Learn more about
Smith-Gilbert Gardens
and click HERE for Seedling Program
a collaborative production between the Kennesaw State Department of Theatre & Performance Studies & Smith-Gilbert Gardens
Story of the Gardens
Once upon a time...
Smith-Gilbert Gardens has not always looked like it does today! The Cherokee Indians called Cobb County home for thousands of years before European colonizers drove them west. The land soon accommodated a cotton plantation, then, in the late 1800's, the historic Hiram Butler house. The house served several generations of families before succumbing to age & the elements.
A new chapter
The grounds were given another chance at life in 1970 when Richard Smith and Dr. Robert Gilbert began renovating the House & the surrounding 13 acres. The pair discovered a passion for collecting and nurturing plants, & the Garden was born! Over 35 years, Smith & Gilbert expanded their collection, developing sustainable gardening practices & integrating beautiful sculptures to blend art & nature.
Comissioned painting of Richard Smith & Dr. Robert Gilbert by Camille Barton
The story continues
After Richard Smith’s passing, the Gardens were sold to the City of Kennesaw in 2005 & opened to the public. It has since become a cultural asset for its visitors. The Garden serves an important role in the community by innovating horticultural research, supporting new & local artists, providing conservation education, & preserving the story of the land.
Conservation & Education
Making a promise
The Smith-Gilbert Gardens is known for being a place of conservation & education. Home to over 3,000 plant species and 31 pieces of art, they have done something many gardens haven’t done: stopped using pesticides & fertilizers. All of the beautiful plants can bloom how they choose without the negative aftereffects of pesticides.
Why this promise?
Pesticides can harm organisms like fish, birds, insects, & plants that are non-targets. They also dramatically affect honeybees, whose population has been on the decline in recent years due to the use of insecticides & neonicotinoids. With the help of Smith-Gilbert Gardens, we can lessen the use of harmful chemicals on plants that not only affect their environment, but ours as well.
Upcoming at the Gardens
Art Blooms
April-May
Smith-Gilbert Gardens invites the community to experience its sculpture collection surrounded by over 22,000 daffodil blooms planted in unique patterns! On Saturdays, Art Ambassadors will be on-site to share behind-the-scenes stories of the artists & sculptures.
Communal art
Smith-Gilbert Gardens is partnering with Cobb County & KSU to bring a collaborative art piece to Art Blooms!
Amanda Britton, Head Coordinator of Textiles at KSU, is teaching the 5th grade class at Frey Elementary weaving techniques. The pieces they are weaving will be combined with keepsakes & memorabilia associated with poems written about their lives. Their pieces, along with an exhibit from KSU students inspired by the Gardens, will be on display on the week of Earth Day, April 22-29
Smith-Gilbert Gardens is a continual advocator for artists in and around the Atlanta area, hoping to bring new and fresh voices to life. If you are one of those new voices, you’re in luck! They are currently searching for new artists to create two-four pieces for their Metamorphosis-themes exhibit.
The Bonsai Exhibit
April-October
Visitors can explore the Gardens' Bonsai Exhibits, created by Dr. Gilbert & Mr. Smith, & maintained by curator, Rodney Clemons, as well as many other volunteers.
The Seedling dramaturgy by:
Abby Smith
Emily Watson
Tom Fish, KSU Resident Dramaturg
contact: tfish2@kennesaw.edu
