Georgia Magazine - April 2014 - (Page 44)

Coloring the landscape Hamilton Gardens: a gem in the Northeast Georgia mountains By StepHaNie GreeN pHotoS courteSy of HamiltoN GardeNS T he Hazel Hamilton azalea is one of the most hard-to-find rhododendrons. But the plant's butteryyellow blooms make a commanding and welcome appearance each spring at the annual Rhododendron Festival at Hamilton Gardens in Hiawassee. Hamilton Gardens is the only state-registered botanical garden in Northeast Georgia, "and we have the largest rhododendron garden in the Southeast," says Paul Hansen, garden curator. The gardens feature more than 400 varieties of rhododendrons-3,000 plants in all. the gardens' roots The current gardens are sited on a sloping hillside along the shores of Lake Chatuge. The plants' original home, A showy flaming azalea makes a striking appearance at however, was the res- Hamilton Gardens. idence of Fred Hamilton in Towns County near the Hog will be open Fridays and Saturdays, Creek community. Hamilton and his 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.mwife, Hazel, amassed thousands of 3 p.m. Admission is $3, and parking rhododendrons, azaleas and other is free. native plants. When the garden grew Master Gardeners from Towns beyond his staff's upkeep, Hamilton and Union counties will be on hand donated 1,500 plants to the Georgia to give personal and group tours Mountain Fairgrounds in 1982. The along the 1.5 miles of scenic pathsite had the optimal growing condi- ways and hiking trails. Located tions and provided ample space among the 33-acre gardens are also where visitors could enjoy the plants the Bonnie Day Arbor, with native each year. plantings, and the Spring Bulb Trail, showcasing plants that only grow in a tradition continues the Appalachian Mountains. Plantings Today, the gardens are open in the All-America Selections beds March through December, but it's boast summertime color and an orthe Annual Rhododendron Festival- a highly anticipated event-that An Ingrid Melquist Rhododendron shows gives visitors a breathtaking view its bright spring colors. of the region's most prized plants, which bloom from mid-April through late May. This year's festival takes place over several weekends, beginning April 18 through May 18. The gardens Growing rhododendrons Garden curator and certified beekeeper Paul Hansen carefully works in the gardens' apiary. 44 * Choose a site that provides morning sun and afternoon shade. Locations on a slope are also ideal, as they allow water to drain quickly. * Rhododendrons grow best in light, well-drained soil heavy in organic material such as decayed oak leaves or pine needles. Soil should be acidic with a pH of about 5.5. * Avoid overwatering. Rhododendrons have a wilted appearance when they need water or have too much. Check the soil at a depth of 4 to 5 inches to see if it needs to be watered. * Always plant rhododendrons at the same height they were grown in the nursery. Planting them too deeply may cause serious damage. More online at www.georgiamagazine.org GEORGIA MAGAZINE http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - April 2014

Georgia Magazine - April 2014
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Liberty Notes
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar of Events
Festival Guide
Georgia's Energy Outlook
Currents
Falling in love with Georgia
More on GPB and Georgia Grown
Organ donations: The gift of self
More on organ donation
A wee, whimsical place
Catch spring fever!
More on travel across the Southeast
Visiting covered bridges
Around Georgia
My Georgia
Georgia Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Second helping: More Vidalia recipes
Snapshot!
More Snapshot photos
Plant of the month
April’s online trivia contest
Georgia Grown spotlight

Georgia Magazine - April 2014

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