Garden News

Art is in Bloom at Smith-Gilbert Gardens Nature has been an inspiration to artists of all stripes and ages working in a wide range of media since the beginning of time. Richard Smith and Robert Gilbert were avid arts enthusiasts who believed in supporting artists and craftspeople. They demonstrated that through an extensive contemporary collection that includes more than thirty … Read More

Call For Artist! Smith-Gilbert Gardens is seeking local and regional artists for Art Blooms! This year, the call asks for 2-4 pieces from emerging and established artists for our Metamorphosis-themed exhibit. Apply for an opportunity to exhibit your work in Cobb County’s only Botanical garden. Stipends are provided with the support of the GA Council for the Arts Project Grant … Read More

Kennesaw, GA (October 31, 2022) — The City of Kennesaw recently named Brittany Jones the Executive Director of Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Jones comes to the Gardens from Filoli Historic House & Garden (San Mateo County, California), where she was the Chief Experience Officer. She oversaw the experience of Filoli, including interpretation, learning, retail operations, visitor services, events, facility rentals and collections. … Read More

Kennesaw, GA (September 23, 2022) — Smith-Gilbert Gardens was awarded a grant by Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, as part of its initial disbursement of grants for fiscal year 2023. A total of 213 organizations were awarded 253 grants that provide more than $3.1 million in funding to arts … Read More

“A Garden With Wings,” the popular pollinator exhibit at Smith-Gilbert Gardens (SGG) featuring a kid-friendly pollinator garden and 1,500 square foot butterfly house, opens for the season on July 1, 2022. Visitors to the pollinator garden will see an inspiring collection of annuals, perennials and flowering shrubs that attract and support native pollinators like bumblebees, hummingbirds and butterflies. The recently … Read More

Kennesaw, GA (April 1, 2022) — During the months of April and May, Smith-Gilbert Gardens invites the community to experience selected pieces from the permanent sculpture collection as they’ve never been seen before- surrounded by over 22,000 daffodil blooms planted in unique patterns! Art Blooms is a two-month exhibit that includes a series of weekend artists’ demonstrations and workshops. On … Read More

On Thursday, March 17, the American Camellia Society (ACS) recognized Smith-Gilbert Gardens as a Camellia Trail Garden. This national recognition reflects a partnership the ACS has with public gardens who hold notable camellia collections located across the country. Along with a Trail Marker, a Certificate of Recognition was presented. The American Camellia Society representatives joined Smith-Gilbert Gardens staff, Kennesaw elected … Read More

By Leslie Germaine Leslie is a professional marketer and volunteer writer for Smith-Gilbert Gardens Conservation is a mainstay of Smith-Gilbert Garden’s (SGG) mission. And conserving SGG’s history is no less important than protecting its biodiversity. But history is a funny thing. For anyone who has raised a child (or knows somebody who has) then you know kids think the world … Read More

By Pat Pepper You can certainly enjoy watching birds without knowing their proper names. Many Southerners still call Cardinals “redbirds,” and their enjoyment of this beautiful bird isn’t diminished at all. With that being said, there is an added level to our enjoyment when we possess the American Birding Association’s nomenclature. We can then use “birdspeak” when we talk or … Read More

By Leslie GermaineLeslie Germaine is a writer, marketer and SGG volunteer Ask any Smith-Gilbert Gardens (SGG) employee and they will, without exception, tell you that they would not be able to function without the dedication of its volunteer force and Board members. For so many non-profit and public organizations, budgets are tight and offering top-quality services or experiences requires lots … Read More