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! 

Daffodil Days at Oakland

Happening now at Historic Oakland Cemetery, Daffodil Days is absolutely beautiful and it's a vibrant signal that spring is well on its way to Atlanta!

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

This year's Daffodil Days runs from February 20 to March 15, but don't worry if you don't make it by the 15th. There are still a number of daffodils in bloom and yet-to-bloom, so you have a little extra time, but not much. Don't wait too long and totally miss this celebration of the daffodil.

When you enter the main gate, look for a sign that has a QR Code to a map that shows the largest concentrations of daffodils. Some smartphone cameras are automatically QR Code readers, but if you have to download one you can do so for free. The map is also available on Oakland's website.

Oakland is 48-acres, but a map isn't absolutely necessary, unless you're here to see the daffodils and only the daffodils. My visits to Oakland are never for just one thing. Personally, I love exploring for fascinating architecture, interesting grave-marker designs, and read the epitaphs which are sometimes humorous...on purpose. I love reading the names, too. And let's certainly not forget the gorgeous stained-glass windows in some of the mausoleums.  

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you can, and you're wanting make photographs, come by during the Golden Hour, which is about an hour before sunset (or an hour before sunrise). I find this time and date website an accurate resource. If you're seeking out that fabulous Golden Hour light, you might want to plan multiple trips...this particular light, as beautiful as it is, is fleeting.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There are approximately 70 varieties of daffodils planted here! Look for as many as you can possibly find. They come in a variety of whites, oranges, and yellows, not to mention the vast array of shapes they proudly show off.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Not only is Oakland historic, so are many of its daffodils. Look on the map I mentioned earlier. Daffodil blooms mark where you'll find signage that shares the some of the history behind some of Oakland's beautiful yellow and white daffodils. You've heard of rescue dogs and rescue cats. Well, Oakland has rescue daffodils!

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Be sure to check out the Cemetery's blog where you'll learn more about daffodils as well as an incredibly wide array of topics relative Oakland. It's truly fascinating!

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Did you know that Historic Oakland Cemetery is one of the few historic cemeteries that has a giftshop (currently open only online). It's in the Bell Tower which also serves as the Welcome Center for cemetery visitors.

Don't let that weird you out. In fact, cemeteries were basically the first public parks in the United States. While today we have many beautiful parks across Atlanta, Oakland has continued to be a place of gathering, many of its events being fundraisers that bring in funds to help care for and restore the cemetery grounds, and many of the events are also educational.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you'd like to do a little celebrity-spotting while you're here, check out the Famous Residents page on Oakland's website. There are dozens of former Atlanta Mayors, former governors, civic leaders, famous golfer Bobby Jones, and Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell, to name a few.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There's a lot more in bloom here than just daffodils, including other bulbs, other flowers, and flowering plants and trees! Of practically every color! It's truly a beautiful time to visit Oakland. I'll include more of the other flowers in bloom on the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There are benches on some of the gravesites for families of the deceased to use when visiting, but there are additional ones on pathways and gardens for general public use, including this one gifted to Oakland by the Piedmont Garden Club, which was founded in 1931...90 years ago!

You'll see a lot of rosemary throughout the garden, also in bloom right now. While many of us use rosemary in our cooking, it's also a symbol of remembrance, thus the reason you'll see it in so many cemeteries.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you'd like to learn more about the harbingers of spring, the beautiful daffodil, please visit the Georgia Daffodil Society's website. Founded in 1954, this is an excellent daffodil resource for our growing region.

Make your way to Historic Oakland Cemetery soon so you don't miss this year's Daffodil Days. As always, this event is self-guided and free, as is (limited) nearby parking. See you there!

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!

ATLANTApix: The Tulips are Coming, the Tulips are Coming!

Tulips at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

After I posted my photo-of-the-day yesteday reminding readers about the Orchid Daze exhibition going on now at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, it promted me to stop by and see if any of the 70,000 tulips for the Atlanta Blooms! exhibition were peeking up through the ground yet. I was very excited to see that they are in fact coming up and some have started to bloom.

Atlanta Blooms! will feature more than 200,000 bulbs including daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, and my favorite the tulip, as well as many others. The exhibition begins Tuesday, March 22 and runs through Sudany, May 1, 2011.

Spring is my favorite time of year in Atlanta. Right now the Bradford Pear Trees are in full bloom...looking like a gigantic servings of white cotton candy. And very soon, all over the city you'll see tulips and other bulbs; white and pink dogwood blossoms; and a surprising array of colorful azaleas (Georgia's state wildflower)...I've even seen "orange" azaleas!

So, it's only a matter of time when the city will be covered in a fine blanket of yellow-green signaling that spring has indeed arrived. The couple of weeks of allergy headaches are a tiny inconvenience in trade for living in such a beautiful, colorful and lush city.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!