Welcome to the Garden

The Garden features over 11 acres of gardens on the early twentieth-century farmstead of Dan and Catharine Bland. Wander the trails, paths, and courtyards and explore the intriguing natural and cultural wonders of the southeastern coastal plain, where persistence, ingenuity, and deep respect have bound people to the land. Discover a significant and growing collection of native and heritage plants, including over 20 of the state’s protected species. Peer down a pitcher plant, gaze upward at the gnarled branches of magnificent longleaf pines, and inhale the heavy scent of confederate jasmine. Wrap your hands around the handles of a plow or admire the 1929 cover of Georgia Magazine, which features Mr. Dan and Ms. Catharine’s farm as an inspiration for all of Georgia. Enjoy the past, wonder at the present, and learn for the future at the Botanic Garden.

The Garden offers woodland trails, a landscape garden of coastal plain natives, a native azalea collection, an arboretum, a children’s garden, a complex of early 20th-century farm buildings, the Rural Life Museum, the Whelchel Camellia Garden, heritage gardens, a bog and sandhill, and the Kennedy Outdoor Classroom. The Garden is a research and educational resource for faculty and students and provides undergraduate and graduate programs, projects, and internships as well as continuing education programs of interest to the community.

Mission

Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University

• Promotes knowledge and appreciation of the native plants and animals of the southeastern coastal plain

• Enhances the quality of life through the region by presenting classes, events, concerts, festivals, and other cultural and historically driven opportunities that connect learners of all ages with the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region.

• Inspires environmentally responsible behavior by providing a sound scientific context and demonstrating sustainable practices while pursuing scientific, cultural, and creative solutions to environmental challenges.

History

Click Here for an accessible pdf version of the above side show featuring images of Dan & Catherine Bland.

Daniel and Catharine Bland met in 1916 at the First District Agricultural and Mechanical School, now Georgia Southern University. Their lives tell the story of rural farm life on the southeastern coastal plain.

Mr. Dan and Miss Catharine worked hard to coax a living out of the sandy coastal plain soil. They ran a small dairy, raised livestock, and grew pecans, pears and row crops, winning accolades as a model farm from Georgia Magazine in 1929.

Mr. Dan was a self-taught naturalist with a keen interest in the plants and animals from this region. These native plants, along with other classic favorites, have blossomed into the landscape found at the Garden.

For more about the Garden’s history and the history of the southeastern coastal plain, visit
Weathervane Barn and Rural Life Exhibit
Oak Grove One Room Schoolhouse

Staff

	Bob Randolph, Interim Director rrandolph@georgiasouthern.edu (912) 478-1149
	Becki Akins, Business Manager bakins@georgiasouthern.edu (912) 478-1149
	Kathy Tucker, Education Coordinator ktucker@georgiasouthern.edu (912) 478-1507
	Aaron Cohen, Project Coordinator aaroncohen@georgiasouthern.edu (912) 478-1149
	John Page, Groundskeeper jpage@georgiasouthern.edu (912) 478-1149

Forms

Current & Holiday Hours 

The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University participates
in the Reciprocal Admissions Program.

Garden Memberships at the Sustainer level and above are granted this benefit at participating Gardens.
Click Here to join or upgrade your membership.