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! 

Orchid Daze 2022

Orchid Daze 2022 is in full bloom! Whether you've seen this gorgeous exhibition every year for the last decade or it's your first time, you will experience it with a dreamy sense of awe. Make your way to the Atlanta Botanical Garden by Sunday, April 10 to see this magical exhibition.

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

This year's exhibition includes works of art by Kristine Mays, a San Francisco-based artist. The exhibition, most recently displayed at Hillwood Estate in Washington, D.C., is titled "Rich Soil".

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Mays creates life-sized, three-dimensional figures from fine metal strands intricately woven together that often evoke a spirit of flowing movement or dance. Much of the inspiration for her work is a series of photos capturing the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's performance of “Revelations.”

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Now going on for more than a decade, Orchid Daze is a beautiful way to experience the Garden during the winter months. When I went the other day, it wasn't crowded, but there was a lot going on. There were visitors, from all over the world, and what looks like renovation of certain parts of the Garden. There is always something going on here!

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

For the exhibition, Orchid Daze orchids are on display in the Conservatory Lobby and the Orchid Center. Both the Conservatory and the Orchid Center have multiple display rooms so be sure to explore them all. If it's your first time to the Garden be sure to pick up a map on your way in through the Visitor Center.

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The exhibition sculptures are displayed in the Reflecting Pond in front of the Conservatory, in the Conservatory lobby, inside the Fuqua Conservatory, and the Fuqua Orchid Center. There's also a wall display with information boards about the artist in the hallway leading to the Conservation and Training Center and the Outdoor Kitchen.

Mays' said, “My sculptures . . . create a form that reveals an invisible occupant, a soul, a life. I often say that I am ‘breathing life into wire.’ I love the idea of creating work where the focus reveals the essence of a person and that speaks to humanity as a whole.”

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you're on the fence about what date to see Orchid Daze, consider going on Sunday, March 6 for "Vanilla Sunday". Did you know that vanilla is an orchid? 

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Orchid Daze overlaps another spectacular exhibition, "Atlanta Blooms!". It officially starts March 1 and there's lots to see and there will be much more in the exhibition throughout its run which goes on through the end of April. I love having a membership here so that I can go any time of year I want, which fairly often is impromptu. 

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Some of the sculptures rise from carpets of golden Dancing Lady orchids as delicate moth orchids hover in the background and long strands of exuberant Vanda orchids encircle them.

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Also happening concurrently with Orchid Daze is the Atlanta Bonsai Society's "Spring Bonsai Show", running the weekend of March 19-20. If you've never seen this show you're in for a real treat! 

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Did you know that the Atlanta Botanical Garden is home to one of the largest orchid collections displayed at a public garden...in the world? And Orchid Daze is a wonderful way to experience the Garden in winter! Go, enjoy.

wanderlust ATLANTA's 2021 Photo Review

Where to begin...where to begin?!  2021 was quite the year, to say the least. You know I like to keep things upbeat, so here goes...The Atlanta Braves won the World Series! Theatres that had been only operating online for 18 months are now beginning to reopen. Legendary restaurants have closed forever and new restaurants are popping up all over the place! We have a new mayor. And there's so much more...

Dogwood Bench in Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I forget every year how much I enjoy writing this annual post. Not because it's initially fun, but once I start reviewing it I realize just how much I've done and get to relive some awesome bits that I otherwise might not have. It's truly my favorite post to write, I just forget. 

This year, given "everything" that was going on, my posting was light so the photos I'm sharing here are from the blog as well as its social media channels. I expect posting to return to "normal" in 2022, though, so stay tuned!

Hero Doughnuts & Buns | Travis Swann Taylor selfie

One of the incredibly exciting things that happened to me this year was being nominated for 2021 Author of the Year, 'Specialty' category, by the Georgia Writers Association. I didn't win—the competition was phenomenal—but I can still say "nominee" until perhaps one day I do win. Never say never, right?!

Among my early 2021 posts were some places in bustling Summerhill, now growing exponentially! Hero Doughnuts & Buns is a fun destination, especially for this doughnut-loving guy. I have to limit myself otherwise I'm "taste testing" everything in the window! 

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo Travis Swann Taylor

My very first post last year was from Hot Dog Pete's which shares a patio with Hero Doughnuts & Buns. I've been back to both and have even attempted to replicate Hot Dog Pete's loaded fries at home...they were good, but theirs are the best!

I'll share some more of my other dining adventures—from luxury to comfort—a little further down.

The Flair | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I received my first two vaccinations at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the U.S. Army was on hand managing logistics and administering the vaccines! "Thank you!" to MBS and the Army for doing this for Atlanta! I later got my booster at my doctor's office. Not as exciting but what a relief having it done!

I snapped the above photo of "The Flair" in Georgia International Plaza, next to the stadium, but didn't realize that it looked like "he" was getting his vaccine too, courtesy of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, until after I was home.

Daffodil Days at Oakland | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Spring is beautiful in Atlanta! This year I got to go to Historic Oakland Cemetery during Daffodil Days at Oakland. Already a beautiful cemetery, the bright yellow flowers made it even more special.

