On clear days, sky reflections on the lake are amazing.
attract interest from Dr. David Fairchild, a prominent botanist who explored plants internationally. Fairchild’s friend, Barbour Lathrop, purchased the Miller farm and leased it to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a $1 fee. During ensuing years, the garden site became a USDA Plant Introduction Station. Botanic samples from all over the globe were transported back to Savannah. USDA scientists observed plant growth patterns and researched industrial application potentials. East Asian bamboo was one of many plants studied. Along with yucca and plum yew, its cancer treatment capabilities were tested. In 1983, the expanded 51-acre parcel became a plant research and education center run by the University of Georgia (UGA). A regional botanical garden was established in 2010 and by 2012, the site was officially named Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. Today’s CGBG is under the auspices of the University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Extension. Dr. Tim Davis, Director of CGBG and County Extension Agent, is a man with a bright vision for the gardens’ future. Presently, CGBG hosts 100,000 visitors each year. Its
A decorative gazebo is the centerpiece of the Cottage Garden.
TWO GREEN THUMBS UP Story and photos by Paula Loehr
If it takes a proverbial green thumb to tend a garden and make it flourish, there must be a treasure trove of green thumbs on hand at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (CGBG). Located 10 miles southwest of downtown Savannah, CGBG’s 51-acre paradise is easy to reach from Interstate 95 (exit 94), Abercorn Expressway (204) or Atlantic Coastal Highway (Ogeechee Road). The well- planned series of color-drenched gardens occupies and beautifies a historic piece of property known locally as the old bamboo farm. Historically speaking, Georgia’s Coastal Gardens celebrated its first 100 years in 2019. The humble origins of today’s expansive gardens can be traced back to 1890 when Mrs. H.L. Miller, a farmer, was gifted with three timber bamboo plants. Her benefactor was a neighbor who had traveled to Japan. Miller planted the bamboo stalks near her farmhouse. By 1900, her homegrown bamboo grove was large and impressive enough to
TWO GREEN THUMBS UP
COAST TO COAST FALL MAGAZINE 2020
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