Updated: 8/20/23
As early retirees, we're always looking for ways to get the most bang for the buck. Did you know becoming a member at your favorite museum or garden gives you free unlimited admission all year round? Not only are you supporting a good cause, you also get perks, and discounts at the gift shop. If it's part of the North America Reciprocal Association (NARM), your membership will qualify for free admission to other participating museums or gardens. We visit friends in Fort Myers every Christmas and wanted to see one of the city's famous attractions - the
Ford and Edison Winter Estates - so we joined their membership. Since then, we've toured many gardens in Florida and Tennessee.
The
Atlanta Botanical Garden has been on our radar for a while. We were in the area last week, so we stop to check it out. Thank goodness for underground parking. It was over 90 degrees F that day.
Like Alice in Wonderland, we wandered into 30 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds graced with Chihuly glass artworks and intricate topiary creations of mythical creatures. What colorful feats!
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| Earth Goddess, a living sculpture with 18,000 annuals! |
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| classy Chihuly glass artwork in the distance |
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| Phoenix |
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| Dragon |
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| Fuqua Conservatory with a partial Atlanta skyline in the background |
We marveled at the vast collection of exquisite orchids and other exotic plants at the Fuqua Conservatory. And at the topiary sculptures from the Alice in Wonderland exhibit.
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| 27 feet tall White Rabbit in the Skyline Garden |
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| and its reflection |
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| awesome chess board bordered by nine heart-shaped trees |
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| camel |
On a nice day, you can easily spend an entire day here. There are trails you can hike and many areas with benches to stop and literally smell the flowers. Growling stomachs brought us back to reality. There is a café on site, but we had plans for lunch at the
Dekalb Farmers Market (must visit, if you haven't been), about half hour's drive away.
The garden is closed on Mondays. Entrance fee is $26.95(free for members).
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