Kristin Mulligan

Take a walk with us as we view the splendor that is the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Often the host for a variety of events, this venue needs no special party to be a special place. From ponds to statues to exotic flowers and a rainforest experience, one needs not go far to enjoy nature in all her splendor.

All photos in this essay were taken by Kristin Mulligan, copyright 2011.

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Kayla Shai

Life can be dull without the flavor of color.   Sometimes life gets so stressed and busy, that we forget that there is a world full of creation beyond our I-pad or cell phone.  Distractions keep us from experiencing the tastes, smells, or feelings hidden in the color around us.  The creation is ready to be admired, and your imagination is ready to be spurred!  So visit Callaway Gardens!  Callaway Gardens, full of majestic sites and adventurous activities, is located in Pine Mountain, Georgia.  It is about 2 hours south of Atlanta, depending on your choice of speed.  Not only will Callaway Gardens provide flavor to your life – it provides the spice.

Photo courtesy of Callaway Gardens

The first thing noticed when entering Callaway Gardens, is its landscape.  The land is so pure, without blemish.  Trashisn’t thrown into the ground, only beauty.   Each flower, tree, bush, animal, or form of water has its place on those grounds.  A rush of aroma fills your nostrils, and when you follow this aroma, you are led into the gardens of flowers of every kind and color.  There isn’t racism or discourse among the flowers, only peace and harmony.  The bushes are shaped into a variety of designs, like sculptures displayed in an art show.  As a matter of fact, the entire land is like a piece of art.  It is art sprayed with warm colors and cool temperatures, sharing every high on its hills and every low in its lakes.

Callaway Gardens prides itself on taking care and keeping up with their grounds.  Their mission is to provide an Earth changing message. The Ida Cason Callaway Foundation is a non-profit organization that owns Callaway Gardens, and it is their mission to make a difference in the upkeep of the environment, by giving their participants access to

Photo courtesy of Callaway Gardens

conservation, education, and land stewardship.  So when attending their piece of art, you can be guaranteed to have your jaw dropped and your eyes expanded upon this vast beauty.   Callaway Gardens is the perfect place for anyone to visit, and get the experience of a lifetime.

It is a place for lovers.  Grab the hand of the one you love, and stroll beside the rainbow of flowers lined against paths.  Grow together just as the plants around you grow.  Then follow the gently flowing stream into the woods and find the beautiful Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel.  The windows are stained glass, and with the sound of the forest and organs playing in the background, it is the perfect place for marriage arrangements or embracing the love that you have shared.  Take pictures; for you are guaranteed the most memorable background to each shot you take.

Photo courtesy of Callaway Gardens

It is a place for friends.  Make memories that people will be jealous of.  Roll down the windows of your car, and sing tunes while you drive through the grounds.  Laugh and goof-off together as you hike the nature trails.  The trail ranges from 1.5-1.6 miles long, so get fit and healthy by walking the trails more than once.  Feel free to allow your conversation to wander as you move from one scene to the next.  Guys can visit the Pioneer Log Cabin, and imagine what it would be like to step into the 1830s as a fully pioneered man.  Ladies can sunbathe under the open skies at the Robin Lake Beach and try to interpret the clouds that blow across.

It is a place for family.  Callaway Gardens knows the value of family, and wants to share this value with others through their space.  Spend time with your parents, and spend time with your kids.  Unload the bikes and race each other down the trails of the Discovery Bicycle Trail.  It is a 10-mile trail, so pack water and take stops along the way.  The stops won’t be boring though, it will be exciting to see all the attractions of wildlife and exotic flowers around.  Go to the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center, and be reminded of what splendor life can hold, as the kids marvel at the 22-foot indoor waterfall.  Attend the Birds of Prey Show, and be startled and surprised as eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls swoop over your head.  Then use the rest of the day to splash and play in the Robin Lake Beach.  Take your time as you invest in the many activities there: such as mini-golf or paddleboats.  Also be sure to bring your family back for Christmas to be thrilled at the display of colorful lights, enjoy apple cider, and meet Santa Claus.

Photo courtesy of Callaway Gardens

Basically, it is a place for everyone.  There is always something new, adventurous, or exciting to indulge in.  My personal favorite memory taken from Callaway Gardens was being in the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center.  My face lit up, and I was astounded by the fact that there could be so many different butterflies.  I don’t remember seeing one butterfly that had the same designed wings.  Every butterfly was unique in its own way.  In that moment I wanted to be like Cinderella.  I extended arm hoping that one of these divine creatures might land upon my finger, and to my surprise one did.  I gently moved my arm down towards my eyes.  He was a nice fellow colored with abstract brown and black designs painted on the wings.  For that one moment before he flew away, I felt connected with nature.  I felt connected on a personal and divine level, to be so intertwined with God’s creation.  When I left Callaway Gardens, it wasn’t just a get-away; it was an experience of a lifetime.  Just as the environment around me was growing, I was growing too.  And that was a beautiful feeling to add to the beauty that surrounded me.

Photo courtesy of Callaway Gardens

So don’t allow your job, or your school, the stress, or demands of life keep you from embracing the colorful flavor Callaway Gardens can provide.  Sometimes the imagination dies off as we move through life, and this imagination needs to be rejuvenated.  So go visit Callaway Gardens!  If you have gone, go again to be reminded of what it’s like to stand before creation’s artwork.  After all, you don’t want your life to be dull, so flavor it with color.