July specials

July and August are Family fun months at Magnolia. We are offering programs and specials for families looking for economical outings. Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina residents can take advantage of our admission specials. A Family (up to 6 people) can get admission to the Gardens, The Audubon Swamp garden, as well as choose a guided tour for the group, all for $50. The normal cost for this package would be $174. We also have classes in gardening, archaeology and will be presenting nature programs. Free popcorn and snowcones for the kids. These special rates and events are for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in July and August. Come to visit us. Loads of Fun awaits!

Our New Cabin Tour

If you have not been on our new tour "From slavery to Freedom" you should come. It tell of the history of African-Americans from slavery to the civil rights movement of the 60's. So much of the African American culture has been "absorbed" into our culture today, I found it fascinating to understand where my favorite foods and music actually came from. The AP has done a story on the project that has went nation-wide. So much of America's most beautiful gardens here at Magnolia can be traced to people that lived in these cabins over the decades. DJ and Preston give a great interpretation of the life of African Americans here at Magnolia, giving it a unique history. I am personally proud to play a small role in the preservation efforts here at Magnolia.

June Garden Walks

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June, I will personally be giving garden walks each day at 1:30. I want to help our guest understand the Romantic garden design.
These walks will be free with garden admission, and no reservation is required. We will meet at the garden entrance near the house. I hope to see you there. Come learn about America's last Romantic garden, and why this garden style is so important.

Rare Native azalea Cuttings

Just got back from touring Alabama. I have collected cuttings from many rare native azalea and hybrid crosses. Many thanks to Tom Corley and Robert Greenleaf for opening up their private gardens to allow me to take cuttings. Thanks to Dr. Smitherman for allowing me to take cuttings of his hybrids. Auburn University has one of the best collections of these plants I have seen. I hope they realize what they have.
These plants will make a great addition to our collection here at Magnolia.

The Magnolias are Blooming

As I was walking through the gardens this morning I noticed the first Magnolia blooms had opened. I enjoy the large, fragrant blooms. We have thousands of hydrangeas scattered around the gardens that are just starting to bloom. I love early summer, especially being America's last Romantic-style garden. As one walks around the garden, you can stumble into a young couple saying their vows and beginning their life together. What could be better than being married in such a beautiful and historic place. It renews one's soul to see futures merge with the past.

What A Great Trip

I spent the first part of the week at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain Ga. If you have never visited Callaway, you are missing a treat. The Native Azaleas are in bloom now and are truly beautiful. I spent Monday with Hank Bruno and Ernest Koone looking at the many species of Native Azaleas. I especially enjoyed listening to the two of them debate where Fred Galle obtained the different varieties. How lucky one must be to have worked with Mr. Galle! I returned with thousands of cuttings for Magnolia. I will be returning in 2 weeks to get the next batch as they become ready, and to pick up Dr. Smitherman's hybrids. As a horticulturist one soon realizes that what he does is for the next fellow. The work we do today is to give beauty to Magnolia for generations to come. I hope I never decide a garden's "value" in regards to my own , short existence.