Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Located in Atlanta, the Smith-Gilbert Gardens are a beautiful example of an old garden that has been kept up to date. The gardens were once owned by James W. Smith Jr., who began creating the garden in 1930 on their family estate, which he named Shadrock Farm after his mother's plantation home in South Carolina. As well as a garden, Smith also had an interest in horticulture and created a nursery on the estate. After James's death, his son Gilbert continued to manage and expand the gardens. 

The Smith-Gilbert Gardens are now open to the public and have been since 1984. The gardens cover 23 acres (93,000 m2) of land and feature, besides the formal garden design of hedges and symmetrical planting beds, also a native tree collection. The gardens are also home to peacocks, swans, and other wildlife.

The Smith-Gilbert Gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The listing includes six contributing buildings, one other contributing site (a meadow), and four contributing structures. The gardens feature both formal and informal gardens, including a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a sunken garden. A variety of trees and plants can be found throughout the gardens, including azaleas, camellias, and dogwoods. 

Smith-Gilbert Gardens are just one of the many hidden gems in Atlanta that offer visitors a glimpse into what life was like before the modern world. With trees planted more than 40 years ago still towering over guests, Smith-Gilbert is almost timeless in its beauty—and provides an escape for locals who need to get away from the city without having to leave town.

This information is provided by The Homestar Group.