Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 876-5859
- Hours:
- Apr-Oct: Tue-Sun 9am-7pm, Nov-Mar: Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Editorial Review for Atlanta Botanical Garden – by Steve Merrill
The Experience
The Fuqua Conservatory, the garden's centerpiece, is a giant greenhouse enclosing climate-controlled ecosystems that evoke images of distant Brazil or Saharan Africa. The steamy Tropical Rotunda features colossal-sized plant life and towering rubber trees. Brightly colored birds and poison dart frogs raise a clamor and vie for space and food. Hundreds of variations of cacti, species of ground brush and rare desert flowers occupy the bone-dry alcove next door. The Fuqua Orchid Center is a popular draw showcasing an exotic variety of orchids typically found in 6,000- to 10,000-foot elevations.
Features
Well-trodden paths guide you through planned nature walks. The influence of Japanese architecture is evident throughout, and there are plenty of quiet spots to sit and absorb the beauty. Children are special guests at the Botanical Garden. An interactive "kids' space" was opened in 1999 by the garden in partnership with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoShare an intimate date in the Conservatory, where you can get lost in the dense foliage.
Where to SitVisit the Robinson Gazebo in the Fuqua Orchid Center for an amazing view of the Midtown skyline.
The ExtrasEven if you don't have kids, the Children's Garden is worth a visit--it's got sunflower sprinklers, huge plastic bugs and an adult-sized treehouse.
ParkingWeekdays, park in the small lot. Weekends, park in the Colony Square garage on 14th Street and take the shuttle.
User Reviews for Atlanta Botanical Garden
08/04/2008 Posted by jessi3
Located in bustling Midtown, the Botanical Gardens offer an inexpensive way to spend the afternoon exploring exotic plant life, alternating art installations, nature walks, and simple snacks. For only $12, you can buy a cup of frozen yogurt or small pastry and cruise the rock garden, orchid house, Japanese garden, and multiple landscapes. What draws me most often is my love for art…currently you can view sculptures in motion either blowing in the wind or activated by your clapping hands. Famous glass artist Dale Chihuly has two breathtaking permanent exhibits on location, but you can catch different artists’ work displayed throughout the year. Tanks of tropical frogs and impeccably refined landscape make the experience truly peaceful, enjoyable, and memorable. Parking is available on and off site, kids truly love it, and they offer special evenings accompanied by the occasional event or wine tasting for a unique, romantic night out. If you’re just searching for a neat way to spend Saturday morning and craving some aestheticism, the Botanical Gardens can provide both without the inconvenience of travel or high entrance prices.
Pros: Inexpensive, diverse, and beautiful experience
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
11/24/2006 Posted by kbellis
This venue appeals to young and old, trendy and conservative, singles and couples. The children's garden is abolutely precious from it Peter Rabbit display to the fountains. Toddlers love it. And the exhibits are fabulous. The current Niki exhibit is stunning.
Cons: Food in the cafe is good but overpriced.
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