Garden Closed for Construction

The State Botanical Garden will be closed for construction Sept. 21-23, 2026.

Entire Garden, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Garden Closed for Construction

The State Botanical Garden will be closed for construction Sept. 21-23, 2026.

Entire Garden, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Garden Closed for Construction

The State Botanical Garden will be closed for construction Sept. 21-23, 2026.

Entire Garden, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Nature Ramblers

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists, featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enj......More

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists, featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enjoying the fresh air. Rambles start with an inspirational reading by a nature writer such as Annie Dillard, John Muir or Janisse Ray. Ramblers are encouraged to bring their own nature writings or favorite poems and essays to share with the group. This is a ramble, not a hike stopping to view interesting plants, insects, butterflies and mushrooms, etc., along the way is part of the experience each week. You can join for just one or all sessions. These informal rambles are free, but donations are accepted in the garden’s donation box in the lobby of the visitor’s center. To get a feel for what these rambles are like, visit http://naturerambling.blogspot.com.

Shade Garden Arbor, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Sweet Pea Club

Ages: 3-5 | $3 per participating child Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden of Georgia education team offers Sweet Pea Club at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden every Thursday morning from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Families join one another for a program of engaging a......More

Ages: 3-5 | $3 per participating child Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden of Georgia education team offers Sweet Pea Club at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden every Thursday morning from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Families join one another for a program of engaging activities in the garden that can include songs, puppets, stories and games designed to connect participants to nature. Each week focuses on a different theme such as busy bees, parts of plants, decomposers, all about animals, plants we eat and more.   The Sweet Pea Club program is an informal way to give young naturalists a better understanding of the importance of our shared earth. Please note this program typically takes place outdoors. The location of the program in the garden may change depending on weather, and directional signage will guide you to the space. Registration is required for each participating child (adults do not need to register).

Alice H. Richards Childrens Garden, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Between the Tides: Salt Marsh Plant Ecology

Register OnlineShannon Matzke, marine educator & public program coordinator, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant This course introduces participants to the plants that define the salt marsh, their unique adaptations, and the ecological forces that shape this prod......More

Register OnlineShannon Matzke, marine educator & public program coordinator, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant This course introduces participants to the plants that define the salt marsh, their unique adaptations, and the ecological forces that shape this productive habitat. After a classroom overview of salt marsh formation, zonation, species diversity and conservation challenges, we will walk through the maritime forest to the salt marsh to observe plant communities up close. Along the way, we’ll practice plant identification, investigate ecological relationships and discover how coastal plants have supported both wildlife and human communities over time. Please note that this course is located outside of the Athens area.

UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium, 30 Ocean Science Cir, Savannah, Georgia, 31411

Free Sketch Friday 

Join us at the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum for Free Sketch Friday! This free drop-in activity allows artists of all ages and skills to spend time in the museum, studying and drawing from our wonderful, varied collections. All materials will be provided by the m......More

Join us at the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum for Free Sketch Friday! This free drop-in activity allows artists of all ages and skills to spend time in the museum, studying and drawing from our wonderful, varied collections. All materials will be provided by the museum.

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

The Extraordinary Caterpillar Movie Night

Pre-registration is required Register OnlineJoin us for an outdoor movie screening of “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” on the Discovery and Inspiration Garden lawn behind the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum.  Over 98% of the living world on Earth is smaller than a b......More

Pre-registration is required Register OnlineJoin us for an outdoor movie screening of “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” on the Discovery and Inspiration Garden lawn behind the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum.  Over 98% of the living world on Earth is smaller than a bee. “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” follows the scientists and community activists with this peek into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest superheroes.  Please bring a blanket to relax on the lawn during the movie. The Cafe Racer food truck and Trumps beverage station will also be on site for food and beverage purchases. Check-in begins at 7 p.m., when the food truck and beverage station will open. The movie will begin at 8 p.m.  In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum Classroom.

