Gibbs Gardens' Japanese Gardens

I've discovered the most remarkable place! Less than an hour outside of Atlanta, nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, is a 300-acre estate with 220 acres of meticulously landscaped public display gardens. I'd heard of Gibbs Gardens, but had no idea it was a wondrous as it is...what a marvelous discovery!

There's so much to share that this is going to be a two-part post. I can't help but start with the nearly 50-acre Japanese Gardens...I've been to many Japanese Gardens, but non like this one.

Gibbs Gardens, Japanese Gardens

Their brochure's Welcome page leads with "Welcome to Georgia's 'Secret Garden'," and a well-kept secret it is, indeed. While the 'secret' part is wholly accurate, so is the 'welcome' part. The parking lot attendants, ticketing agents, docents, and even visiting members were incredibly warm and welcoming...I had some very nice chats that afternoon.

Gibbs Gardens, Japanese Gardens

I've been in some beautiful Japanese Gardens, but this was the largest...and its serenity and calm were not at all diminished by its size—I always thought Japanese Gardens had to be modest in size...not true.

Gibbs Gardens, Japanese Gardens

As a matter of fact, at more than 40 acres, the Gibbs Gardens' Japanese Gardens is the largest in the nation. It features "seven spring-fed ponds with islands, bridges, massive boulders and rocks." And among the plethora of gorgeous maple trees, there are 40 hand-crafted Japanese lanterns.

Gibbs Gardens, Japanese Gardens

The Japanese Gardens is one of three feature gardens, part of a total 16 garden venues on the property. Don't worry...they have a tram if that sounds like too much walking, although I recommend the walking if your doctor wouldn't fuss.

Here are a few more photos to enjoy...

Gibbs Gardens, Japanese Gardens

Gibbs Gardens, Japanese Gardens

Gibbs Gardens, Japanese Gardens

Gibbs Gardens, Japanese Gardens

Gibbs Gardens, Japanese Gardens

Gibbs Gardens, Japanese Gardens

Ball Ground, Georgia, up Georgia-400 or I-75/I-575, is not as far as I thought it was going to be...and it was a lovely drive. And to give you an idea of just how worth the drive is, I spent three and a half hours exploring the Gardens. 

Head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page for more photos and watch for another post covering a significant portion of the rest of the Gardens. Enjoy!