August Friends First Friday How Does Your Garden Grow?

$12 general admission | $10 for members Register OnlineJoin us for a look at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia: where we have been and where we’re going. From the bold meadow that replaced an aging orchard to the canopy work that’s letting light back in, the garden’......More

$12 general admission | $10 for members Register OnlineJoin us for a look at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia: where we have been and where we’re going. From the bold meadow that replaced an aging orchard to the canopy work that’s letting light back in, the garden’s Director of Horticulture and Grounds, Jason Young, will walk you through the transformations that are reshaping the State Botanical Garden and discuss what the future may hold.    The registration deadline is noon on July 31.

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

Plant Conservation: Protecting Plant Diversity

Jennifer Ceska, conservation coordinator, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Register OnlinePlant conservation is an applied science that draws upon many fields of knowledge, from ecology to horticulture, to ethics and politics. This course surveys threats to biodiversit......More

Jennifer Ceska, conservation coordinator, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Register OnlinePlant conservation is an applied science that draws upon many fields of knowledge, from ecology to horticulture, to ethics and politics. This course surveys threats to biodiversity in Georgia and worldwide, examples of rare plant research, techniques for restoration and reintroduction, and ways individuals and organizations are making a difference in protecting the rare plants of Georgia. Course Learning ObjectivesWhy plants are critically imperiled, worldwide and in GeorgiaGrasslands, understory diversityLegal framework around plants, wildlife, protections, vulnerabilitiesConservation ethics, seed collecting, and separating populationsMonitoring rare plant species, field techniques, and ethicsCourse StructureThis class consists of three elements: a live, online 4-hour program, self-paced learning activities, and a 1.5-hour discussion session. Part 1 – Online Class Session (4 hours) Aug. 8 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.Part 2 – Self-Paced Learning Exercises (2 hours)Part 3 – Follow-up Q&A Session (1.5-hour session) Aug. 11 5:30 – 7 p.m.This class is a core class for the Certificate in Native Plants.

Virtual Lecture – Zoom

Tuesday Tour

Join us at 2 p.m. every Tuesday for an in-depth, one-hour tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. These tours are led by the curator or docents. Tours are $5 per person, payable at the Garden Gift Shop upon arrival. 

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

Plant Conservation: Protecting Plant Diversity

Jennifer Ceska, conservation coordinator, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Register OnlinePlant conservation is an applied science that draws upon many fields of knowledge, from ecology to horticulture, to ethics and politics. This course surveys threats to biodiversit......More

Jennifer Ceska, conservation coordinator, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Register OnlinePlant conservation is an applied science that draws upon many fields of knowledge, from ecology to horticulture, to ethics and politics. This course surveys threats to biodiversity in Georgia and worldwide, examples of rare plant research, techniques for restoration and reintroduction, and ways individuals and organizations are making a difference in protecting the rare plants of Georgia. Course Learning ObjectivesWhy plants are critically imperiled, worldwide and in GeorgiaGrasslands, understory diversityLegal framework around plants, wildlife, protections, vulnerabilitiesConservation ethics, seed collecting, and separating populationsMonitoring rare plant species, field techniques, and ethicsCourse StructureThis class consists of three elements: a live, online 4-hour program, self-paced learning activities, and a 1.5-hour discussion session. Part 1 – Online Class Session (4 hours) Aug. 8 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.Part 2 – Self-Paced Learning Exercises (2 hours)Part 3 – Follow-up Q&A Session (1.5-hour session) Aug. 11 5:30 – 7 p.m.This class is a core class for the Certificate in Native Plants.

