The Columbus Botanical Garden gives north Columbus a quiet, walkable stop built around themed display gardens, a woodland trail and the historic 1890s Adams Farmhouse. It sits at 3603 Weems Road, and the garden's own pages answer most of the questions visitors ask before they go.

This guide draws on the garden's hours and contact page, its guest guidelines, its FAQ and its featured gardens page, plus the Visit Columbus GA listing. Hours vary seasonally, so confirm them on the garden's site or by phone at 706-327-8400.

What you will see

The garden is organized into themed areas. Our Mothers' Rose Garden, built in 2017, holds roses, perennials, annuals and herbs beside a lawn and a water feature, and the garden invites visitors to bring a blanket and picnic on the grass.

The Georgia Native Perennial Garden shows wildflowers and grasses native to the state, and the Ginkgo Shade Garden pairs a ginkgo canopy with Japanese maples. The Adrienne and Wade Wallace Pollinator Garden draws butterflies, bees, moths and hummingbirds, with paths for a close look.

Near the Adams Farmhouse, the Cottage Herb Garden links several garden rooms. The Sally H. Adams Vegetable Terraces grow fresh, organic produce, from winter greens to summer tomatoes and fall squash, and the garden partners with Feeding the Valley to help provide meals.

The trail and the camellias

The JoAnn Holt Walking Trail is a mile-long, secluded woodland loop. It begins near the Rose Garden, passes the Sam M. Wellborn Camellia Garden and ends beside the garden's parking lot.

The camellia garden sits under tall pines and holds more than 750 varieties, according to the garden. Its pages do not say when they bloom, so ask the garden before planning a visit around the flowers.

Hours, tickets and parking

The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entrance at 4 p.m. It lists adult admission at $12 and ages 2 to 17 at $8. Children 1 and under and members enter free. The pages do not explain how to buy tickets and list no senior discount, so ask when you call. Hours and prices can change, so confirm them before you go.

Park in the garden lot, where an overflow lot sits at the top of the hill. The garden asks visitors not to use the church lot across the street. Restrooms are outside, next to the farmhouse, and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rules and access

Dogs are allowed only on the JoAnn Holt Walking Trail, on non-retractable leashes no longer than six feet. The garden bans bicycles, rollerblades, skates, skateboards, motorcycles, mopeds, remote-controlled vehicles, and weapons of any kind, including concealed carry. It is smoke-free and vape-free; alcohol is allowed only at scheduled events, and children must stay with an adult.

The FAQ lists the Cottage Garden, Farmhouse, Rose Garden and the Perennial and Ginkgo Shade Gardens as wheelchair accessible, and says other areas will be upgraded as the garden develops. Call ahead if you need details about a specific area.

Food, photos and events

The FAQ says the garden doesn't sell food, and it points visitors to restaurants near Columbus Park Crossing on Whittlesey Boulevard. Bring a snack plan, or eat before or after your visit.

Guests may take personal photos and videos. Staged and professional photo sessions must follow the garden's photography policy, and any special event, including weddings, must be scheduled with the garden's Event Department at least two weeks ahead.

Visit Columbus GA says the farmhouse offers guided tours on weekdays. For a longer outing, see our Things to Do in Columbus guide.