Our mission. Our history. Our Vision.
As a City of Kennesaw Botanical Garden, the mission of Smith-Gilbert Gardens is to serve as a resource for conservation, education and the enjoyment of horticulture, fine arts and historic preservation.
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 17 acres of serene setting with thousands 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.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens is committed to our mission of conservation through setting a standard of excellence in sustainable garden practices. This includes promoting pollinator activity by limiting pesticides and herbicides throughout the garden and lawn areas.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens is supported, in part, by memberships, donations, and funds raised through the Rose Garden Gala and Garden Gallop sponsored by the Smith-Gilbert Gardens Foundation – a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.