If You Live in Georgia, Exploring Gibbs Gardens is Hands-Down the Best Way to Enjoy Spring

Spring in Georgia is a miracle. It's that brief moment between the never-ending grey days of winter and the intense heat of summer when temperatures are just right. And while it always seems to be over before we're ready, there are plenty of ways to embrace springtime in the Peach State. One of our all-time favorites is Gibbs Gardens, a world-class botanical garden in Cherokee County, Georgia.

One of the largest residential gardens in the U.S., Gibbs Gardens began as the dream of founder Jim Gibbs, who traveled the world for 15 years in search of the most beautiful botanical spaces. Today, Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, Georgia, is a 376-acre haven for gardening and landscaping enthusiasts as well as naturalists. There are 18 seasonal color gardens and six feature gardens: Manor House, Daffodil, Japanese, Inspiration, Waterlily, and “Le Jardin” Color Gardens. But the impressive numbers don't end there; because of the natural springs that run through the property, there are millions of naturalized ferns throughout the gardens, making it one of the nation's largest ferneries as well.

Gibbs Gardens is worth visiting throughout every blossoming season, from the early hints of spring to the last blooms of mid-fall. But we're partial to the springtime season, where something new is in bloom every two weeks. Beginning in early March and lasting through mid-April, the progression of flowers includes daffodils, cherry blossoms, tulips, and dogwoods. And the best part of all? Gibbs Garden keeps you up-to-date with what's in bloom on its website, so you know what to expect when you visit in person.

At the top of my bucket list for this season is the Daffodil Garden, an incredible collection of over 20 million blooms. I've always found daffodils especially cheerful, as they are typically among the first flowers to appear after winter. The contrast of the bright white, yellow, and gold against the bare trees really is breathtaking! It's no wonder that Southern Living named this particular garden as one of the "World's 10 Best Places To See Daffodils."

Just a few things to know before you go: Tickets are required before entry, and it's best to buy them online in advance to help avoid lines. You'll also want to spend about four hours at the gardens to enjoy all that the property has to offer, so be sure to bring those comfortable walking shoes! In addition to the beautiful flower gardens, Gibbs Gardens is home to a stunning Manor House and the Arbor Café, where you can purchase food and beverages.

For more information about how you can plan a trip to Georgia's most stunning botanical garden this season, be sure to visit Gibbs Gardens online. Looking for more places to enjoy springtime in the Peach State? Take a look at our list of these seven beautiful and easy spring trails in Georgia.