Rain or Shine
$20
(10:00-5:00 Sat.; 12:00-5:00 Sun.)
Tickets available at each garden or at these locations:
Ashe-Simpson Garden Center - 4961 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Chamblee -
770-458-3224
Habersham Gardens - 2067 Manchester St., Atlanta 404-873-2484 Hastings Garden Center - 3920 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta - 404-869-7447 Intown Hardware & Gardens - 854 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta - 404-874-5619
1. The Garden of Jim and Cici Harrington
4004 Dover Ave., Alpharetta 30004
An established garden with well-defined garden rooms, this 15 year old garden has been pesticide free for almost 12 years. The extensive and very colorful perennial borders in the front transition to a more relaxed area of ponds and an entertainment area in the back anchored by conifers and other unusual plants. Everything is watered from 3150 gallons of rainwater stored in an Original Rainwater Pillow.
2. The Garden of Barbara Robinson
1153 Brookgate Way, Atlanta 30319
This small Brookhaven lot is packed with great examples of how to effectively integrate plants and hardscape. An installed dry creek with inspiring use of stone functions to capture storm water runoff, which is stored for future irrigation needs. Plantings, arbors and pathways, lawn, pool and stonework form a seamless network throughout the property, as conifers, specimen trees, hardy palms and site appropriate perennials abound. In recent years, renovated plantings have emphasized plant texture and form, as well as low maintenance. Plants are chosen to match water needs for the many microclimates on site, and drip irrigation from the stored rainwater is used when needed.
3. The Garden of Stephanie and Bill Reeves
4343 Town Commons Cir, Atlanta 30319 This garden is a vine covered paradise with a high level of creativity and attention to detail everywhere. The entrance to the back garden is through a beautifully planted passageway that opens onto a lush and shady courtyard. Clipped boxwoods contrast with drifts of soft groundcovers, vines and perennials while an arbor leads to a sun filled perennial garden and outdoor entertainment area. These separate garden rooms are enclosed by mature conifers, magnolias and hardwoods. Many beautiful and well placed architectural features are found throughout the garden.
4. The Garden of Dorothy Mitchell-Leef
and Forrest Leef
1123 Garmon Dr., Atlanta 30327
The classical design of this garden provides structure to the flower-filled beds. Entering through a shaded pergola opening to a herb parterre, the eye is immediately drawn to the many-hued roses and perennials beyond. The pond and waterfall are home to a sequence of diverse plants and wildlife while the lower bog garden, fed with rainwater run-off, is an intricate quilt of textures. Integrated pest management is practiced and chemicals are avoided.
5. The Garden of Scotty Pannell
469 East Wesley Rd, Atlanta 30305
The front lawn of this Garden Hills home was largely replaced by a sunny entrance garden filled with low growing perennials, succulents and drought tolerant annuals that provide color and textural interest year-round.
Follow the recycled cement drive to the back area and find a woodland paradise with numerous specimen trees, mature oakleaf hydrangeas and many understory shade perennials surrounding a restful pond. Rainwater is collected and stored for the garden in two 1200-gallon cisterns hidden below the back deck. The development of this garden had two goals-to create a more natural year round landscape for both people and wildlife and for the design to emphasize better conservation of water. The Garden Design magazine "Golden Trowel Award" in 2007 and the Planet- Professional Landcare Network's "Environmental Improvement Merit Award 2007" prove that these goals were more than met.
6. The Garden of Dana McPherson and
Bill Brown
294 Hascall Rd, Atlanta 30309
This urban garden is divided into several distinct rooms on different levels, all of which are filled with original works of art. The many decks and orchid filled greenhouse are perfect for entertaining. The newly installed green roof recycles rain water run-off and is set up hydroponically to recycle all water. The various sedum create a tapestry of color and will help provide more thermal insulation for the room below.
Rain barrels are used and many materials are recycled, including portions of the decking and tree-formed Ligustrums rescued from a construction site.
7. The Garden of Robert Norris
366 Garden Lane, Atlanta 30309
The elegant front garden transitions into deep shade as you pass through the side gate, move along the Charleston influenced side garden and come into the jewel box pool area. Nestled into a hillside around the pool, this garden makes the most of every inch. Each turn offers new views and lush combinations for the eye to enjoy. Dense plantings shade out most weeds and help hold moisture by cooling the soil. The garden is surrounded by walls of evergreens that effectively and naturally provide privacy.
8. The Garden of Alan Feingold
2625 River Oak Dr., Decatur 30033
This mature grass-free garden has developed over 24 years and is maintained without supplemental watering. The established woodland areas are filled with Rhododendron while the sun-filled areas display colorful flowers of all types, including many reseeding selections. The pond and bog garden by the patio are restful additions in this quiet oasis.
9. The Garden of Carol Richard
452 Sinclair Ave., Atlanta 30307
This small garden welcomes you with a colorful display along the front walk. The pathway to the back goes downhill past the rain barrels and dry stream bed before it opens onto a generous deck that extends the house into the garden. Colorful containers and a small pond add to the feeling of seclusion from the surrounding city.
10. Oakhurst Community Garden
435 Oakview Rd., Decatur 30030
The Garden was started in 1997 to preserve its 1.75 acres and to provide a place to teach environmental education to people of all ages. You will find a recently completed cob playhouse made out of clay, sand and straw, chickens, beehives, turtles, a carnivorous bog, 30 community plots filled with vegetables and flowers, four 300 gallon rainbarrels and a wooded area being restored with Piedmont natives. The Garden also features an ongoing plant sale and classes to educate on subjects such as earth-friendly crafts, cooking, and gardening.
11. The Garden of Lin and George Inlow
3 Exeter Rd., Avondale Estates 30002 Featuring several garden rooms, this garden is a private retreat. The covered walkway opens on an intimate patio and shaded fish pond, while a rose covered arbor leads into a tranquil serenity garden featuring a swing over a grass-free lawn. Beyond you will find a sunny, square foot, organic vegetable garden with espaliered apple trees, blueberries and raised vegetable beds.
12. David McMullin's New Moon Garden
7011 S. Goddard, Lithonia 30038
(Open 10-7 Saturday, 12-5 Sunday) Truly the project of a plantsman, this extensive garden is anchored by a large rock garden featuring many drought tolerant plants that are unknown in this area. The restored barn, outbuildings and wetlands add to the beauty and diversity of the site. David's nursery, Very Good Plants, is adjacent and will be open. Flo Chaffin of Specialty Ornamentals and David McMullin of New Moon Gardens are opening a new mail-order nursery called Very Good Plants and are having an Open House and Preview Sale June 7th and Sunday June 8th from 10 until 4 In conjunction with the Ga. Perennial Plant Association Garden Tour (For more information visit
