TIMELINE
2000 - 2003
In July of 2000, the Hart County Board of Commissioners agreed to a land lease for the development of a botanical garden. The 7-acre area is basically a shallow ravine with a stream running down its middle. Several natural springs feed into the central stream. The site is approximately 75% wooded and 25% full sun.
In 2003, fourteen University of Georgia School of Environmental Design graduate students were asked to design a botanical garden for the site. Walking trails, a children's garden, bog garden, endangered and native plants, a memorial garden, a wildlife habitat, and an outdoor classroom were features to be included. Members offered ideas and suggestions as the students' work progressed. Fourteen garden designs were presented and elements from each were incorporated into a garden master plan.
On March 1, 2004, NEGMAGA, Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners Association, signed a 20-year lease with the county for the site having the option of 10-year renewals. Members are totally responsible for the garden with no provision for any county financial support.
In 2003, fourteen University of Georgia School of Environmental Design graduate students were asked to design a botanical garden for the site. Walking trails, a children's garden, bog garden, endangered and native plants, a memorial garden, a wildlife habitat, and an outdoor classroom were features to be included. Members offered ideas and suggestions as the students' work progressed. Fourteen garden designs were presented and elements from each were incorporated into a garden master plan.
On March 1, 2004, NEGMAGA, Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners Association, signed a 20-year lease with the county for the site having the option of 10-year renewals. Members are totally responsible for the garden with no provision for any county financial support.
2004-2005
- Major underbrush clearing and major trails blazed
- Two bridges constructed crossing major stream by Golden K members
- Observation Deck constructed in natural springs area/Bog Garden
- Children's Garden added with playfort funded and built by Kiwanis Club members
- Memorial Garden started with memorial trees and memorial brick pavers
- Major signage program to identify trees, shrubs, and plants throughout garden
2006-2007
- Covered pavilion and restroom/kitchen facilities added with funds and labor supplied by the Rotary Club
- Entrance pergola constructed
- Water feature added and donated by St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
- Amphitheater constructed with funds donated by Hartwell Service League and labor supplied by Kiwanis Club
- Entrance walkway to pavilion paved
- Informational kiosk constructed at entrance
- Trail area dedicated in honor of William Bartram
- Anne King Memorial Garden added
2008-2009
- Water and power distributions added throughout garden
- Butterfly Garden added
- Shade Perennial Garden added
- Camellia Garden added
- Fern Garden added
- Potting Shed constructed with funds and labor supplied by Rotary Club
2010-2011
- Sun Perrenial Garden added featuring Georgia Gold Medal Plants
- Fern Garden expanded
- Woodland Wetland Garden added
- Rhododendron Garden added
2012-2013
- Herb Garden added
- NEGMGA reorganized as the Hart County Botanical Garden, Inc (HCBG)
- Membership opened to the general public
2014-2015
- Berm retaining wall built with funds from Hart EMC Foundation Round Up grant
- Existing Pavilion slab enlarged and Pergola built as Wedding and Educational Pavilion with funds from EMC Foundation Round Up grant
2016
- Asian Woodland Garden designed and cleared of invasive plants
- Japanese Maples planted in Asian Woodland Garden
- New Stairway Garden added next to existing stairway
- Insect House in Children's Garden added
2017-2018
- ADA accessible trail completed
- Asian Garden and Moon House added
- Heritage Garden and Bird Sanctuary added
- Mamaw's House added
| 2017-2019 Full list of improvements |
2019-2020
- Irrigation system installed in 6 gardens
- Spirit Garden added
- Settlers fence installed
- Little Free Libray built and donated by local Boy Scout Pack
- Piedmont Pocket Prairie added
| 2019-2020 Complete list of improvements |
By-Laws
| hcbg_bylaws.pdf |
| garden_by-laws_revised_july_2024.pdf |
| garden-by-law_exhibits.pdf |