Carmen and Colomba | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

My dear friend Carmen (left) visited from DC and bought her delightful and wholly fun friend Colomba who was visiting from the Dominican Republic. We visited a number of places! They stayed at The Georgian Terrace (my recommendation) and we had dinner at TWO urban licks, a personal favorite that they too enjoyed.

SUPERnatural at the Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

We went to see SUPERnatural: Glass Art in Bloom at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I would return to see it a number of times throughout the summer.

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The two days we had together was a super packed, fast-paced tour of Atlanta. Some of it was a driving tour but we also got out and walked a bit. Pictured above is the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and we also saw the nearby Margaret Mitchell House.

Mumbles the Rhino at Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I got to go to Zoo Atlanta a few times this year and one of the highlights was seeing Mumbles, the zoo's first Southern White Rhinoceros, one of the newest residents. One of my Zoo visits was to a fundraising gala with my friend Peggy. There's something quite special about being 'dressed to the nines'...at the Zoo!

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

A fan since Downton Abbey hit the airwaves, seeing Downton Abbey: The Exhibition was mesmerizing! I saw it in October and will be going again soon before it leaves, this month I think.

Battle & Brew | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

After seeing the Downton exhibition with my friends MaryJo and Michelle, we tried to go to one of my favorite sushi restaurants in Sandy Springs but they were not yet open. Across the parking lot was Battle & Brew, a video game and gaming bar and restaurant. It'd been on my list for years and it did not disappoint! Such fun and great service! And that Tardis in the photo above...that's all the bathrooms, so it is bigger on the inside! 

Bank Street Cafe | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

MaryJo and Michelle live in Griffin and I spent a long weekend with them this summer. They took me on a whirlwind tour of the city, including drinks at Bank Street Cafe—awesome service! I'll be going back, to see MJ and Michelle but also so I can blog about it! This place is really happening!

Blood Orange Mimosa at Babs Midtown

I've done interviews on the blog throughout the years, but have been doing quite a few more in recent years and I very much enjoy them! Here are some that I did this year:

• Randy Adler, Babs Midtown
• Luc Helterbrand, author and illustrator
• Janet Montgomery, "From My Big Eyes"
• Marykay, Decatur Alpaca Cottage
• Corrina Sephora, Metal Artist (publishing soon!)

I have others in the works so keep an eye out!

Evereman | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I'd seen the "Evereman" image for years and even seen this sculpture many times, but never knew the story behind it until I was walking through Castleberry Hill with my friends Patti and Eric. I highly recommend exploring a city on foot...you'll see so much more!

This year also saw the first annual "111 Places Day", a global celebration of the 111 Places series of books. You'll remember that I had the great honor and pleasure of writing the 111 Places Atlanta book. I took this opportunity to do a video discussing my (growing) 111 Places books and how I have or plan to enjoy them. Lots of fun...I was having so much fun, in fact, that I forgot to brush my hair before recording the video, LOL! 

East Point Historical Society Museum | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Speaking of my book, I had my second in-person book presentation and book signing of 2021 at the Senoia Area Historical Society Museum and it was awesome! Several friends from around the area came and one friend, on his way from Nebraska to Tampa, timed his trip so that he could be there for my presentation—a wonderful surprise! And the mayor was there, too!

And just last month I was so honored to be the keynote speaker at the East Point Historical Society Museum's Open House event not long ago. Another success! I've been there a number of times now and will keep going. I used to live in East Point, just down the street as it turns out!

I also had a virtual book event via the Wren's Nest, historic home of Joel Chandler Harris and today a museum. And I did a radio interview with John Clark on iHeart Radio which was broadcast on more than 170 radio stations throughout Georgia! THAT was fun!

Coq Au Vin at Aria | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you've never been to Aria in Buckhead before, put it on your list! I went with some dear friends and the chef prepared specially for us Julia Child's recipe for Coq Au Vin. I'm salivating as I type this. I could have bathed in that dish! So incredibly delicious. The whole experience was elegant, warming, and one that I'll remember for a very long time.

Flatiron Bar & Restaurant | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Flatiron Bar & Restaurant, in East Atlanta Village, is THE place to go for comfort food. And it's not your typical, overdone comfort food either! They're one of the "tips" in my book but they could be a chapter! They could be a whole book, actually!

Inman Park Police Box | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I've read about and driven by it hundreds of times, but I had never actually seen the Inman Park Police Box! Finally I made it a point to find it and there it was...in plain sight!

SUPERnatural at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

One of my visits to the Atlanta Botanical Garden this year was to see SUPERnatural: Aerial Art in Motion. It was magnificent. Mary Pat, the CEO of the Garden, is truly visionary. I can hardly wait to see what she does next!

Scarecrows in the Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

My autumn just isn't complete without seeing Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It's so much fun! This year was different, but in a good way!

Food That Rocks 2021 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph a couple of days of this year's Food That Rocks event in Sandy Springs. Such a fun and delicious event...with live music! It's from the creator of Taste of Atlanta so you know it's fun! I've actually photographed both events in the past...I truly do enjoy it!

