Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time

The newest exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is exciting beyond words...you must see it in real-life! It takes you to a time when you loved playing make-believe, a time of fairy-tales, a time of larger-than-life mysterious and mythical creatures...it takes you to "Imaginary Worlds".

Dragon | Imaginary Worlds | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Atlantans and tourists were blown away when Imaginary Worlds came to the Atlanta Botanical Garden in 2013 and again in 2014. The new exhibition, Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time, far surpasses the wonderment we we knew then, as impossible as that sounds. 

The Dragon on the Great Lawn has become an immediate visitor favorite, and be sure to not miss the Sleeping Princess in the flower bed at its feet.

I've already seen the exhibition numerous times, with my 20+ years friend Jeff and fellow friends, my foodie friend Sally, my dear friend Katherine from D.C. who now lives in Florida, and I got to go on the media preview before the exhibition opened to the public...the sculptures have grown in nicely since then. And I'm going back at least a few times in the next couple of months! 

"Imaginary Worlds was just so incredibly popular with our guests that we just had to bring it back—but with an all-new twist," said Mary Pat Matheson, the Garden’s President & CEO, who had assumed leadership of the Garden only a couple of years before she bought Chihuly to to the Atlanta Botanical Garden in 2004 (the first time), the grandest visionary move since the Conservatory opened in 1989.

Pegasus | Imaginary Worlds | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time is a storybook-themed exhibition, featuring magical and mythical creatures in more than a dozen installations displayed outdoors and indoors.

Cocktails in the Garden is back, too! That means you get to see the sculptures dramatically lit as the sun goes down. Some of the creatures have illuminated eyes, including the Pegasus, that are more like catchlight than glowing...they're spectacular! 

The hours for Cocktails in the Garden have changed to half an hour earlier. It's now 5:30pm to 9:30pm, which is great news for those of us who enjoy going straight from the office.

Phoenix | Imaginary Worlds | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

As if the sculptures alone weren't exciting enough, Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time is a two-year exhibition! This year it runs through Sunday, October 28, but don't wait. Once you've seen it the first time, you'll want to go again and again and again.

The sculptures were created by International Mosaiculture of Montreal and were then transported in environmentally-controlled trucks more than 1,200 miles to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It took a period of time to complete the installation once onsite.

Phoenix | Imaginary Worlds | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Being three-dimensional, be sure to take advantage of seeing the whole of the sculptures that you can, particularly the Phoenix. You can't miss the Phoenix as you walk up the Promenade toward Longleaf restaurant. It's perched on the edge of Alston Overlook, the highest point in the Garden.

During one visit, there was a storyteller who dramatically told the story of the Phoenix and its connection to Atlanta...not a boring recant of historical facts (don't get me wrong, I love history), but a fantastical regaling of the rebirth of Atlanta!

Fire Artist| Imaginary Worlds | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Speaking of fiery events, there was also a roving barker and fire artist who put on a spectacular show! There's lots of entertainment, a bit of it roving, so keep your eyes out! 

Camels| Imaginary Worlds | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Be sure to check out the Skyline Garden, behind the Conservatory and Orchid Center, where you'll see a trio of traveling Camels, and if you're there for Cocktails in the Garden, there's another bar over there, that probably has the shortest line!

Faerie| Imaginary Worlds | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

The sculptures are not the only magical creatures in the Garden! On one particular evening, there was a violin-playing faerie!

I don't know what other entertainment is planned for Cocktails in the Garden, but it's so far been absolutely fantastical! Do say "Hello!" and ask to make a photo with them...the entertainers have all been wonderfully friendly.

Woolly Mammoth | Imaginary Worlds | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

While I love the dragon and the phoenix, the Woolly Mammoth is monumentally magnificent! And it's a natural fit in its Atlanta Botanical Garden habitat. 

Some of the creatures are seemingly hidden, but if you miss one going in one direction, you'll see it on your return. My recommendation is that you pick up an exhibition map upon arrival so that you're sure not to miss anything! 

Earth Goddess | Imaginary Worlds | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

We here in Atlanta have enjoyed Earth Goddess (Ice Goddess during the holiday lights show) and Shaggy Dog since the 2013 exhibition and they're as delightful as ever. 

If you're visiting Atlanta or going to the Garden for the first time for the first time in many years, Earth Goddess was one of the sculptures that we kept after that exhibition finished, like the three Chihuly glass sculptures we kept after their respective exhibitions.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville is in on the action, too! They're hosting the Ogre that we enjoyed a few years back. For a creature known to not have a terribly pleasant disposition, this Ogre is so much fun! Their exhibition is Imaginary Worlds: Ogre and Friends, some of the friends being Pandas!!!

Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a must-see to get a true sense of the wonders that Atlanta offers and Cocktails in the Garden, on Thursday evenings, is perfect for a date night, a get together with friends, and definitely for "something different" to do. See you there!

A Look Back at Summer in the Garden

I want to share with you a few of my favorite images of the Atlanta Botanical Garden from a couple of daytime visits this past summer. Keep in mind that some of these were made inside the Orchid Center, so you can enjoy the same beauty during winter.

Earth Goddess being hand watered | Atlanta Botanical Garden

I love, love, love this photo of Earth Goddess! How awesome to capture her hand being hand-watered.

My friend Wendy was visiting from Washington, DC, and we were just starting our walk across the Canopy Walk when we saw this...and I started snapping. This was Wendy's first visit to the Garden and Earth Goddess impresses...it's usually a first-stop when I'm touring friends around Atlanta Botanical Garden their first time. 

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Keep your eyes open...there is so much incredible beauty to see, smell, hear...to experience! Mind what you touch and taste, of course. 

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

There were a LOT of butterflies, of various species, at the Garden on this particular visit. I got some pretty good shots of a couple of them. Even at my age, chasing butterflies is great fun.

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

I've always loved the lily pads at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and they've had them for many, many years...now throughout the Garden! There have been lilies in the fountain in front of the Fuqua Conservatory since it opened in 1989...when I remember a certain three-piece "Nessie" topiary that ran the length of that water feature.

I love the above photo not only for the gorgeous flower, but also for the goldfish just poking its head out just from under the lily pad. 

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

I've also always loved the pattern of dragonflies, although I tried as a kid to avoid them when swimming in lakes and rivers. They've been immortalized in many forms of art and their symbolism spans more topics than I can possibly share here, but the one that I think I like the most is "change"...something I've embraced as a desirable ability for many years.

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

These carnivorous beauties can be found in the High Elevation House in the Fuqua Orchid Center...lots of them!

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Nepenthes Pitcher Plant...stunning! Did you know that the Dale Chihuly sculpture in the Hardin Visitor Center at the Atlanta Botanical Garden was fashioned after this plant? 

If not, the next time you visit, have a look at the top of the sculpture and you'll see three pieces that have maroon colored lips. You'll immediately recognize them as Nepenthes Pitcher Plants!

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

If you love honey as much as I do, you naturally love bees. My mother is terribly allergic to bee stings, but I've thus far avoided that devastating sentence. They're fascinating creatures and give us so much more than many realize.

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Growing up my favorite color was orange. It's now dark red, but I still love a vibrant orange, except maybe for the invasive construction cone! It's much too prevalent in traffic these days. But, orange flowers...give me all you got!

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

I'm not exactly sure how large this particular variety of lily pad can grow, but I seem to recall hearing on a garden tour many years ago that it can grow approximately six feet wide! These particular ones were several feet wide when I made this photo...stunning no matter their diameter! 

I hope these few photos inspire you to break out your camera and visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden, during every season! Throughout its 30 acres, there is delightful beauty and magnificent splendor to discover. Treat yourself!

Imaginary Worlds Come to Life

Orangutans, several species of exotic frogs, and a pink unicorn are among the stars this summer at the Atlanta Botanical Garden's new "Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants" exhibition. Now through October 31, Garden visitors will enjoy nine new characters for a total of 28 larger-than-life living sculptures.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

“This exhibition will be the largest ever presented in the U.S. and promises to be another ‘wildly’ successful one,” says Mary Pat Matheson, the Garden’s president and CEO.

For one more summer, International Mosaiculture of Montreal brings to Atlanta a truly unique garden experience. The 28 living sculptures, most comprised of thousands of individual plants, bring to life many animals, real and imaginary, as well as Earth Goddess, who is a permanent feature.

I've long been wonderfully entertained by orangutans, so when I learned that they would be featured in Imaginary Worlds, I was totally excited. And the pair look fantastic! 

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

Many visitors don't realize until they visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden for the first time that the Garden is engaged in amphibian research and conservation, which is quite a significant program. And at any given time, there are hundreds of frogs in the Garden.

Guests get to see some of the endangered species in the Fuqua Conservatory, and there are even more rare species on the Garden complex, but off public view. And of course there are the hundreds of bullfrogs that visitors see in the various water features.

These conservation efforts are quite serious...they're addressing the extinction of dozens of species of frogs in Latin America--it's rather cool that Atlanta is involved in this effort, and perhaps critical to human survival in the long run.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

For an even more unique experience, catch the Imaginary Worlds sculptures during the evening hours at Cocktails in the Garden. Each month has a different theme and specialty cocktail, this month's being "Earth Goddess: I'll Have What She's Having."

