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The Georgia Golf Hall of Fame's
Botanical Gardens
“Hall,” scenic gardens add charm to this golf Mecca”
Located in Augusta--the golf
capital of Georgia-- encompasses nearly 17 acres along the banks of
the Savannah River. The site, which was part of Augusta’s
revitalization of downtown, includes eight acres of beautiful
gardens, sculptures of famous golfers Arnold Palmer, Byron Nelson,
Raymond Floyd, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones and Jack Nicklaus, and a
Signature Mini Course with replicas of 18 great golf holes from
various Georgia courses.
Not only have the gardens contributed greatly to the rebirth of
downtown Augusta, but this world-class exhibit provides a place
where visitors may come to relax, see the famous golfers in bronze,
and enjoy the profusion of plants and flowers in a variety of
gardens. Activities are held that appeal to all ages, and it offers
a beautiful and unique venue for social events and photographers.
Upon entering the gardens, visitors will see the bronze statue of
Bobby Jones. Then walking counter clockwise, pass through the white
picket fence gate into the Cottage Garden with its Victorian style
Purple Martin birdhouses and a patchwork lawn of alternating Bermuda
and Meyer Zoysia grasses. The Rose Garden bursts forth with an
explosion of red, yellow, orange and white blooms of more than 800
varieties of
miniature roses. The Aquatic Garden with its central pool provides a
continuous fountain surrounded by five outer pools, which are home
to a variety of aquatic plants, including lotus and water lilies. At
the Formal Garden the statue of the gentleman of golf, Byron Nelson,
overlooks an area of all green and white except for the brickwork.
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The Butterfly Garden has
stonework outlining a butterfly, surrounded by plants that attract
butterflies, plus humming birds and honeybees. Crossing over a stone path
and granite bridge with its meandering stream the Asian Garden is
reminiscent of the Orient, with a Zen-like stone sea, Moon Gate, and a
colorful Koi pond.
At the Waterfall Garden an 18-foot cascade looks out to the green with the
bronze statue of Jack Nicholas in his famous pose on the 18th green at
Augusta National, as he won his sixth Masters Tournament.
The Xeriscape Garden displays plants that have the ability to survive dry
conditions. That doesn’t mean we’re talking about deserts and cactus or even
a drought plagued, barren landscape. Xeriscaping is a method of gardening
that involves choosing plants that can be applied to any type of garden
design and creating a landscape that can be maintained with little
supplemental watering.
At the far end from the entrance is the Pergola Garden with two 38-foot
towers, which display the time and temperature. In front of the Pergola is a
bronze statue of Arnold Palmer, which was once located beside the Hyatt
Regency Hotel across from Riverwalk.
A Bulb Garden displays hundreds of flowering plants that originate from
bulbs or bulblets. Across the path is the Gold Medal Garden showcasing the
plants chosen each year since 1996 by the Georgia Green Industry as that
year’s Georgia Gold Medal winners.
The Turf and Grass Garden features nine different turf grasses, such as
Bermuda, centipede, St. Augustine, Zoysia and Seashore Paspalum, planted
beside each other and surrounded by ornamental grasses, perennials, and
other grass-like plants. Two of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame inductees were
honored for their work in the development of turf grasses.
The Children’s Garden provides an opportunity for hands-on gardening
designed to teach them about nature and plant life. A stone path winds
through a large wooded area where the Azalea Garden is filled with native
and exotic azaleas that bloom from February to the first frost. Also in this
garden are rhododendron, mountain laurel, hosta and a variety of dogwoods,
as well as the statue of Raymond Floyd, master of the short game.
There are presently 72 members in this Hall of Fame, all from Georgia. Of
the six golfers with bronze statues on permanent display, it’s ironic that
Bobby Jones is the only one in the Hall of Fame, although the rules state
that anyone who “participated in a golf activity in Georgia” is eligible.
If you’re going:
From Mooresville take I-77 South to I-20 West in Columbia. In Augusta take
exit 200 off I-20 then turn left onto Riverwatch Parkway. Turn left at 13th
St, then right at Reynolds St and follow the signs. The Gardens’ parking
area is located at 11th and Reynolds Streets.
Admittance is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, students and military; $5 for
children ages 4-12. The cost of playing the Signature Mini Course is the
same price, with $2.00 off each if you pay for the gardens and the mini
course. Hours vary during the year. Call 888-874-4443 for current hours and
information. A gift shop offers unusual golf and gardening items.
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