Atlanta Blooms! 2022

"Atlanta Blooms!", now in its second decade, is one of the most beautiful events in all of Atlanta, and it's in your own backyard, at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you know our Garden you know that there is always something going on, something new growing or expanding. If you haven't been in more than a year, it's time to go back and check out all that's new, which is a lot!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 is featured throughout the Garden! You'll have the marvelous opportunity to explore hundreds of thousands of tulips, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths, as well as other spring blossoms. And check out the Garden's Events Calendar for opportunities to check out a variety of ways to grow bulbs, including container gardens and floating islands. 

Also, be sure to watch for updates on peak bloom times at atlantabg.org.

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There's a LOT blossoming right now! The usual suspects--tulips, daffodils, etc.--are fully present, but there's also flowering shrubs, flowering trees...there are blossoms everywhere you look! It's definitely one of the more beautiful times to visit the Garden.

The day I went, earlier this week, was a heavy pollen day, so I wore my COVID mask. It cut way down on pollen inhalation and it didn't look weird! How awesome is that?! I think we'll see masks around a lot more in springtime in the coming years. When I lived in DC I used an umbrella when it was snowing--a lot of people did--and I saw others using umbrellas when the sun was beating down, wholly unbearable. I don't think any of those protective measures are weird anymore!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

My favorite flower is the tulip, so this exhibition is especially wonderful for me. I've told the story before, but please allow me to share it once more. When I was barely able to walk, we'd had a late frost at my grandmothers. Little Travis ventured outside and picked the only surviving tulip and brought it inside and said, "Flower, mommy, flower." I loved hearing that story growing up and it was the catalyst for my love of tulips. 

Did you know that tulips are a symbol for true love or deep love? And the various colors have meanings, too. My favorite floral arrangement is red roses with white tulips. It's stunning!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There are several Chihuly sculptures in the Garden--part of its permanent collection--that blend beautifully with spring blossoms. The one pictured above is in the Levy Parterre, right about the middle of the whole of the Garden.

Speaking of sculptures, check out Orchid Daze, running in conjunction with Atlanta Blooms!, on display in the Conservatory and Orchid Center, but only through April 10. It features sculptures by Kristine Mays.

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There's so much to see at this exhibition, so please explore the whole Garden! Get a map when you first come in--the Garden volunteers are super helpful and sweet. I was a volunteer and docent here for years and it was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a way to share your time.

Look right, look left, look across the Garden, and definitely look behind you for some truly awesome vistas/photographs that you just won't get if you don't look around. 

Here are a few tips for photographing flowers with your phone camera. There are a lot on tips and tutorials on the Internet for flower photography. I recommend spending a little time viewing/reading those and use the ones that resonate with you. You stand the chance of developing your own style or perhaps improve on your current style! 

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

All these blossoms bring out the beautiful pollinators! There's not reason to be afraid of them; they're busy pollinating and care more about the flowers than us visitors. And they make for some great photographs! 

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I remember the first time I saw an orange azalea, many years ago at Callaway Gardens. I was mesmerized! The Atlanta Botanical Garden has had them for a number of years now which I find exciting, and their azalea collection is growing with the relatively new Azalea Walk!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I love the purple flower pictured above, but I didn't know what it's called. I turned to the Garden's trusty Plant Hotline (which you can call or email) and they came through--as they always have! It's a Camassis quamash, sometimes called a Camas. "Thank you!" to Master Gardener Jeanne for the assist! 

FYI, the Plant Hotline is operated by a team of Master Gardeners who answer questions from all over the world! They respond remotely and onsite in the Sheffield Botanical Library. They're truly remarkable experts, always super nice, and, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest assets at the Garden! 

Camas are typically found in the Western U.S., so it's a real treat for us to get to see them here. The ones pictured above are over near the Glade Garden where you'll find the Dale Chihuly "Radiant Yellow Icicle Tower" (which has replaced the former "Saffron Tower"). You can't miss that tower!

Also, the new "creek" in Storza Woods is complete so if you haven't been to the Garden recently, this will be a delightful treat for you!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

While the Garden's Camellia Show was last month--because many Camellia varieties bloom in winter--there are still quite a few gorgeous Camellia blossoms on the Camellia Walk near Earth Goddess in the Cascades Garden. 

