North Georgia’s newest world-class attraction is set to open in May in Gainesville as the Atlanta Botanical Garden opens the gates to the public this May. As an extension of the renowned Atlanta Botanical Garden, the $21 million initial phase, developed on 168 acres given to the Atlanta garden in 2002 by Gainesville philanthropists Charles and Lessie Smithgall, will include a contemporary visitor center, 2000-seat amphitheater, a model train garden, and five acres of display gardens featuring nationally recognized plant collections. Future plans call for an interactive children’s garden, a native plant conservation nursery, and a student training and education center. “The opening of this garden marks a dream come true for so many – from our donors and supporters to our staff and the Smithgall family,” said Garden President & CEO Mary Pat Matheson. At the Gainesville garden, the visitors will be amazed by the great diversity of plants featured in a series of carefully designed gardens, said Mildred Pinnell Fockele, Vice-President of Horticulture and director of the Gainesville garden. “It’s very exciting to see the plants thriving in the gardens – from the beautiful deciduous magnolias, lilacs and native azaleas that create a spring explosion, to the masses of [...]