The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens is located about ten miles southwest of downtown Savannah, Georgia. It's a fifty acre garden which is part of the University of Georgia.
The garden's collections began in 1890 when Mrs. H. B. Miller planted three huge Japanese timber bamboo plants. They had become a substantial grove in 1915, which got the attention of botanist, David Fairchild. His friend, Barbour Lathrop, purchased the site and added to the collection. In 1983 it was deeded to the University of Georgia and is part of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Today the garden has over 100 kinds of bamboo, making it the largest collection open to the public in North America.
While the gardens are noted for the remarkable bamboo collection (and bamboo maze), there are plenty of other flowers here. There's a Mediterranean garden, a water garden which showcases a nine-foot waterfall, an orchid greenhouse, and a cottage garden with a white gazebo which is a popular site for weddings.
The gardens are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00, and Sunday from 12:00 - 5:00. Admission is free.
Today's IWSG question is, "Is there anything you'd like to change about the publishing industry?"
I'd like to change the trend of short picture books with simple language. Kids need more complex words to help build their vocabulary. Look at Make Way for Ducklings. Now that's a classic with some substance! What would you like to change?
Savannah is a cool town. Next time we go, we'll seek out the gardens.
ReplyDeleteKids do need to be challenged.
Dear Sherry, your pictures are gorgeous. I love ❤️ walks in nature. It is very hot 🔥 🥵 and humid here in Montreal so on days like this I am careful to stay indoors, as I cannot take this intense heat.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your beautiful and refreshing photos. 💕
We went to Savannah for our honeymoon. I wish I would have known about this garden when we went.
ReplyDeleteBotanical gardens are cool. As for picture books, I think there's room for all sorts. I favored ones with more interesting stories for reading to our kids, but gave them simpler things when they were starting to read. I think the *sounds* of the books we read aloud are important--I liked ones with a more poetic (for want of a better word) sort of texture to them.
ReplyDeleteI loved Savannah, but didn't venture as far out of town. The gardens sound lovely. I'm not up on children's books these days. When I do buy baby gifts - I go for the classic books. Frankly your Ten Zany Birds is a big hit.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful gardens, Sherry. Thank you so much for sharing the photos.
ReplyDeleteI agree that children's picture books can have more substantial language in them. I know I've enjoyed YOUR books. Happy IWSG day!
Yes, I think we have really simple picture books and then a huge gap to middle grade. I think we need more books that are "in-between" and could be a good read aloud. I recently read Growing Home, which is younger middle grade, but I think it'd be a perfect read aloud for the 1st-3rd grade set. Also Miss Petitfour is also like that (too large of vocabulary for its intended readers, but perfect as a read aloud).
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely spot, Sherry. thanks for sharing your photos. And I agree, kids need challenging books with good content. I wish I could have shared your books with my classes, but I retired too soon. Happy summer! And happy 4th!
ReplyDeleteThese gardens sound lovely. I'd love to see the waterfall. I agree, picture books can be used to increase vocabulary when done right.
ReplyDeleteThe gardens look lovely! I had no idea about the bamboo there- so interesting. Thanks for sharing the pictures and information . :)
ReplyDeleteThey look so nice, green and fresh, here most of the plants are scorched as our summer regulars are over 40C and rain just once a month if we are lucky.
ReplyDeleteThe garden sounds wonderful, and varied.
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks for posting about this. If I ever get back to Savannah, I will see it! Since I live in Georgia, I really should do so.
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