Cocktails in the Garden is Thursdays 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m...a great 'date night' option. It's included in admission, but cocktails are separate, but are reasonable. Lethal Rhythms will be DJing, there will be chef demos in the Outdoor Kitchen, and be sure to check out Science Cafe every third Thursday of the month.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

The unicorn in last year's Imaginary World's exhibition suffered at the excessive rain Atlanta experienced. So, this year they're using different plants and she's in a new location. I think the kids are going to love the pink unicorn!

Speaking of the kiddies, there's a ton of programming specifically designed to teach kids about gardens, science, and animals. And in the Children's Garden there's a well-attended Wednesday mornings story-time reading.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

I'm an animal lover, but not so much a pet person...could you imagine how neglected 'my' pet(s) would be as much as I'm out wanderlusting? I think it's responsible of me to not have a pet, as much fun as having one would be. 

With that said, I've heard time and again from visitors that one of their favorite sculptures is the Shaggy Dog. And I've heard many say that he's made from pine needles, while in fact he's in fact made of living plants, that just happen to look like pine needles. He's adorable either way.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

I don't know if it's just because the Imaginary World's plants are new and fresh, or because of the new patterns, but they're incredibly vibrant! I hope we don't have as much rain as we did last year...if not, we're in for a full summer of spectacular giant living sculptures!

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

I love hearing the fascination of visitors who comment on the "dancing" fish. In fact, they spin to ensure that all sides receive ample sunshine. What a wonderfully brilliant solution, right?

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

With the increase of nine sculptures this year, they're spread further throughout the Garden...a wonderful solution to getting visitors to explore parts of the Garden that many visitors might not see during a typical visit.

Some of the sculptures are in and near the Aquatic Plant Pond and near the desert plants garden on the opposite side of the Conservatory from the Edible Garden, which I think is brilliant...there are some beautiful plantings on that side of the Garden!

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

With 28 living sculptures there are ample photo-ops, particularly the Ogre and the two Cobras, the Cobras being one of the most popular photo-ops, and for good reason...they're spectacular! Just be sure to check out the back of their hoods, meaning you'll need to exit the main path to see the incredible and brilliant patterns on the cobras' backs.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

I'm loving this particular frog in the fountain in front of the Fuqua Conservatory ... seriously, look at him! How can you not smile looking at those fantastic eyes?!

Visitors are invited to view a public frog feeding every Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. The amphibian specialists conducting the feeding love answering questions about the frogs and the Garden's conservation efforts, so ask away!

Make plans now to see the new "Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants" at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and I recommend seeing it soon, because I'm certain you'll want to see it more than once. And check out the extensive programming at the Garden...there's a LOT going on there!

Ice Goddess

Just when you thought only the plantings at the Atlanta Botanical Garden go through seasonal transitions, now so do the living sculptures. Enter...Ice Goddess.

Ice Goddess, Atlanta Botanical Garden

If you saw Earth Goddess during Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger than Life this past summer, you know how magnificent she was. She's since blossomed into Ice Goddess...I believe the most brilliant gem in Garden Lights, Holiday Nights exhibition.

So...you're wondering how a living sculpture is going to survive a frigid Atlanta winter? Not to worry. Garden engineers have introduced heating elements inside Ice Goddess's head and hand...it's quite remarkable, really. 

When you visit the Garden for Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, be sure to take a stroll along the Canopy Walk and stop to visit with Ice Goddess.

Imaginary Worlds Revisited

It's been a while since I've posted anything about the "Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life" exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It's not been for lack of anything to say...that they're all living plants, they change every week—sometimes every day! 

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden

Even with all the rain, visitation at the Garden is up considerably from last year. And they've already started installing "Garden Lights, Holiday Nights", which last winter brought in record numbers. There's sooooo much going on at the Garden!

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Garden is brilliant at creating opportunities for "everyone" to be able to see its exhibitions, from children's tours that are aligned with public school curriculum to the "Lucky Dog Deal" that gives everyone the opportunity, via Social Media, to see Imaginary Worlds for only $10 during "Cocktails in the Garden" on Thursdays in August. Very generous!

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden

And have you seen the Imaginary Worlds competition? There are some brilliant entries! This isn't one of the entries...just one of the photos I made recently. She's amazing, isn't she? She's 25 feet tall!!!

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden

And then there are the cute little bunnies! There are quite a few of them. Some of the 19 sculptures in Imaginary Worlds are in groupings...two fish, three berries, and a whole bunch of bunnies!

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden

The trio of berries are in the Edible Garden, of course, which present a wonderful educational opportunity for visiting kids, as does the entirety of the Edible Garden.

I'm very impressed with all the programming the Garden has for children. The Children's Garden alone is two acres. It has a bee hive, a tree fort, Wednesday morning storytelling, and so much more!

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden

The two butterflies, just outside the Visitor Center, are the introduction of Imaginary Worlds to unsuspecting visitors. And they're pretty amazing. The first time I saw a real butterfly on the butterflies, I was ecstatic.