If you're a member of the Garden, remember that your membership includes admission to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, GAINESVILLE! They have super-fun exhibition going on right now titled, "Nature Connects". The exhibit includes 15 larger-than-life (much larger in some cases) LEGO sculptures! It's going on through May 30, but don't wait...you know how quickly the days and weeks tick by!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I'll share some additional photos over on wanderlust ATLANTA's Facebook and Instagram pages, but do go see Atlanta Blooms! in person...it's truly magnificent! 

Atlanta Blooms! 2020

Well, this year is a little different from other Atlanta Blooms! exhibitions, but I hope that everyone is safe, being careful, and of course washing your hands...we'll get through this! 

I managed to get just a few snapshots in the Atlanta Botanical Garden before the city started closing down and I'm happy to share these with you...may they brighten your day.

Atlanta Blooms! 2020 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Atlanta Blooms! 2020 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Atlanta Blooms! 2020 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Atlanta Blooms! 2020 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Atlanta Blooms! 2020 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Atlanta Blooms! 2020 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Keep an eye on the Atlanta Botanical Garden's website and social media channels (links below) for updates on when they'll re-open. 

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  YouTube  |  Instagram

Atlanta Blooms! 2019

My personal favorite season of the year is summer, but NOTHING beats spring at the Atlanta Botanical Garden! Year after year after year, the Atlanta Botanical Garden showcases spring's floral bounty like nowhere else! And the "Atlanta Blooms!" event/exhibition more spectacular than ever!

Atlanta Blooms! 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Did the few below-freezing nights last week kill all blossoms? No...no, no, no. This is Atlanta! The Garden is ablaze with blossoms, but spring turns to summer very quickly here, so go soon so you don't miss the hundreds of thousands of blossoms gracing the Garden right now!

Atlanta Blooms! 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you can't make it to the Garden on the weekend, come out to "Garden Party" on Thursday night, March 21! This is going to be THE garden party of the year! 

You'll get to enjoy beer, wine, and a bubbly bar! AND, you'll be among the first to taste the Garden's new collaboration beer, a blend of lime leaves harvested from the Fuqua Conservatory's trees with hints of hibiscus and lemongrass made in partnership with Wild Heaven Brewery!

There will also be lots of photo ops, activities, food options and numerous live music experiences!

By the way, locals, if you're a member of the Garden, you get to attend events like this for free! It's the one membership I renew year after year!

Atlanta Blooms! 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I've shared this story before, but I love telling it, so I hope you'll indulge me.

My favorite flower is the tulip. Because of my late grandmother, Evelyn. I don't remember this but it's a story my mother has told countless times. One spring, when I was a toddler, there was a late freeze that killed all of grandmother's tulips except for one (this was farther north, so they weren't as resilient as Atlanta's tulips). 

The next day, into the house walks little Travis exclaiming to my mother, "Flower, mommy, flower!" I'd picked the sole freeze-surviving tulip! I've loved tulips since hearing this story the first time, when I was still a little kid!

Atlanta Blooms! 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

What's your favorite springtime blossom?

Atlanta Blooms! 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I think the "Atlanta Blooms!" exhibit planners are brilliantly gifted. Again, they've included in this year's exhibition--which was planted in the fall--Pantone's "Color of the Year", which is "Living Coral", very close to the color of all the tulips in the above photo, except for the obvious purple one. 

This is huge, people! Pantone's "Color of the Year" influences fashion, special event themes, home decor...it's a color you'll see throughout the year, yet the Atlanta Botanical Garden planted it months and months before the actual announcement. Pure brilliance!

Atlanta Blooms! 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There is no filter on the above photos...these tulips are gorgeously bright pink! And I love the coupling of several other flowers in this bed. You'll find these leading into the relatively new Skyline Garden behind the Conservatory.

Atlanta Blooms! 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you go to "Atlanta Blooms!" in the next few weeks, you'll also get to enjoy "Orchid Daze", Atlanta Botanical Garden's annual orchid exhibition featuring an additional thousands of orchid blossoms coupled with the largest collection of orchid species in the United States!

