Atlanta Botanical Garden Hits Milestone

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is turning 50 this year, and it’s commemorating the anniversary with exhibits, events and a look back at its progress.

Now a world-class urban oasis, the garden began as a collection of small gardens in greenhouses on the western edge of Piedmont Park, cultivated by community volunteers. That group eventually convinced city leaders to lease the space for a public garden, and in 1976 it formed a nonprofit to operate it. Four years later, it secured a 50-year lease from the city of Atlanta, and by 1985 the garden opened its first permanent structure – the Gardenhouse, home to the administrative offices and some smaller event spaces. By 2010 the garden had doubled to 30 acres, including the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory, the Children’s Garden and the Fuqua Orchid Center.

Events commemorating the golden anniversary include the annual orchid exhibit which runs through April 12, the annual spring bloom display highlighting 140,000 tulips and daffodils, and the Golden Jubilee on March 27 that will include festive drinks and food, dozens of artists creating botanical artwork, string ensembles and a toast to 50 years of success.