Gibbs Gardens' Japanese Maples

There more than 2,000 Japanese Maples at Gibbs Gardens, so you can imagine just how incredibly beautiful the Gardens are right now—during their first annual Japanese Maples Festival.

Japanese Maples Festival, Gibbs Gardens

This weekend is peak, however I can't imagine the Maples being more beautiful than when I saw them only a week ago. 

Japanese Maples Festival, Gibbs Gardens

Gibbs Gardens has a remarkable Japanese Garden that's more than 40 acres, the largest in the Southeast! However, the Japanese Maples are throughout the more than 220 acres of display gardens.

Japanese Maples Festival, Gibbs Gardens

I'd heard about Gibbs Gardens, but wasn't told how incredibly remarkable and stunning it is. Nor was I told of the scale. This particular trip was my second visit, and this time I purchased a "Four Seasons Pass" (membership), so I'll be returning for the Daffodil Festival in the spring, which features 20 million—yes, 20 MILLION—daffodils!

Japanese Maples Festival, Gibbs Gardens

If someone asked me what I like most about Gibbs Gardens, I'd be hard pressed to answer...there's so much to like! Of course the Japanese Garden is one that I've spent hours in during both of my 2013 visits there, but I think I'm most impressed with the kindness and knowledge of the volunteers. They're first-class people!

Japanese Maples Festival, Gibbs Gardens

If you're anything approaching the tourist that I am, your camera is practically a living appendage, one that pains you to be without. I made 757 photos on this trip, but the friend I visited with beat me by nearly 500 photos...together, we made 2,026 photographs!

Japanese Maples Festival, Gibbs Gardens

I was thrilled to learn that a few other friends were in Ball Ground, Georgia, to experience the Japanese Maples Festival, and very excited that more and more people are learning about Gibbs Gardens.

Japanese Maples Festival, Gibbs Gardens

When you visit, look all around...forward, upward, backward...there are more photo ops than you can possibly imagine!

Japanese Maples Festival, Gibbs Gardens

Keep an eye out for art in the Gardens, including quite a few lanterns throughout the Japanese Garden, of varying styles.

Japanese Maples Festival, Gibbs Gardens

And keep in mind that not all photos of the Japanese Maples are on the trees...

Japanese Maples Festival, Gibbs Gardens

If you have time, the Japanese Maples Festival is technically still going on for a few more days. And definitely put the Festival on your radar for next year. As a matter of fact, Gibbs Gardens has flower festivals throughout most of the year. See you there!