Atlanta Blooms! 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Have you heard of the "Ugly Food Movement"? It's especially strong in Europe and Australia. Meanwhile, the United States disposes of 40% of the food that we grow, some of it just because it's "ugly"...not pretty enough for grocery store shelves. 

The above camellia has a petal that's fallen into its stamen...it's not less beautiful, in my humble opinion. It's "real". My point is, of course, share your best photos, but those can include the not "perfect". I think this one is stunning! 

Atlanta Blooms! 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you were not among the thousands and thousands of people who recently saw Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors at the High Museum of Art, you can still see one of her installations at the Atlanta Botanical Garden...Narcissus Garden through spring! 

Narcissus Garden was first presented in 1966 and is comprised of 1,400 stainless steel spheres! With every inch you change your viewing perspective, you get a unique view/experience of this installation...and this time of year, it'll change day-to-day as the Garden gets more and more green!

Atlanta Blooms! 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

It's going to be a nice weekend, so head over to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for "Atlanta Blooms!" Spring is here, but the seasons change quickly this time of year, so don't wait! 

You can enjoy more and larger photos of my visit to the Atlanta Blooms! 2019 event over on the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook page. If you share them, please give credit to "wanderlust ATLANTA" or "Travis Swann Taylor". Enjoy!

Atlanta Blooms! 2018 - 80,000 Tulips and others!

I believe one of the missions of the annual Atlanta Blooms! exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden was to encourage Atlantans to plant more bulbs at their homes and businesses to make Atlanta even more beautiful in spring. They've indeed succeeded in that mission! And the Garden continues to make their own exhibition grow over the years and it's ever more spectacular year after year.

Atlanta Blooms! 2018 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

While Atlanta Blooms! is designed to peak over several weeks, Mother Nature has her own timeline, so I highly recommend going very, very soon. I've been a few times already and have seen totally different blossoms on those visits. 

Atlanta Blooms! 2018 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

My favorite flower in the whole world is the tulip (see the story about my grandmother in previous Atlanta Blooms! posts), so I've taken the liberty to share mostly tulip photos in this particular post. I do hope you enjoy them.

Atlanta Blooms! 2018 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

The Garden is exploding with more than 80,000 tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses and other new bulbs added to enhance their ever-growing collection!

Atlanta Blooms! 2018 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Just a reminder that there are multiple dining options while you're visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden. There's the recently renamed restaurant Longleaf (I recommend reservations, especially for weekend brunch!); the Quick Cafe at the back of Longleaf (sandwiches, salads, etc.); and the Snack Bar, with al fresco seating, in the Perennial Garden near the Great Lawn.

Atlanta Blooms! 2018 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

In the Levy Parterre, the Garden has blown it out by adding 5,000 more tulips than in years past. Radiant in oranges and yellows, ‘Sancerre’, ‘Orange Queen’, ‘Orange Emperor’, ‘Maureen’, ‘Big Smile’ and a host of Narcissus are sparkling beautifully!

Atlanta Blooms! 2018 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Have a little fun and discover "Which Bulb are You?" Then share with us in the Comments which one you decide is most like you! I'm sticking with the tulip, although others do have admirable qualities.

Atlanta Blooms! 2018 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Atlanta Blooms! is "scheduled" (remember, Mother Nature has her own plans) March through April, but if you visit before or on April 8, you'll also get to see the annual Orchid Daze exhibition, which is absolutely stunning!

Atlanta Blooms! 2018 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of the few memberships that I've maintained over the years (others I do on alternating years) in large part because of the extensive programming they offer. There's something to see and do throughout the year at the Garden. If you live in or visit Metro Atlanta regularly, I highly recommend considering a membership to our "Oasis in the City"!

Atlanta Blooms! 2018 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

For the first time, the new Skyline Garden is a rainbow of spring color thanks to more than 22,000 tulips along the dramatic Flower Walk—be sure to look up and check out that amazing skyline view! Old favorites like the yellow and red ‘Hocus Pocus’ are sharing the limelight with newcomers like the crimson ’Ronaldo’. 