Virtual Lecture – Zoom

Garden Nights: Butterflies & Bingo

$10 – for Friends of the Garden, $25 – Non-members Purchase TicketsGarden Nights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites you to explore the garden intimately and learn from our staff while enjoying a relaxed, lively atmosphere. Garden Nights provides the settin......More

$10 – for Friends of the Garden, $25 – Non-members Purchase TicketsGarden Nights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites you to explore the garden intimately and learn from our staff while enjoying a relaxed, lively atmosphere. Garden Nights provides the setting for a unique date night for couples, a fun night out for friends, or a memorable experience for visitors. Each event features a garden staff member highlighting their area of the garden, followed by a special activity. Your ticket includes light snacks and two beverages. Designed for guests 18+, Garden Nights is where the growing is just for adults!  August: Butterflies & Bingo Learn about Joe Pye Weed, which attracts hundreds of butterflies to the garden, with Emily James, horticulture manager, and play bingo in the Heritage Garden. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place winners. In case of inclement weather, this event will be relocated to the Visitor Center and Conservatory.

Heritage Garden, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Nature Ramblers

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists, featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enj......More

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists, featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enjoying the fresh air. Rambles start with an inspirational reading by a nature writer such as Annie Dillard, John Muir or Janisse Ray. Ramblers are encouraged to bring their own nature writings or favorite poems and essays to share with the group. This is a ramble, not a hike stopping to view interesting plants, insects, butterflies and mushrooms, etc., along the way is part of the experience each week. You can join for just one or all sessions. These informal rambles are free, but donations are accepted in the garden’s donation box in the lobby of the visitor’s center. To get a feel for what these rambles are like, visit http://naturerambling.blogspot.com.

Shade Garden Arbor, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Sweet Pea Club

Ages: 3-5 | $3 per participating child Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden of Georgia education team offers Sweet Pea Club at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden every Thursday morning from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Families join one another for a program of engaging a......More

Ages: 3-5 | $3 per participating child Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden of Georgia education team offers Sweet Pea Club at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden every Thursday morning from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Families join one another for a program of engaging activities in the garden that can include songs, puppets, stories and games designed to connect participants to nature. Each week focuses on a different theme such as busy bees, parts of plants, decomposers, all about animals, plants we eat and more.   The Sweet Pea Club program is an informal way to give young naturalists a better understanding of the importance of our shared earth. Please note this program typically takes place outdoors. The location of the program in the garden may change depending on weather, and directional signage will guide you to the space. Registration is required for each participating child (adults do not need to register).

Alice H. Richards Childrens Garden, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Connect to Protect Leadership Workshop

Register OnlineHeather Alley, conservation horticulturist, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Jason Young, director of horticulture and grounds, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Join our conservation horticulturist, Heather Alley, and director of horticulture and ground......More

Register OnlineHeather Alley, conservation horticulturist, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Jason Young, director of horticulture and grounds, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Join our conservation horticulturist, Heather Alley, and director of horticulture and grounds, Jason Young, for a training workshop on the specialized native plant garden program, Connect to Protect (CtoP). In this class, you will learn the Connect to Protect philosophy and master both the educational goals and the gardening for biodiversity methods of this program. Educational outcomes of this course will include choosing appropriate native plant species, essential maintenance and dynamic curricula to create gorgeous, biodiversity-supporting gardens. Learn the steps it takes to become a CtoP leader and an ambassador of gardening for wildlife! Class time will be spent both indoors and outside hiking in the garden. Dress for outdoor conditions and a walk around the garden. Please note that this course also provides credit for the Plants & Pollinators Specialization.

State Botanical Garden Visitor Center, Classroom 2, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden Performance Series

Every third Saturday of the month, April through August, enjoy a variety of engaging shows taking place on the Theater-in-the-Woods stage in the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden. Experience music, laughter and connection in nature as our artists bring excitement to y......More

Every third Saturday of the month, April through August, enjoy a variety of engaging shows taking place on the Theater-in-the-Woods stage in the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden. Experience music, laughter and connection in nature as our artists bring excitement to your weekend. All performances will take place at 9:30 a.m. with a second showing at 11 a.m. Performance Schedule: April 18 – The Studio Athens – Shrek The Musical Jr. May 16 – Rebecca Sunshine Band June 20 – Sweet Georgia Brass July 18 – The Stage Oconee August 15 – Canopy Studio

Children’s Garden: Theater in the Woods, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Tuesday Tour

Join us at 2 p.m. every Tuesday for an in-depth, one-hour tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. These tours are led by the curator or docents. Tours are $5 per person, payable at the Garden Gift Shop upon arrival. 

