Athens, GA. – Athens, Georgia, the hotspot of horticulture, is home to outstanding public gardens, including The State Botanical Garden of Georgia and The Trial Gardens at UGA, as well as many specialty nurseries, the top school in horticulture, and horticulture celebrities. Athens has long been a travel destination for plant enthusiasts, but on Saturday, April 14, 2012 many gardeners will journey to Athens to attend Plantapalooza at the State Botanical Garden, the UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA. A wide array of garden plants that thrive in the Southeast will be available at each location from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, along with horticulturists, volunteers and Master Gardeners to help with plant selections. Admission is free for all plant sales.
The Trial Gardens at UGA grows and tests the newest annuals and perennials from plant breeders throughout the world and will offer unique plants that are difficult to find anywhere else in the state. Dr. Allan Armitage will be available to sign his books (which will be for sale) and lead tours of the Trial Garden (www.ugatrialgardens.com). Profits from all sales help fund research and student employees in the gardens.
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia (botgarden.uga.edu), headquarters of the Georgia Gold Medal Plant Program (www.georgiagoldmedalplants.org), will have Gold Medal plants noted among its broad selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, and more. This sale will also offer many native plants grown at the State Botanical Garden. The Garden Gift Shop and Donderos’ Kitchen (serving coffee drinks and a selection of handmade breakfast and lunch items) will be open.
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The UGA Horticulture Club will be selling a wide range of garden and landscape plants near the intersection of Riverbend Road and College Station Road. Profits from all sales fund projects for students in the Horticulture program.
Gardeners who participate in the 2012 Plantapalooza will be able to get a special card stamped to receive discounts in many area nurseries. Each participating retailer will have a drawing for $25 worth of plants for Plantapalooza participants. Directions and information about participating retailers are available online at ugatrialgardens.com. Information on Athens hotels and attractions can be found at www.VisitAthensGA.com.
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Participating retailers:
Cofer's Home and Garden Showplace
1145 Mitchell Bridge Road, Athens
(706) 353-1519, cofers.com
Goodness Grows
332 Elberton Road, Lexington
(706) 743-5055, goodnessgrows.com
Specialty Ornamentals
3650 Colham Ferry Road, Watkinsville
(706) 310-0143, specialtyornamentals.com
Thomas Orchard and Nursery
6091 Macon Highway, Bishop
(706) 769-5011, thomasorchardsandnursery.com
Thyme After Thyme
550 Athens Road, Winterville
(706) 742-7149, thymeafterthyme.com
Wildwood Specialty Nursery
4970 Lexington Road, Athens
(706) 201-6559, wildwoodspecialtynursery.com
Wolfskin Nursery
10325 Double Bridges Road, Winterville
(706)543-5051.
Site Locations:
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia botgarden.uga.edu
2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens
The Trial Gardens at UGA www.ugatrialgardens.com
220 W Green Street, Athens behind Snelling Dining Hall
The UGA Horticulture Club www.hortclub.uga.edu
near the intersection of Riverbend Road and College Station Road
