News
Events
- The Mountain Beekeepers Association meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm at the Mountain Regional Library in Young Harris, Georgia.
- Georgia Mountain Fair,
July 20- July 29, 2012.
- Georgia Mountain Fall Festival,
October 12 - 21, 2012..
- Georgia Master Gardener Program . Maggie Oliver, P.O. Box 414, Hiawassee, GA 30546. The Master Gardener's of Georgia are invaluable for their assistance to local County Extension Agents in helping meet the public demand for gardening information. If you would like to learn more about the program email: mginfo@perennialpals.com. You can also contact Master Gardeners in: Fannin Co. Charlotte Dickinson 706-900-6263. Towns Co. Judy Caines 706-896-7369 or Union Co. Jo Anne Allen 706-400-8139.
- Hamilton Gardens at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Quietly tucked away in the North Georgia Mountains, sits a rare and special treasure. Botanical paradise fairly bursting with dogwood, tulip magnolias, native azaleas, wild flowers, trillium, and rhododendron. Over 400 varieties of rhododendron - 3,000 plants in all. Welcome to the Hamilton Gardens, a truly enchanted spot, boasting one the largest collection of rhododendrens in the state of Georgia. Stroll tranquil pine bark trails as they wind through lush foliage. Drink in the stunning views of Lake Chatuge and breathtaking countryside, including the majestic rise of Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak.
- In the early 1950s Fred Hamilton, an executive of the Sears Roebuck Company, bought a home in the Atlanta area and was delighted to discover native plants, including rhododendrons and azaleas, on the site. he and his wife Hazel later purchased a place in Towns County near the "Hog Creek" community. There, they found more rhododendrons and other wild native plants.This sparked their interest in creating a lush garden where they brought many other varieties of rhododendron from all over the world. The Hamiltons were happy to share the beauty of their gardens with others and invited visitors to tour the grounds.
- As time went by and the gardens grew, caretakers were needed to help maintain them. Mr. Hamilton began to realize that he could no longer care for the gardens as he once did. He searched for a place to donate his extensive collection of rhododendrons, where the conditions were right and the soil conducive to their growth. Tests were done and a compatible soil was discovered at the grounds of the Georgia Mountain Fair. In 1982, Mr. Hamilton generously donated his collection to the Fair, and they were transplanted in an area where they could be cared for and appreciated by thousands of visitors yearly.
- While every day is a special event in the Hamilton Gardens, peak viewing season usually occurs the last two weeks in April through the first two weeks in May. The Gardens are open year around. The Fair maintains the plants and the gentle walking trails throughout the garden. Plant enthusiasts will find a selection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and other plants available for purchase at the gardens during the peak season.
- The Gardens are open from 9 am until 3 pm daily with a minimal entrance fee of $3 during the blooming season and guided walking tours and shuttle tours are also available by appointment for a slightly higher fee.
- Come and enjoy our beautiful gardens this year! Contact us at 706-896-4191 for more information.
- Towns County Farmers Market: Saturdays, starting June 2 - October, 2012. 8 am - 12 noon.
- To be held at the old tennis courts on Hwy. 76.
Community Links
