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its extensive camellia collection.

In fact, a new camellia flower was discovered at the gardens. It took three years to verify that this natural mutation (called a sport) was indeed a new flower. By the time you are reading this article, the flower will be named through a special auction at the May Rose Garden Gala.

Volunteers donate thousands of hours each year in garden maintenance, education programs, special events and guest services, and lead visitors through the gardens, educating them as they go.

With a rise in visitors and new memberships, construction projects are planned. Stay updated at www.smithgilbertgardens.com, or through social media. PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF KENNESAW Art Blooms (April-May)

The two-month spring exhibition features the work of local and regional artists, set in a colorful backdrop featuring more than 20,000 daffodils in bloom. Partnerships with Kennesaw State University and Cobb County schools have created new opportunities for student artists to show their work. Art ambassadors share stories about the artists and artwork. For a more immersive experience, each Saturday a different local artist provides a demonstration in visual and performing arts.

Bonsai Exhibit (April-October)

Curious about what it takes to care for a bonsai tree? On the second Saturday of each month, visitors learn about the art and science of bonsai. The exhibit, maintained by consultant Rodney Clemons with a host of volunteers, is a highlight of the gardens’ collections. Visitors can ask questions and learn how to care for this ancient art form.

A Garden With Wings Butterfly House (July) This seasonal display is for adults and children, who are treated to an experience described by one visitor, who exclaimed, “It’s raining butterflies!” The award-winning exhibit, filled with a variety of plants, features native butterflies in all stages of life, from egg to adult. Host plants such as tulip poplar and passionflower vine serve as caterpillar-watching stations, and nectar plants, such as lantana and butterfly weed, provide opportunities to watch these pollinators in action. Butterfly ambassadors share information and enrich the experience with these beautiful winged pollinators.

Hummingbird Banding (September) Did you know hummingbirds can live as long as nine years? Julia Elliott (aka the Hummingbird Whisperer) from Kennesaw’s Bird Watcher Supply Co., will band hummingbirds at a one-day event, 8-11 a.m. Sept. 10 (advanced tickets required). Banding helps experts gain vital information about bird history, especially migratory details and relative abundance of a given bird species from year to year. When a bird is banded, the bander collects important data about the bird’s age, sex, condition and plumage characteristics, as well.

Sculpture Collection Smith and Gilbert were avid art collectors, and created the permanent sculpture collection, with pieces acquired during visits to exhibits around the country and through artist commissions. Their support of new and emerging artists led to a collection of work that indicates a period of time in each artist’s development. Interpretive panels offer details about each work of art and the artist who created it. Tours also are led by art ambassadors during the annual Art Blooms exhibit.

A Healthier You (September-October)

The Gardens create the perfect setting for health and wellness. The fall months offer visitors a chance to walk through the trails and meditate, enjoy a yoga class or capture nature on canvas with a plein air (painting outdoors) workshop. Many programs that promote health are available during this time.