All hours
Hours Today: 09:00 - 04:00
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
LOCATION
2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30152
CONTACT
Website
+1 770-919-0248
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Reviews (86)
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1 - 10 of 86 reviews

Reviewed 1 week ago
Interesting local garden

This is a large garden with many different plants and animals. There is also an fairly old house. The guides are very helpful.

Thank FamilymanDoug
Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
Hummingbird Banding Event

This event lasted from 8-11 am. There were so many additional things to see! The butterfly house, bonsai garden, rose garden, wildlife trail… And for a $10 donation we had the opportunity to hold Fiona the owl! What a sweetheart. We must come back and...More

Thank Sandy H
Reviewed 11 July 2017
Not what I expected

I went here for the second time in July of this year and I was disappointed. When I think of gardens I think of a large area that would be more unique flowers. It was nice to visit but I think they have a lot...More

Thank pransomjr
Reviewed 3 June 2017 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
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