Family Photo Book for Theresa | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

As you know, I was also the photographer of "111 Places in Atlanta That You Must Not Miss". Even though I'm not the caliber of many of my photographer friends, I have been a paid photographer for many years. This year I got to do a family coffee table book for my dear friend Theresa and her family—such a fun day! We started at the Millennium Gate and finished in Piedmont Park.

Last but certainly not least, in 2021 I hit the 1,000,000 views milestone! So, "Thank you!" to everyone who has been a fan for more than 11 years and to everyone who's ever shared a link or complimented a photo...I'm grateful to you all!

I wish that something wonderfully remarkable happens to each of you in 2022. A lof of somethings wonderful, in fact! Also, I encourage you to look back at last year with a sense of gratitude at some of the great things that did in fact happen and let's carry gratitude exponentially into 2022...let's make it a fantastic year, together.

Scarecrows in the Garden 2021

This is the final week to see this year's Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden! Remember that they're doing timed-entry tickets. They will take walk-ups, but this close to Halloween I recommend buying your scheduled tickets ahead of arrival to ensure you get to see this wonderful exhibition. This last day to see them is Sunday, October 31.

Scarecrows in the Garden 2021 | Photo by Travis Swann Taylor

"The Fay Myceliana" by Whitney Brown & Janice Upson

There are some magnificent scarecrows this year, as always, but it's wonderful to see an event all these years later still presenting brilliant creativity! 

On this particular visit, I was there only to see the scarecrows and make photos of some of them. I did not know that they had changed the locale of the scarecrows, so I was thinking that there weren't that many this year, having only visited the entry pathway and Children's Garden where they've been displayed for years. 

NOW, the scarecrows are in those locations as well as in the Crepe Myrtle Allèe and all the way to the Skyline Garden! There are LOTS of them! 

Scarecrows in the Garden 2021 | Photo by Travis Swann Taylor

"Hurloween" by Erica Evans Patton

Some are larger-than-life and some and teeny-tiny! 

Scarecrows in the Garden 2021 | Photo by Travis Swann Taylor

"Rosie the Vaccinator" by Assistance League of Atlanta

The Assistance League of Atlanta is back! 

If you've been to Scarecrows in the Garden before, you just might recognize this "face", but as different charcters. She once even wore a blue dress, ruby slippers, and carried around her little dog in a basket. There's some truly delightful creativity at the Assistance League of Atlanta and they have an awesome thrift shop! 

Scarecrows in the Garden 2021 | Photo by Travis Swann Taylor

"Mr. Le-crow" by Buzzell-Holmes Family

Here's your chance to enjoy some awesome Lego creativity without the possibility of stepping on one. Great news, right?!

Speaking of evenings, Fest-of-Ale is also going on through the rest of the month. It's the Garden's annual "beer festival" (try their exclusive "Garden Beer"!), evenings 5pm-8pm. If you go to Fest-of-Ale and want to see all the Scarecrows, go early because the Children's Garden closes at dusk/dark, but if you don't make it early there are still plenty to see on the other paths! 

Scarecrows in the Garden 2021 | Photo by Travis Swann Taylor

"Illumi" by Zoo Atlanta

Illumi is interactive! Take a photo and then take another one with your flash on. This one is in the Crepe Myrtle Allèe.

Illumi is also an advert for Zoo Atlanta's upcoming and brand new IllumiNights at the Zoo, presented by Georgia Power. It's a Chinese Lantern Festival that opens to the general public November 22, 2021 through January 16, 2022. This nighttime event will feature more than 80 animal lanterns, some of them up to 20 feet tall!!!

Scarecrows in the Garden 2021 | Photo by Travis Swann Taylor

"Venus" 

You'll find "Venus" at the entry to the Canopy Walk. I think she's brilliant! You can see some live Venus Fly Traps over in the Skyline Garden. 

Scarecrows in the Garden 2021 | Photo by Travis Swann Taylor

"Dr. Frankenstein" by MSE at GT

While you're there, and also closing this Sunday, October 31, are SUPERnatural: Aerial Art in Motion and SUPERnatural: Glass Art in Bloom, so you have many great reasons to go to the Garden this week!

Scarecrows in the Garden 2021 | Photo by Travis Swann Taylor

"Bee Love" by Alexander, Jacob, Buz and Dianne Smith

Love this one! It's in the Children's Garden near an active, educational beehive. 

Scarecrows in the Garden 2021 | Photo by Travis Swann Taylor

"Don't Make Me Put My Foot Down" by Mountain View High School

When I saw where the grilling flamingo's are is when I realized that the display areas have been expanded. 

At first glance I wondered if they were Australian flamingos—because of the "shrimp on the barbie"—but, alas, there are no flamingos in Australia, not anymore. So, they're just having a great time grilling out! The detail on this display is brilliant...great job Mountain View High School!

Scarecrows in the Garden 2021 | Photo by Travis Swann Taylor

"Tyranno-STRAW-rus-Rex" by The Howell Family

If you're thinking about entering a Scarecrow in next year's event, involve the whole family! "Tyranno-STRAW-rus-Rex" was created by the very clever Howell Family.

Remember to get your tickets online to see Scarecrows in the Garden to ensure you don't show up to a sold-out day or evening, especially if you're wanting to go Halloween weekend!