Field Trips
Discover
September 17, 2025
Smith-Gilbert Gardens - Kennesaw, GA
​With a variety of plantings, the Hiram Butler Home (ca. 1880) and 31 sculptures, Smith-Gilbert Gardens has something for everyone. The home was once owned by Mr. Butler, a Confederate railroad man. In 1970, Mr. Richard Smith and Dr. Robert Gilbert bought the Hiram Butler House and surrounding acreage. Over the following 35 years, they developed the house and grounds.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens is 17 acres of serene setting with thousands of plants, several rare in American gardens. United by woodland paths, the Gardens consist of the Bonsai Exhibit, Palladino Camellia Garden, tea house and waterfall area, Rose Garden, and Conifer Display.
February 18, 2026
Southland Greenhouses - Acworth, GA
Southland Greenhouses, Inc. is a family owned and operated wholesale greenhouse in Cobb County, GA.
The160,000 sq ft greenhouse facility produces a wide variety of foliage, dish gardens and blooming plants. There are 7 greenhouses, a growing area and a misting room.
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When we visit in February, they will be preparing lilies for Easter in addition to annuals and houseplants for their wholesale and retail customers. We’ll see hundreds of varieties of plants!
May 20, 2026
The Georgia Governor's Mansion and Grounds - Atlanta, GA
The Governor's Mansion, a three-floor, 30-room, Greek Revival style home built in 1967, stands on approximately 18 acres in northeast Atlanta. It officially opened on January 1, 1968. The house covers 24,000 square feet and has a total of 30 Doric columns around the porches.
In addition to touring the house, we will visit the “First Flock”, 10 laying hens of multiple breeds that were chosen for their hardiness and egg color and the “First Hive”, a hive of honeybees which provides the Mansion kitchen with fresh honey and visitors a chance to learn about these incredible insects.