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

Sunflower Concert Series - Abbey Road LIVE!

Purchase TicketsThe Sunflower Concert Series at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites the community to enjoy live music amidst the beauty of the garden. Held in the picturesque Flower Garden, these concerts provide an unforgettable experience. Guests are encoura......More

Purchase TicketsThe Sunflower Concert Series at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites the community to enjoy live music amidst the beauty of the garden. Held in the picturesque Flower Garden, these concerts provide an unforgettable experience. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic dinners to savor while enjoying the music. Each ticket includes snacks and beverages. This year, concerts will feature one band with no opening act. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be relocated to the Visitor Center and Conservatory. This year, the garden is excited to offer the Picnic Plaza, courtesy of Barron’s Rental Center, on the back patio of the Visitor Center. Arrive early for the concert and relax with your own picnic dinner in the covered seating area. Playa Bowls will be on-site, so you can cool off by purchasing a build-your-own acai bowl. Card only cash is not accepted. Season passes, which include tickets to all four concerts, are $80 for adults and $40 for children ages 5-16. Ticket prices for single concerts are $24 for adults and $12 for children ages 5-16. Children under 5 are admitted free of charge.  Adult tickets purchased at the gate will be $26. Friends of the Garden Members receive a 10% discount. Tickets sold at the gate must be purchased with a card cash will not be accepted. All ticket prices are subject to additional fees. Since 2002, Abbey Road LIVE! has been rocking the music of the Beatles. Initially a tribute to the “Abbey Road” album, the band has expanded its scope to include nearly 150 Beatles tunes from all eras of the Fab Four’s career. The band specializes in complete, start-to-finish album performances of masterpieces such as “Abbey Road,” “Magical Mystery Tour,” “Rubber Soul,” “Revolver” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band.”

Flower Garden Lawn, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Nature Ramblers

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists, featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enj......More

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists, featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enjoying the fresh air. Rambles start with an inspirational reading by a nature writer such as Annie Dillard, John Muir or Janisse Ray. Ramblers are encouraged to bring their own nature writings or favorite poems and essays to share with the group. This is a ramble, not a hike stopping to view interesting plants, insects, butterflies and mushrooms, etc., along the way is part of the experience each week. You can join for just one or all sessions. These informal rambles are free, but donations are accepted in the garden’s donation box in the lobby of the visitor’s center. To get a feel for what these rambles are like, visit http://naturerambling.blogspot.com.

Shade Garden Arbor, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Sweet Pea Club

Ages: 3-5 | $3 per participating child Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden of Georgia education team offers Sweet Pea Club at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden every Thursday morning from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Families join one another for a program of engaging a......More

Ages: 3-5 | $3 per participating child Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden of Georgia education team offers Sweet Pea Club at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden every Thursday morning from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Families join one another for a program of engaging activities in the garden that can include songs, puppets, stories and games designed to connect participants to nature. Each week focuses on a different theme such as busy bees, parts of plants, decomposers, all about animals, plants we eat and more.   The Sweet Pea Club program is an informal way to give young naturalists a better understanding of the importance of our shared earth. Please note this program typically takes place outdoors. The location of the program in the garden may change depending on weather, and directional signage will guide you to the space. Registration is required for each participating child (adults do not need to register).

Alice H. Richards Childrens Garden, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Great Southeast Pollinator Census

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is one of many partners working with University of Georgia Extension to gather a snapshot look of pollinators across the Southeastern United States. The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a historical initiative where citizens wil......More

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is one of many partners working with University of Georgia Extension to gather a snapshot look of pollinators across the Southeastern United States. The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a historical initiative where citizens will record the numbers and types of pollinators that populate our state during late summer. Not an entomologist? No worries! The census was designed for everyone to successfully participate and make a difference for our pollinator populations. Visit https://GSePC.org for details on how to participate!

Entire Garden, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Tuesday Tour

Join us at 2 p.m. every Tuesday for an in-depth, one-hour tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. These tours are led by the curator or docents. Tours are $5 per person, payable at the Garden Gift Shop upon arrival. 

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States