The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a popular spot for residents and tourists, but it is not the only garden in town. From Buckhead to Kirkwood, there are some beautiful gardens and green spaces so tucked away that you may not even know they are there. Some make great backdrops for weddings, while others will teach you a thing or two about nature. All of them provide a peaceful spot where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Garden: Cator Woolford Gardens
Location: 1815 S. Ponce de Leon Avenue (Druid Hills)
Why it is special: The Cator Woolford Gardens sit on 39 beautiful acres in Druid Hills. The gardens and accompanying estate were once owned by the found of Equifax, Cator Woolford, and since 1996, they have been maintained by the Frazer Center, an organization that supports children and adults with developmental issues. The gorgeous gardens are available for rental for weddings and other events and proceeds go towards the center’s programs. Best of all, the public is welcome anytime the gates are open.
Garden: Grand Hyatt Japanese Zen Garden
Location: 3300 Peachtree Road (Buckhead)
Why it is special: Buckhead has a reputation for its nightlife and shopping, but the community is not all malls and live music. As a matter of fact, one of the area’s most popular hotels has a secret Japanese Zen Garden on the property. It features a bamboo fence, a bridge, rock arrangements, running water across the property and an open tea house, as well as many local plants from all over Georgia. It even has a 32-foot waterfall.
Garden: Kirkwood Urban Forest and Community Garden
Location: 1807 Dixie Street (Kirkwood)
Why it is special: The Kirkwood Urban Forest and Community Garden is truly an example of turning something ugly into something beautiful. It once served as an illegal dumping ground, but today, it is 7 acres of forest, trails, a creek, a frog pond, and a community garden. Members of the neighborhood maintain the space that feels as if it is miles away from the city instead of right next to Downtown Atlanta.
Garden: Rooftop Garden at Georgia Tech
Location: 266 4th Street (G. Wayne Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons at Georgia Tech)
Why it is special: According to Georgia Tech, its Clough Commons building is one of the most sustainable buildings in Atlanta, and part of the reason is its beautiful rooftop garden. Instead of using roofing materials, it features native plants, 360 solar panels and 30 hot water collectors, and several quiet spaces where students and other people in the community can come to soak in a little nature. It also offers gorgeous views of the city that you will not find anywhere else.
Garden: Springvale Park
Location: Intersection of Euclid Avenue and Waverly Way (Inman Park)
Why it is special: Inman Park residents are familiar with the little slice of heaven in the midst of their neighborhood, but to much of the rest of Atlanta, it is still a secret. Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the park is home to an exciting playground and a pond with ducks, geese, fish, turtles, frogs and other birds. The space’s history dates back to 1889 and was originally landscaped by the famous Olmstead Brothers. That landscaping is still in place today.
If you are in search of a home among Atlanta’s beautiful gardens and green spaces, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty can help. Contact us today at 404.237.5000.