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Smith Gilbert Gardens

90 Reviews

#4 of 27 things to do in Kennesaw

Gardens, Nature & Parks

2382 Pine Mountain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152-4127

+1 770-919-0248

Website

Review Highlights

“So much potential”

First let me say that while I am not a gardener but that I enjoy visiting gardens and that I... read more

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

journalmytrips

georgia

“Rare Find, Year Round Interest”

Such a unique and peaceful place, something for everyone. Great afternoon option for out of town... read more

Reviewed 5 March 2018

bdh189

Kennesaw, Georgia

Read all 90 reviews

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Overview

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

90 reviews

Excellent65%
Very good27%
Average6%
Poor1%
Terrible1%

Travellers talk about

“rose garden” (10 reviews)

“plant life” (3 reviews)

“local garden” (2 reviews)

Open Now

Hours

Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 4:00 AM

Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours

LOCATION

2382 Pine Mountain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152-4127

CONTACT

Website

+1 770-919-0248

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1 - 10 of 90 reviews

journalmytrips

georgia

310124

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

So much potential

First let me say that while I am not a gardener but that I enjoy visiting gardens and that I appreciate the labor that goes into maintaining a garden. I have visited 25 to 30 gardens and have done reviews on several of them. This...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

bdh189

Kennesaw, Georgia

Reviewed 5 March 2018

Rare Find, Year Round Interest

Such a unique and peaceful place, something for everyone. Great afternoon option for out of town family/visitors year round. Sculpture, interesting architecture (Butler house built 1882) and unique 15 acre garden with gravel paths and water feature. Always enjoy the native azaleas, roses, camellias, pitcher...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

RamblingRoses

Hendersonville, North Carolina

294144

Reviewed 9 November 2017

Definitely a hidden gem!

As botanical gardens go this one is on the small side, but is a hidden gem that you won't want to miss! If you like bonsai trees they have a very large collection of them. If you appreciate modern sculpture, you will find dozens located...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Jim S

Atlanta, Georgia

21257

Reviewed 24 September 2017 via mobile

Educational and beautiful

Make sure you get there first part of September for the hummingbird banding. This is fun for the whole family. If your lucky you can release the hummingbird of from your hand. It is very educational. In the butterfly house you can grab a slice...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

FamilymanDoug

Kennesaw, Georgia

7017

Reviewed 13 September 2017

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.

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Sandy H

114

Reviewed 9 September 2017 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

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pransomjr

Kennesaw, Georgia

12111

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

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Barry B

452

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

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Richard W

Atlanta, Georgia

235

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

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

chassidyl2014

Las Vegas, Nevada

6247

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.