Atlanta Blooms! 2018 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

When I lived in Washington, D.C., the National Cherry Blossom Festival was "the" sign that spring had arrived. Here in Atlanta we have the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival and farther south we have Macon, Georgia's International Cherry Blossom Festival, but since I moved back to Atlanta, I've always been excited when the Cherry Blossoms in front of Mershon Hall at the Atlanta Botanical Garden spring forth...for me, that's "the" sign that spring has sprung in Atlanta!

Make your way to the Atlanta Botanical Garden to see this year's spectacular Atlanta Blooms! exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and hurry...things happen quickly in Atlanta, including our colorfest of spring bulbs!

Atlanta Blooms! 2017

Happy first day of Spring! 

Now is a perfect time to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden, specifically for its annual Atlanta Blooms! exhibition. 

Atlanta Blooms! 2017 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Although we had an extremely mild winter—seems last week was our "whole" winter—the Atlanta Botanical Garden is filled with thousands and thousands of daffodils, tulips and countless other blooms! Right now! 

The photos in this post were made just yesterday, March 19, the last day of winter. Hard to believe, but true story!

Atlanta Blooms! 2017 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

My favorite flower is the tulip. 

I think this is greatly in part due to a story my mother told me as a child. As it goes, we were visiting my grandmother and little Travis, barely old enough to walk, comes into the house bearing a single stemmed blossom, saying, "Flower, Mommy, flower!" 

That flower was the only surviving tulip in grandmother's garden following a harsh freeze. And I picked it. Sweet and innocent, I was. I've loved tulips all my life because of that story. I miss my grandmother Evelyn dearly.

Atlanta Blooms! 2017 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

If you've not been to the Garden in the last few or couple of weeks, get there soon so you can see the "field" of tulips surrounding the "Water Mirror", accented by the Dale Chihuly Saffron Tower, the sculpture we got to keep after last summer's Chihuly in the Garden exhibition. They're spectacular!

Atlanta Blooms! 2017 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I was afraid that last week's freezing temperatures would have wiped out all the new blooms, but Garden staff either took great measure to protect them or planted extremely hardy varieties. I'm grateful either way. 

I know that the Garden plants tulips (at least a great many) that will thrive even though mild winters. A lot of tulips, as I understand it, require a number of days of below-freezing temperatures to—in the spring—reach their full potential height. But tulips and everything else pictured here are thriving, despite the recent freezing temperatures! 

Atlanta Blooms! 2017 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I read in National Geographic Magazine—known for its magnificent photography—many, many years ago that the optimum times for photos are sunrise and sunset. I "listened" to that and do my best to take advantage of that wonderful lighting. I get super excited when I see the results of such lighting. If only it weren't so fleeting.

The photo above is one that had the sunlight behind it. I encourage you to get creative and not assume that "back lighting" is a bad thing. With digital cameras—the freedom to make hundreds of photos in a single outing, if not more—there's ample opportunity to explore and discover what works and what doesn't. 

Atlanta Blooms! 2017 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Make all the "tiptoe through the tulips" jokes you want (there's a lot more history to this song than most know)...the bottom line is that Atlanta Blooms! is one of the most magnificent flower displays in all of Atlanta! Please, do make time to see it.

This display has encouraged many Atlantans to plant more spring bulbs in their own gardens. The Atlanta Botanical Garden has been a wonderful influence on beautifying out city!

Atlanta Blooms! 2017 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I encourage you to get "up close and personal" with the flowers in this exhibition, while respecting the Garden, of course. 

It's not respectful or polite, to the Garden or other Garden visitors, to trample into flower beds to get the "perfect" shot. It's not enjoyable for others when beds are disrupted and plants damaged for the sake of a picture. Enjoy the Garden, but please leave it intact for others to enjoy. I'm just sayin'.

Atlanta Blooms! 2017 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

While I like to play with light, there's the occasional shot with full-on sunshine that makes for a decent photo. 

If you're a budding photographer, I encourage you to experiment—and to read, read, read up on tips and best practices for optimal photographs. Just imagine how amazing your photos will be if you build on what others have already learned and then let loose your imagination on top of that!