Discovery and Inspiration Garden Lawn, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Fall Bird Rambles

Upper Parking Lot Free and open to the public Come join the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society (ORAS) for a morning bird walk at the garden. Look and listen for our fall migrants. First time birding? No problem. ORAS members will help you spot and identify the feathery creat......More

Upper Parking Lot Free and open to the public Come join the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society (ORAS) for a morning bird walk at the garden. Look and listen for our fall migrants. First time birding? No problem. ORAS members will help you spot and identify the feathery creatures. All birding levels are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. For more information, visit www.oconeeriversaudubon.org.

Upper Parking Lot, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Nature Ramblers

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists, featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enj......More

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists, featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enjoying the fresh air. Rambles start with an inspirational reading by a nature writer such as Annie Dillard, John Muir or Janisse Ray. Ramblers are encouraged to bring their own nature writings or favorite poems and essays to share with the group. This is a ramble, not a hike stopping to view interesting plants, insects, butterflies and mushrooms, etc., along the way is part of the experience each week. You can join for just one or all sessions. These informal rambles are free, but donations are accepted in the garden’s donation box in the lobby of the visitor’s center. To get a feel for what these rambles are like, visit http://naturerambling.blogspot.com.

Shade Garden Arbor, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Sweet Pea Club

Ages: 3-5 | $3 per participating child Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden of Georgia education team offers Sweet Pea Club at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden every Thursday morning from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Families join one another for a program of engaging a......More

Ages: 3-5 | $3 per participating child Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden of Georgia education team offers Sweet Pea Club at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden every Thursday morning from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Families join one another for a program of engaging activities in the garden that can include songs, puppets, stories and games designed to connect participants to nature. Each week focuses on a different theme such as busy bees, parts of plants, decomposers, all about animals, plants we eat and more.   The Sweet Pea Club program is an informal way to give young naturalists a better understanding of the importance of our shared earth. Please note this program typically takes place outdoors. The location of the program in the garden may change depending on weather, and directional signage will guide you to the space. Registration is required for each participating child (adults do not need to register).

Alice H. Richards Childrens Garden, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Rhythm and Blooms

Purchase TicketsEnjoy an evening in the Flower Garden featuring live music, delicious food and drinks from local restaurants, and support for the garden’s conservation programming! Rhythm and Blooms is an annual fundraiser benefiting the garden’s conservation department......More

Purchase TicketsEnjoy an evening in the Flower Garden featuring live music, delicious food and drinks from local restaurants, and support for the garden’s conservation programming! Rhythm and Blooms is an annual fundraiser benefiting the garden’s conservation department, which works to protect imperiled native plant species. Guests can enjoy offerings from some of Athens’ favorite restaurants, including Cafe Racer, Marti’s at Midday, 5&10, The National, Mimi’s Catering and Marker 7. This year’s musical lineup features acoustic duo Mountain of Youth opening for Nashville-based singer-songwriter Emily Nenni. Registration closes on Sept. 29.

Flower Garden Lawn, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

October Friends First Friday Horticultural Therapy at Public Gardens

$12 general admission | $10 for members Register OnlineVisitors to public gardens often report feeling more relaxed and less stressed after their visit. These feelings are consistent with the physiological and psychological impact of plants on people. Horticultural acti......More

$12 general admission | $10 for members Register OnlineVisitors to public gardens often report feeling more relaxed and less stressed after their visit. These feelings are consistent with the physiological and psychological impact of plants on people. Horticultural activities, such as potting, watering and sowing seeds, can also be used as part of recovery from injury or illness or for restoring mental health. With increasing emphasis on health, well-being and social connection, interest in the therapeutic applications of horticulture has also risen. Public gardens are logical places to offer therapeutic horticulture programming and services, much like the State Botanical Garden’s Meet Me at the Garden program for persons with dementia and their care partners. Join us to learn from Dr. Sheri Dorn, an Assistant Professor of Sociohorticulture and Horticultural Therapy jointly appointed with UGA’s Department of Horticulture and the State Botanical Garden. Dorn will share the science of horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture, insights from a national study of programming delivered at public garden sites in the U.S., and UGA’s plans to train a new generation of professionals who can use horticulture to address health and well-being. The registration deadline is noon on Sept. 25.

