Smith-Gilbert Gardens is open for self-guided tours and a fun scavenger hunt for kids! Visit us today!
Please note: We will continue to monitor visitation and may change our operational guidelines to continue to support safety and social distancing.
All visitors and members must purchase their timed tickets before arriving to the Gardens. Please click the link above to purchase tickets.
The Gift Shop & Art Gallery, in the Hiram Butler House, are open. Please enter the House at the front door – temperature checks are required. Staff will be on site, but may not be available during your visit. We are not selling tickets on site.
We cannot accommodate group tours, daycare facilities or summer camp tours.
Masks are not required, but we encourage you to wear a face covering, especially when using the public restroom.
Welcome to Smith-Gilbert Gardens!
Smith-Gilbert Gardens is the City of Kennesaw’s botanical garden. Voted one of the top five places to take children in the Atlanta metro area, the 17-acre property is rich with botanical, artistic and historic treasures.
Fifteen themed garden spaces, anchored by the reconstruction era Hiram Butler House, contain more than 4,000 curated plant species. The award-winning “Garden with Wings” butterfly house and pollinator garden promote conservation of beneficial Georgia native plants and insects. The crevice garden displays a gardening style and plant collection rarely seen in the southeastern United States. Robust collections of hydrangeas, camellias, conifers and roses along with woodland and perennial gardens inspire visitors to explore variety for their own landscapes. Blending horticulture and art, the bonsai collection includes more than 70 specimens, diligently trained during monthly work sessions that are open to garden visitors. Thirty remarkable garden sculptures by nationally and internationally known artists add drama to the landscape. Koi ponds, a waterfall, and child-friendly play structures throughout the property round out the experience.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens’ conservation mission is evident throughout the gardens. A minimal-toxicity ethic means that we curtail the use of chemical treatments in garden maintenance. Through best practices in collection management and collaborations with Georgia Power, State Botanical Garden of Georgia and Atlanta Botanical Garden, we work to preserve global plant biodiversity and improve local habitat. Our educational programs share knowledge of and passion for nature, while inspiring participants to be conservation minded.
We hope that you will enjoy your visit to our website, but most importantly, we invite you to experience firsthand the beauty and fascination of Smith-Gilbert Gardens.
NEWS
We answered the call! Or hoot! Smith-Gilbert Gardens has everything you need to explore the great outdoors with our new educational Nature in Action kits! Our first seasonal kit will help you discover the world of birding. With several activities for grades K-5, it’s great for self-guided use in the garden or your own backyard. Each kit is $25 with everything pictured below and more. Ask us how to get your own or stop by our gift shop today!
2 days ago
Are you familiar with the children's Christmas boxes? I wonder if this would go into one of those boxes? This would be neat to put in one for a child if it all would fit in the box.
Hayes Elementary School Bullard Elementary School Frey Elementary PTSA Ford Elementary School Foundation Pickett’s Mill Elementary School LEWIS PTSA KennesawElementarySchool Kincaid Elementary Due West Elementary School Foundation Bells Ferry Elementary School Chalker Elementary Foundation Pitner Elementary School Acworth Elementary School Baker Elementary School Mount Paran Christian School North Cobb Christian School McCall Primary School Big Shanty Elementary School
The Smith-Gilbert Gardens Gift Shop and Art Gallery has new artisan items for sale. We will feature new items and artists each month. This month, meet Emily Knapp. Emily is a local artist specializing in ceramics and jewelry. She finds her inspiration through her love of all things nature. All pieces are hand- made and make great additions to your home or special gifts. See some of the pieces you can find in our gift shop on her website. Gift shop hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9AM to 4PM.
To view more of her work, visit: www.ekstudioart.com/home.html
3 days ago
Great idea to feature local artist's work
Welcome to Smith-Gilbert Gardens’ Virtual Story Time! This week’s reader is Fernando Martinez, our Horticulture Technician! Thanks for watching!
2 weeks ago
The Smith-Gilbert Gardens' staff has grown! Go visit our newest co-worker, Mrs. Bouquet, who is a part of City of Kennesaw Government's inaugural Scarecrows on Main event. Make sure to tag us in your pictures with Mrs. Bouquet!
2 weeks ago
Love this! Especially the hydrangea hair.
I rejoice with Mrs. Bouquet!
EVENTS
Led by Bonsai Curator Rodney Clemons
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bonsai Study Group with Bonsai Curator Rodney Clemons will be onsite and available to answer questions.
While the exhibition will be closed for visitors to enter, you will have the opportunity to see the trees and talk with members of the Study Group.
Discover the mystery behind creating these living works of art.
Led by Bonsai Curator Rodney Clemons
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bonsai Study Group with Bonsai Curator Rodney Clemons will be onsite and available to answer questions.
While the exhibition will be closed for visitors to enter, you will have the opportunity to see the trees and talk with members of the Study Group.
Discover the mystery behind creating these living works of art.
Led by Bonsai Curator Rodney Clemons
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bonsai Study Group with Bonsai Curator Rodney Clemons will be onsite and available to answer questions.
While the exhibition will be closed for visitors to enter, you will have the opportunity to see the trees and talk with members of the Study Group.
Discover the mystery behind creating these living works of art.
Led by Bonsai Curator Rodney Clemons
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bonsai Study Group with Bonsai Curator Rodney Clemons will be onsite and available to answer questions.
While the exhibition will be closed for visitors to enter, you will have the opportunity to see the trees and talk with members of the Study Group.
Discover the mystery behind creating these living works of art.
