Georgia Magazine - June 2012 - (Page 9)

Gibbs creates glorious gardens Ready to go? The gardens are currently in bloom with more than 150 varieties of hydrangeas, more than 140 varieties of colorful waterlilies, 500 varieties of daylilies and showy displays of roses. Admission is $20 and includes access to all 16 garden venues. Seniors (65 and older), tour groups of 10-plus and children ages 4-17: $18. Ages 3 and under: free. Gibbs Gardens is located at 1998 Gibbs Dr., Ball Ground. For more information, visit www. gibbsgardens.com or call (770) 893-1880. COURTESY OF GIBBS GARDENS Gently curved pathways meandering through tranquil spaces, rolling hills dotted with color as far as the eye can see, the sweet scent of roses, and the sounds of gentle waterfalls and songbirds. These things—and so much more—await visitors to Gibbs Gardens, a 300acre, estate garden getaway—in Ball Ground—less than an hour’s drive north of Atlanta. Though recently opened to the public in March, garden owner, designer and developer James H. Gibbs has spent a lifetime planning this endeavor, with careful attention to detail. The retired president and founder of Atlanta-based Gibbs Landscape Co., Gibbs studied horticulture and landscape architecture at the University of Georgia in Athens and went on to create national award-winning gardens during his 40-year career. Among the garden’s unique features are the Japanese garden—the largest in the nation, spanning more than 40 acres and centered around seven spring-fed ponds, meticulously sculpted bonsai plantings and weeping willows. Divided into 16 distinct vistas featuring water lilies, daffodils, azaleas, ferns, whimsical sculptures, ponds and more, Gibbs Gardens offers a changing landscape of color, sights and sounds for every season. Top Georgia foods take home awards High Road Craft Ice Cream, of Atlanta, was selected as the grand champion of the 2012 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest, held in March as part of Georgia Agriculture Awareness Day in Atlanta. The annual contest is conducted by the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development. “Flavor of Georgia is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain publicity and exposure for their products,” says Sharon P. Kane, food business development specialist with UGA’s Center of Agribusiness and Economic Development. Winners and ﬁnalists earn the right to have their products stamped with the 2012 Flavor of Georgia logo. High Road’s Brown Butter Praline Ice Cream was one of 25 products sampled and judged by a panel June 2012 of chefs, food brokers, buyers and other food industry experts. In addition to winning the overall grand champion, High Road Craft Ice Cream also took home ﬁrst place in the competition’s dairy category. Husband and wife team Nicki and Keith Schroeder have been producing their small-batch ice creams since April 2010. Their products are featured at Whole Foods markets throughout the Southeast and in Fresh Market stores nationwide since April. High Road Craft ice cream and 24 other ﬁnalists were chosen from around 115 Georgia-based entries. Entries were judged on qualities like innovation, use of Georgia theme, market potential and ﬂavor, says James Daniels, a food scientist with the UGA Center of Agribusiness and Economic Development. Showcase events like the 2012 More online at www.georgiamagazine.org Jennifer Scarangella and Nicki Schroeder of High Road Craft Ice Cream celebrate their 2012 Flavor of Georgia win. Flavor of Georgia competition also give retailers the chance to ﬁnd to the quality local products that their customers are starting to demand. For other category winners, visit www.ﬂavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu. —J. Merritt Melancon 9 MERRITT MELANCON http://www.gibbsgardens.com http://www.gibbsgardens.com http://www.flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - June 2012

Georgia Magazine - June 2012
Table of Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Liberty Notes
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar of Events
Currents
Georgia’s Energy Outlook
Wholesome Fun and Shaping Winners
Where to Stay and Eat When Visiting the Rock Ranch in the Rock, and Winshape Retreat in Rome
Take to the Road
Travel Guide
My Georgia
Georgia Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Second Helping: Fish
Snapshot
Bonus Snapshot Submissions
Plant of the Month; Liberty Notes
Energy-efficiency Tips
June’s Online Trivia Contest

Georgia Magazine - June 2012