Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Absolutely wonderful! Lots to see and so peaceful on the walks. We took 3 grandchildren 4, 4 and 2 years old, The two 4 years old girls loved doing the scavenger hunt. They all loved the children’s area with the bubbles and digging tools. We brought a picnic and they have a nice little area to picnic in. Very reasonably priced. My husband and I want to go back again and in all different seasons. It was great taking the kids and seeing them enjoy the koi and statues and meadow. It will be a different experience to go just as adults and take more time to enjoy all the gardens at a more leisurely pace. I am looking forward to going again soon!

It’s such a perfect slice of heaven in Kennesaw. I was told it used to be privately owned but has been owned by the City of Kennesaw for 5 years now. When you go to the little white house to pay your admission, you’ll notice some artisan goods sold. You’ll be handed a map to guide you and it’s neat discovering the little nooks gardens tucked away in the perimeter. It’s not as large as what’s in Altanta, but a whole lot larger than I expected! It was very relaxing to stroll through it.

Great little garden, covering 13 acres. Staff is friendly and helpful. Seniors and military admission is six dollars and well worth the money. This is not a place for children, since they will get bored very quickly. This is a place to enjoy an excellent collection of plants from around the world and to appreciate the beauty of many different flowers. There are several quiet places where one can eat lunch and enjoy the scenery or just sit and think quietly. The Conifer garden has an outstanding variety of Conifers from various places in the world. There is also a Bonsai garden and a small pond stocked with colorful fish. Public restrooms are available, as well as bottled water for sale.

First let me just say that I definitely enjoyed myself at the garden. It was a very tranquil place with interesting artwork, beautiful scenery, and a good layout. I especially enjoyed a small open front building with wooden seating that faced a waterfall in the distance and some gorgeous trees. I would definitely like to visit again. I would love to be taken here on Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, ANY day.
The only «down side» is that I wish I had read the review about the stroller before going. I called ahead and was advised I would be able to navigate with a jogging stroller but that wasn’t comfortable. Given that my baby is 8 months old, I wasn’t able to carry her the whole time in a Moby Wrap or have her walk either. Strollers are a no go. We used a jogging stroller and parked it to check out most things. A friend used a regular stroller with the 4 plastic wheels and was hardly able to navigate.

I have visited the gardens on three occasions, in different seasons, and found it consistently interesting, charming, peaceful, and beautiful. Even in the «off» season, there are lovely evergreens to enjoy and it’s a nice walk even when not much is in bloom. The koi pond is probably my favorite, though it’s a tough contest between that and the fragrant, extensive rose garden. There is a small gift shop in the main house, and a sweet little library of garden reference books. This is a nice place to take a solitary walk, a romantic stroll, or a family outing. If it weren’t so hot in August, I’d consider this as my Special Treat for my upcoming birthday, but I’ll wait for cooler days later in September or so.

I didn’t know this garden existed, it’s an absolute hidden treasure, owned by by the city of Kennesaw. A small garden compared to others in the area, but it has been kept well and planted well, I was excited to see what I’m going to find around the corner next. The Roses at Atlanta Botanical Garden was done for the season, but what? it’s in full bloom here at Smith Gilbert. The edible garden was small but interesting. The bubbles area was fun, making huge bubbles.
My favorite is the tea house by the koi pond, comfortable large table and chairs over looking the garden, I couldn’t resist so I had my packed lunch here with a friend.
The staff were very friendly and inviting, I’m looking forward to the next visit.

Kennesaw’s own Secret Garden! Well it’s not really a secret, but it is somewhat hidden off Pine Mountain Rd. If it weren’t for the sign at the end of the entrance I never would have known it was there (or that it actually covers 16 acres!) The staff was very friendly and inviting. I think it would make a beautiful venue for a wedding or garden party. Definitely check it out!

I love going to gardens and this is my favorite, anywhere. The natural setting all around makes it feel like my own secret garden. It’s beautiful in every season. There are private-​feeling places to sit and enjoy. It’s so wonderful, I’m tempted to keep this secret to myself, but my better-​self wants to share.

bumped it a star… some herbs are growing in and the iris, camelias, and roses are beginning to bloom… absolutely beautiful!!! My favorite lunch spot (no, they don’t serve food, but they have tables and benches throughout).

I am struggling gardener and since I pass this place on my way to and from work, thought I’d try it out. Brought my camera and walked around peacefully for a couple of hours. The veggie garden was great and they donate the food! The rose garden is inspirational along with an amazing bonsai garden. I wasn’t aware of so many variates! If you’re into photography or gardening or just a leisurely stroll, this is your place. The main old house is a nice treat to walk through and the people are extremely warm and helpful.

I am not a gardener by any means, but I’ve admired beautiful landscapes for a long time, and I’m a budding wannabe gardener. (I have inadvertently killed a lot of plants.) I’ve enjoyed visiting the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for the last four years and I was awestruck by the Dessert Botanical Gardens in Tempe, AZ a few years ago. These are both mammoth, well-​established, well-​marketed gardens that host probably hundreds of thousands of people every year and for good reason.
But this spring, I visited a different type of garden: the Smith-​Gilbert Gardens, a 17-​acre public garden site in my backyard. I first noticed it a few years ago when the gardeners stuck a coarsely handwritten «Gardens Open» cardboard sign in the ground by the street. The hours were weird so I never visited until recently when a professional sign went up out front announcing expanded hours.
A friend and I and my one-​year-​old trekked there not knowing what to expect. When we pulled in, we were greeted by a friendly and talkative volunteer who took our cash (CASH ONLY). He had to go inside «the house» to make change. He then notified us that we were «in» for the day. If we wanted to leave, grab some food, and bring it back for a picnic, that was encouraged and recommended.
We were directed around back to a parking lot and told to walk back up to the front to start. Unlike the well-​known gardens previously mentioned in this review, this place has no signage and there are paths all over the place. It’s kind of hard to know where to start. But that’s sort of the beauty of it. It just feels so, well, organic.
Our first stop was the amazing conifer garden. I never thought conifers could hold my attention for so long. We soon learned that my friend enjoys the large, fluffy and full conifers which remind me of Java The Hut from Spaceballs. I prefer the spindly little guys that sort of have a Dr. Seuss quality. I mean, we had a 20-​minute conversation about conifers! And we are not seniors.
Our walk throughout the gardens was scenic and peaceful. We admired various statues in the garden’s permanent collection. And then we came upon an art class set up with easels painting a little man-​made waterfall, stream, and koi pond. The koi were practically the size of Shamu.
Our two-​hour tour ended at the Bonsai house. We skipped the rose gardens because the little one was ready for lunch but from a distance, they looked really beautiful.
Throughout our self-​guided tour, we ran into at least two, maybe three volunteers who offered guidance, a kind word, and a smile. And then we ran into the master gardener who informed us that the Gardens are actually 40 years old and maintained by himself and a core of volunteers. We also noticed that the Gardens host various gardening classes and plant sales.
My friend and I plan to go back in a couple weeks and to bring a picnic this time.
ON BRINGING CHILDREN:
On another note, I brought a stroller, but ditched it. This place is all gravel and stones, so we took turns toting the little one. I do not consider this a negative at all. Just something to be aware of if you’re bringing a little one.