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

Plants We Love to Hate: Identifying and Controlling Non-native Invasive Pest Plants

Gary Crider, naturalist and invasive plant control specialist Register OnlineThis workshop is an introduction to identifying and controlling invasive, non-native pest plants. Students will learn about the major “offenders” in the Georgia Piedmont and how these plants ha......More

Gary Crider, naturalist and invasive plant control specialist Register OnlineThis workshop is an introduction to identifying and controlling invasive, non-native pest plants. Students will learn about the major “offenders” in the Georgia Piedmont and how these plants harm native plant communities and wildlife. The class will also focus on habitat restoration through the management and control of invasive plants. A variety of control methods will be outlined, including descriptions of tools, techniques and detailed strategies for some of the high-priority species. The lecture portion of this course will last until 12:30 p.m., followed by a break and an optional outdoor field study.

Visitor Center & Conservatory Adult Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

Fall Bird Rambles

Upper Parking Lot Free and open to the public Come join the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society (ORAS) for a morning bird walk at the garden. Look and listen for our fall migrants. First time birding? No problem. ORAS members will help you spot and identify the feathery creat......More

Upper Parking Lot Free and open to the public Come join the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society (ORAS) for a morning bird walk at the garden. Look and listen for our fall migrants. First time birding? No problem. ORAS members will help you spot and identify the feathery creatures. All birding levels are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. For more information, visit www.oconeeriversaudubon.org.

Upper Parking Lot, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Museum Tour

Join us at 12 p.m. every Sunday for an in-depth, one-hour tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. These tours are led by docents, museum assistants or the curator. Tours are $5 per person, payable at the Garden Gift Shop upon arrival. ......More

Join us at 12 p.m. every Sunday for an in-depth, one-hour tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. These tours are led by docents, museum assistants or the curator. Tours are $5 per person, payable at the Garden Gift Shop upon arrival. 

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

108 Sun Salutations Yoga Celebration

Begins at 5:30 p.m., set up at 5:15 p.m. Join the Athens yoga community for 108 Sun Salutations in the Flower Garden. From beginners to seasoned practitioners, all ages and all levels of practice are welcome! Modifications will be presented and encouraged.  Please bring......More

Begins at 5:30 p.m., set up at 5:15 p.m. Join the Athens yoga community for 108 Sun Salutations in the Flower Garden. From beginners to seasoned practitioners, all ages and all levels of practice are welcome! Modifications will be presented and encouraged.  Please bring a yoga mat, water bottle, towel and friends. Tickets sold at the gate must be purchased with a card cash will not be accepted. All ticket prices are subject to additional fees.

Flower Garden Lawn, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Garden Closing Early

The State Botanical Garden will close early at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, for a private event.

Entire Garden, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Meet Me at the Garden

Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden (SBG) in conjunction with UGA’s Cognitive Aging Research and Education (CARE) Center offers the signature therapeutic horticulture program, Meet Me at the Garden (MMAG). Individuals with early to mid-stage dementia and their car......More

Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden (SBG) in conjunction with UGA’s Cognitive Aging Research and Education (CARE) Center offers the signature therapeutic horticulture program, Meet Me at the Garden (MMAG). Individuals with early to mid-stage dementia and their care partners are invited to participate in therapeutic, gardening-based activities at the State Botanical Garden. Each 90-minute session is interactive and appeals to all senses, the “gateway to the brain.” Activities include plant exploration, seed sowing, propagating plants by cuttings, garden walks, potting up plants and harvesting vegetables, herbs and flowers. Sessions are guided by horticulture educators and participants are supported by volunteers, known as “garden gurus.”