And I've had other visitors tell me that they've seen hummingbirds on them!

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden

At the most recent Cocktails in the Garden, which is summer Thursday nights, the Atlanta Ballet gave seven performances in three different areas of the Garden. Sexy, sleek, stunning...the Atlanta Ballet is obviously LOVED by Atlantans based on the number of visitors who came out last Thursday just to see them! And Imaginary Worlds, of course.

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden

This was not the first time that the Atlanta Ballet has performed at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, but it was just as amazing every other time they've performed here...this time I particularly enjoy, actually. When you have the opportunity to see the Atlanta Ballet live, don't hold back...go see them!

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden

So, surely people are wondering what's the most photographed sculpture in Imaginary Worlds, right? I don't know that answer, but I can offer an educated guess. Earth Goddess is photograph-able from lots of vistas, so my guess is that she's most-photographed.

BUT, I'm guessing that the most photographs with one of the sculptures is either the Cobras—which may be difficult given their 18-feet height—or it could be the Ogre, which is much easier to pose beside...and he's pretty cool, even if not in the best of moods.

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden

And did you know that during Cocktails in the Garden, the sculptures are dramatically lit? That's right. Even if you're there at 9:59 p.m., you'll get to see the sculptures...in all their majesty.

And, if you're interested in the "how" Imaginary Worlds came into being—as many visitors are—there's a display in the Orchid Center gallery that gives a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the exhibition, as well as a time-lapse video of the installation of Earth Goddess.

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life" is here only through October. Make sure you see it!

Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life

Wow! Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life at the Atlanta Botanical Garden would be beyond belief if its sculptures weren't so colossally larger than life—for real!

Imaginary Worlds, Ogre, Atlanta Botanical Garden

I'm hesitant to share too much about the exhibition because it truly is a must-see...and it's been predicted, by an external source, that 1,000,000 visitors will see Imaginary Worlds!

With that, I'm guessing it'd probably be better to see it sooner rather than later...because you know what happens when you wait until the last minute—you miss the exhibition entirely! You don't want that to happen...it's really that exceptional!

A few items:

• Imaginary Worlds was created by Mosaiculture out of Montreal, Canada
• There are 19 sculptures in the exhibition
• The sculptures are made entirely of living plants
• The tallest sculpture is 25 feet tall
• If you go to Cocktails in the Garden on Thursday nights, enjoy dramatic lighting

Now, here are some photos that I hope will entice you enough to go see this extraordinary exhibition in person:

Imaginary Worlds, Ogre, Atlanta Botanical Garden

Kids love the Ogre! And especially running through the space between his ears. Okay, okay...I admit it...I did it too, but only walked.

Imaginary Worlds, Earth Goddess, Atlanta Botanical Garden

Earth Goddess has already become a favorite. Visitors can see her from the entry drive, from the Canopy Walk, and on the Cascades Garden promenade. She's a towering 25 feet tall!!!

Imaginary Worlds, Cobras, Atlanta Botanical Garden

The pair of Cobras are a super fun surprise as you round the path leading from the Visitor Center, and they're a great photo op spot.

Imaginary Worlds, Unicorn, Atlanta Botanical Garden

I'm not sure who likes the Unicorn more...kids or grownups. The paparazzi are loving him though. He's going to be in a LOT of photographs!

Imaginary Worlds, Unicorn, Atlanta Botanical Garden

I really like this guy...I think partly because I've been streaming Merlin, a television show about Merlin at Camelot—the unicorn episode I recently saw was excellent!

Imaginary Worlds, Fish, Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Dancing Fish are brilliantly designed. When working out how to ensure all sides get adequate sunlight—standing still one side would be largely shaded by the Crape Myrtle Allee—it made total sense, and fun, to have them spin!

Imaginary Worlds, Rabbits, Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Rabbits are playful and adorable...and the red eyes totally give them credibility as authentic! You'll find them in the Orchard on the way to the Edible Garden.

Imaginary Worlds, Rabbits, Atlanta Botanical Garden

While the Rabbits totally look playful, I can't help but think that some of them look a little mischievous, too. The Orchard will be full of not carrots, but apples later in the season.

Imaginary Worlds, Rabbits, Atlanta Botanical Garden

While these little guys may not get carrots, they will be getting a lot of attention. I'm only showing some of the Rabbits here.

Imaginary Worlds, Dog, Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Shaggy Dog, in Storza Woods, is getting a lot of "Awwwww" from visitors who are surprised when they see him. And yes, he's made from living plants, too!

Well, that's all I'm going to show for now...there are other sculptures and some great background in the gallery of the Orchid Center, but I'm hoping you'll discover those in person. Come back and let me know what you think about Imaginary Worlds.