Atlanta Blooms! 2017 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

This particular flower fascinates me! To me, it looks like a praying mantis with Phoenix wings! You see it, don't you? And it's a tulip!

Have you seen Santa Mantis during "Garden Lights, Holiday Nights"? 

Atlanta Blooms! 2017 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Get to the Garden soon so you can enjoy Atlanta Blooms! and if you visit by April 9, you'll also get to enjoy this year's spectacular Orchid Daze!

When planning your visit, be sure to check the Garden's website for other programs on or around you planned visit. There's always something "blooming" at the Garden!

Upcoming at the Atlanta Botanical Garden...

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and there's a lot to celebrate! I'd like to share a few highly anticipated upcoming exhibitions and events, and I hope you'll enjoy these recent photos I made at the Garden during its Atlanta Blooms! exhibition.

Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Chihuly in the Garden opens next weekend with approximately 20 installations throughout the Garden, and it will be the largest outdoor exhibition by Dale Chihuly yet! 

I was living in D.C. when the 2004 Chihuly in the Garden exhibition was here, but I've since come to believe that that was the exhibition that sealed Mary Pat Matheson's legacy as the greatest Executive Director (now President & CEO) the Atlanta Botanical Garden has ever seen. Witnessing all the changes that have happened since I returned to Atlanta in 2010, I can only imagine what she has in store for us next! 

Chihuly in the Garden will be open during the day Tuesday-Sunday, and separately during evenings Wednesday-Sunday. The Garden is closed on Mondays.

Dwarf Peach | Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Linton's in the Garden opens April 28! I've had the honor of meeting Chef Linton Hopkins on a number of occasions. I admire his food philosophy and commitment to fresh, local ingredients. And I've watched the construction of the new restaurant, from the ground up...it's magnificent! I can hardly wait to dine on the open-air rooftop in company with the Garden's tree canopy and Atlanta's magnificent skyline.

Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Concerts in the Garden opens soon for its 14th season! In this year's line up I'm most looking forward to Phillip Phillips. And the Gainesville location has a concert series, too. In their line up I'm most looking forward to Loretta Lynn, a surprise to many—given my punk rock history and love of dance music—but I grew up listening to Country music and Loretta was always a favorite.

Ladybug | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour has been on my to-do list every year, and hopefully I'll make it this year. Even without having been, this is something that I highly recommend for all garden/gardening enthusiasts and I think it'd make a lovely Mother's Day gift, too. You'll get to explore 10 private gardens over Saturday-Sunday, May 7-8, something you don't get to do every day!

Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

The 2016 Atlanta Rose Show is Saturday-Sunday, May 7-8, a wonderful outing for Mother's Day! 

The Garden hosts quite a few flower and plant shows throughout the year. Keep an eye on their calendar for a show featuring one of your favorites!

Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

I've not yet visited the Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville, but friends of mine who have are saying wonderful things. And they've already had some pretty awesome programming—exhibitions, events, concerts, etc.!

Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Alston Lectures are free to the public, a wonderful offering from the Garden. The next Alston Lecture, on Tuesday, May 3, is being given by Andrea Wulf, titled, "The Invention of Nature. Alexander von Humboldt's New World", followed by a book signing. 

I've attended a number of Alston Lectures and every one of them has been fascinating!

Cherry Tree Blossoms | Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Free, docent-led Garden Tours are offered Tuesday-Friday at 1:30 p.m. I was a volunteer docent at Atlanta Botanical Garden for a number of years and still know many of the tour guides. They're a wonderful group of people and each is passionate about the Garden. Treat yourself to this free tour (free with Garden admission) of one of Atlanta's top attractions! 

Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

New for the 2016 Olmsted Plein Air Invitational, a gathering and competition of 36 of the world's greatest plein air artists, visitors to the Atlanta Botanical Garden on Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29 can see artists in action, painting scenes in our beloved Garden. 

I attended the kick-off party at the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlantic Station and can attest that this is going to be a magnificent 6-day event...go to as many of their events as you can and definitely stop by the Garden on the 28th and 29th!

Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

There's a lot more to explore at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, but if you did just the ones I've listed here, you're in for a most wonderful Atlanta spring and summer.