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

Nature Ramblers

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists, featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enj......More

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists, featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enjoying the fresh air. Rambles start with an inspirational reading by a nature writer such as Annie Dillard, John Muir or Janisse Ray. Ramblers are encouraged to bring their own nature writings or favorite poems and essays to share with the group. This is a ramble, not a hike stopping to view interesting plants, insects, butterflies and mushrooms, etc., along the way is part of the experience each week. You can join for just one or all sessions. These informal rambles are free, but donations are accepted in the garden’s donation box in the lobby of the visitor’s center. To get a feel for what these rambles are like, visit http://naturerambling.blogspot.com.

Shade Garden Arbor, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Sweet Pea Club

Ages: 3-5 | $3 per participating child Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden of Georgia education team offers Sweet Pea Club at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden every Thursday morning from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Families join one another for a program of engaging a......More

Ages: 3-5 | $3 per participating child Register OnlineThe State Botanical Garden of Georgia education team offers Sweet Pea Club at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden every Thursday morning from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Families join one another for a program of engaging activities in the garden that can include songs, puppets, stories and games designed to connect participants to nature. Each week focuses on a different theme such as busy bees, parts of plants, decomposers, all about animals, plants we eat and more.   The Sweet Pea Club program is an informal way to give young naturalists a better understanding of the importance of our shared earth. Please note this program typically takes place outdoors. The location of the program in the garden may change depending on weather, and directional signage will guide you to the space. Registration is required for each participating child (adults do not need to register).

Alice H. Richards Childrens Garden, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

15th Annual Native Plant Sale - Friends Members Preview Sale

Thursday, Oct. 8, is the preview sale for Friends of the Garden members only. Members of the Friends of the Garden will receive a 10% discount and get to shop early. Click here to become a Friends of the Garden member. Join garden professionals at the Mimsie Lanier Cent......More

Thursday, Oct. 8, is the preview sale for Friends of the Garden members only. Members of the Friends of the Garden will receive a 10% discount and get to shop early. Click here to become a Friends of the Garden member. Join garden professionals at the Mimsie Lanier Center for Native Plant Studies for on-site plant shopping. Experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space, from large gardens to pots. This is a cashless event. Only credit and debit cards and checks will be accepted.

Mimsie Lanier Center for Native Plant Studies, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

15th Annual Native Plant Sale

Join garden professionals at the Mimsie Lanier Center for on-site plant shopping. Experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space, from large gardens to pots. This is a cashless event. Only credit and debit cards and checks will be accep......More

Join garden professionals at the Mimsie Lanier Center for on-site plant shopping. Experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space, from large gardens to pots. This is a cashless event. Only credit and debit cards and checks will be accepted.

Mimsie Lanier Center for Native Plant Studies, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

15th Annual Native Plant Sale

Join garden professionals at the Mimsie Lanier Center for on-site plant shopping. Experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space, from large gardens to pots. This is a cashless event. Only credit and debit cards and checks will be accep......More

Join garden professionals at the Mimsie Lanier Center for on-site plant shopping. Experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space, from large gardens to pots. This is a cashless event. Only credit and debit cards and checks will be accepted.

Mimsie Lanier Center for Native Plant Studies, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605

Fungal Ecology & Diversity: The Fascinating World of Fungi

Sam Landes, treasurer, Mushroom Club of Georgia Cornelia Cho, president, Mushroom Club of Georgia Register OnlineFungi are an essential yet often overlooked part of our natural world. In this class, participants will explore the fascinating diversity of fungi and learn ......More

Sam Landes, treasurer, Mushroom Club of Georgia Cornelia Cho, president, Mushroom Club of Georgia Register OnlineFungi are an essential yet often overlooked part of our natural world. In this class, participants will explore the fascinating diversity of fungi and learn about their structures, identification and many uses. The course will introduce key aspects of fungal biology and ecology while highlighting the important roles fungi play in natural systems. We will also touch on the culinary side of fungi and their value to people. Through discussion and hands-on examples, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable world of fungi. 

State Botanical Garden Visitor Center, Classroom 2, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, 30605