Friday, March 22, 2013

Pan in the Garden

One of my favorite spaces at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is the Fragrance Garden. Not only because of its quaint beauty and serenity, but because of its origins.


Pan of Rohallion in the Fragrance Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Pan of Rohallion in the Fragrance Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Fragrance Garden was created even before the Atlanta Botanical Garden was formed in 1976. It was one of three already existing gardens at that time. The other two are the Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden.

The Fragrance Garden was created so that the visually impaired could enjoy the Garden. A brilliant move, so many decades ago. I pause and wonder, how many botanical gardens created today would think to create something for the visually impaired...it really just makes good sense.

I'm grateful to the Atlanta citizens who did think to create something for those who can't visually enjoy the beauty of our flowers, plants and trees...but because of a few, they can indeed enjoy the smell and the quite of this charming little garden. 

And a bronze replica of 'Pan of Rohallion' is there adding to the garden's beauty. The sculptor of Pan of Rohallion, Frederick MacMonnies, allowed reproductions to be made, as long as they were smaller than his original.

When visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden, look for the Fragrance Garden tucked away between the Conservatory and the Orchid Center. You have to go inside either of those to get to the Fragrance Garden, but it's actually outside. 

Enjoy your visit and enjoy the fragrances of the Fragrance Garden!

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