The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University is excited to announce that beginning Saturday, March 22, 2025, the garden will be open to the public every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Daily admission is $5 for the public and free to garden members and students with proper ID.
All are welcome to enjoy the beauty and serenity of this hidden gem in the heart of Statesboro.
This marks the first time in its history that the garden will offer Saturday hours, allowing visitors to explore its lush landscapes, vibrant plant collections, and peaceful natural surroundings. We welcome guests to come and enjoy the beauty by bringing a picnic brunch or lunch. We will also have a bird walk beginning at 10am. While the new pollinator garden will not be quite finished, visitors can get a glimpse of the developing project for a planned revisit upon its completion.
To help make this event happen, the Garden has partnered with local garden clubs to serve as guest ambassadors at the garden entrance. Local garden clubs Weed & Wilt, Brooklet, Hoe & Hope, Evergreen, Spade & Trowel, Camellia, and Sprig N’ Dig have confirmed to provide a rotation of members each week with a couple of more clubs still hoping to work logistics out.
The Botanic Garden, located at 1503 Bland Avenue in Statesboro, features over 11 acres of species of native plants, heirloom and exotic flora, and seasonal displays. With its diverse array of gardens, walking paths, and educational exhibits relaying the story of the land as part of the historic farmstead of Dan and Catharine Bland, the garden serves as both a relaxing retreat and a valuable resource for those interested in horticulture, environmental science, and sustainability.
"This has been a long time coming, and we're thrilled to extend our hours and invite the community to experience the beauty of the garden on Saturdays," said Todd Beasley, Director of the Botanic Garden. "Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a student, or simply looking for a tranquil place to spend time, the garden offers something for everyone. As our staffing is very limited, we are especially grateful for our local garden club members for working to make this happen."
Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours, seasonal plant showcases, and special events that will take place throughout the year. The garden also offers educational programming, including a Gather and Grow series (formerly Lunch and Learn) on plant related topics.
The garden remains open to the public Monday through Friday 9am-5pm, Sundays 1-5pm, and with the new Saturday hours offering greater access to its expansive grounds. Admission is $5 for the public and free to members and students with proper ID. All are welcome to enjoy the beauty and serenity of this hidden gem in the heart of Statesboro.
For more information, please visit the garden’s website or social media for up to date information. See below for a list of upcoming events.
Gather & Grow | A Garden Learning Initiative | Our Lunch & Learn program is now known as Gather & Grow and will be extended into evening hours.
- Thursday, March 27
In the Garden of Good Eatin’, Snakes Were Framed: Common Snakes You Might Find in Your Garden, and Why They Aren’t All Bad.
Lance McBrayer
Professor and Curator of Herpetology
Department of Biology Georgia Southern University
Botanical Walk & Talk
Step into nature’s classroom with our expert-guided Garden walks. These relaxed strolls invite you to pause, observe, and engage in conversations about the plants, wildlife, and natural wonders in the garden. Each walk will highlight a different aspect of the Garden, focusing on various plants, seasonal events, or captivating creatures. Whether you’re a gardener or curious newcomer, these walks offer something for everyone.
Free with Garden admission
- Saturday, March 22
Winter Bird Walk
Learn about the resident birds in the garden and those migrating our way. We recommend bringing a pair of binoculars (or borrow one from us) and your favorite bird ID app (if you don’t have one, we can help get you set up)!
Darrell Lucas
Garden Graduate Assistant
Spring 2025 Plant Sale Fundraiser
- April 5th & 6th
- Magnolia Circle members have exclusive early access to shop the Spring Plant Sale before it opens to the public. Not yet a Magnolia Circle member? Join or upgrade your memberhsip today to enjoy this exclusive perk and support the Garden’s mission. Visit the link below to learn more.
https://ww2.georgiasouthern.edu/academics/garden/support/membershiplevels-and-benefits/
