Under development for nearly four decades before opening to the public in 2009, Smith-Gilbert Gardens is one of the Southeast's finest botanical gardens. Centered around the historic Hiram Butler Home (c. 1880), the serene 17-acre campus features over 4,000 plant species, 31 sculptures, and 15 themed garden collections.

Smith-Gilbert Gardens isn't just for sophisticated tastes; ranked No. 1 on Kids Out and About's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Atlanta, this public botanical garden offers something for everyone.

Exhibits

A Garden with Wings Butterfly House

A match made in heaven for visitors who desire a bright, upbeat, family-friendly experience, A Garden with Wings Butterfly House is one of the Gardens' newest attractions. Each year, the botanical garden typically releases 2,000 butterflies from 12 distinct species into the lepidopterarium — the technical term for "butterfly conservatory." All hail from Georgia, yet several species aren't seen in the wild due to long-running habitat loss issues.

Opened in 2016, the Butterfly House supports its seasonal butterfly population by mimicking their natural environments, adding both host plants — flora that invites butterflies to hang out — and nectar plants. Although it's only open during summer, the Butterfly House is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining things to do in Kennesaw.

Programs

As if taking in Smith-Gilbert Gardens' wealth of natural beauty wasn't enough, the botanical garden offers several informational programs. With programming designed for everyone from children to adults and beginner gardeners to master horticulturists, you're certain to enjoy yourself.

Bonsai Study Group

World-renowned bonsai artist and instructor Rodney Clemons visits Kennesaw's hidden horticultural gem on the 2nd Saturday of each month to look after, evaluate, tend to, and prune the Gardens' bonsai collection. Alongside a small group of some of the Southeast's leading bonsai caretakers, Rodney puts his expertise to work in maintaining the nationally renowned collection.

Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and talk with Rodney and his team while enjoying the bonsai garden's more than six dozen specimens. Included with standard admission and open to all visitors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors will learn more about the ancient art of bonsai by attending the Gardens' Bonsai Study Group.

Docent Training

Hosting more than 12,000 visitors per year, Smith-Gilbert Gardens welcomes passionate, outdoorsy volunteers to join their Docent Training class. Beginning in late January each year, Docents are the outgoing volunteers who lead visitors on interactive tours and assist with environmental education programs such as Butterfly Ambassadors, Garden Stories, guided bird walks, Boy and Girl Scout programs, and more.

Ultimately, Docents act as community ambassadors, filling in the gaps between garden visitors, the botanical garden's physical collections, and the garden’s goal of being a leading regional educational resource.

Smith-Gilbert Gardens requires Docent candidates to have weekday morning availability throughout the roughly five-week training program.

About the Gardens

The Smith-Gilbert Gardens Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that runs the Gardens, obtains funding for the Kennesaw-based botanical garden via membership dues, donations, and fundraising efforts. It also obtains program funding through grant opportunities.