Programs & Events

Not your uncle’s tie dye!
Shibori is a traditional Japanese fiber art. This “shape-resist” dyeing technique was primarily done with indigo on silk, but the resist techniques used to make these beautiful 3-dimensional patterns can be applied to virtually any fabric using a host of natural dye materials.

Learn the basics of traditional dyeing techniques.
In this class you will learn ancient resist methods that are still used to create uniquely beautiful patterns. You will also learn how dyes are extracted from natural indigo and a variety of native Georgia plants.

Practice what you’ve learned.
We will mix up a batch of natural dye and each participant will give it a go, starting with sample fabric squares. No two will look the same! These simple practice piece immediately become works of art.

Dye your own scarf or T-shirt.
Bring a scarf, T-shirt, or similarly sized item from home to show off your new skills. Make your own one-of-a-kind creation!

About the instructor
Instructor Debbie Wolfe is a crafter, freelance writer and author of “Do It Yourself Garden Projects and Crafts.” A knitter, sewer and all around maker, she has been in love with fiber arts for many years. She lives in Powder Springs with her husband, 2 sons and a house full of pets.

A haven for wild birds
In addition to the dozens of bird species residing on the property year-round, Smith-Gilbert Gardens lies on a major flyway for migratory birds. Each spring and again in fall, more than 100 bird species pass through and over the property on their journey between summer breeding territory up north and overwintering grounds down south. Our expert birding guides have spent years learning to identify birds by sight and sound, and have a passion for wild bird conservation.

Watch with us!
Come enjoy watching birds with us! You’ll learn keys to bird identification, where you can look for wild birds in your neighborhood, how to make your own backyard a habitat for wild birds, and more. This monthly meetup is included with garden admission.

Presented by West Cobb Regional Library

Experience the wonder of the garden with your child through a special story time at Smith-Gilbert Gardens! With stories, interactive play, and music your child will experience the Garden in a fun and educational way!

This event is included with Garden admission

Rain or shine

Jerry Hightower, Park ranger at Chattahoochee National recreation Area, will do a “walk and talk” on the paths at Wright at 1 pm, speaking on “How Wright Center’s Forest Benefits You.”

Garden Stories
Pre-registration required

Children aged 2 to 6 years old and their caregiver will enjoy a story on a garden-related topic. Along with story time, accompanying activities will vary monthly and may include related arts, crafts, dance or organized play. Participation in Garden Stories gives you admission to the Gardens for the entire day.

Cost:

SGG Member Child: $5 ($6 after Wednesday before program date)

Non-Member Child: $7 ($8 after Wednesday before program date)

Adults pay regular admission; additional participating children are $5 each ($6 after Wednesday before program date)

Pre-registration is required; space is limited. Ticket price will increase for registrations made after the Wednesday before the program date. Children under 2 will not be charged for this program. Groupons and other promotional discounts may not be used for Garden Stories participants or accompanying adults and children.

The 8th Annual Garden Gallop benefiting Smith-Gilbert Gardens
(Expected Runners – over 1,000!)

Dress up, get a cool long-sleeve shirt, and celebrate fall! –
All for a great cause.

Plus, all runners enjoy free admission on Saturday, October 26 at the Gardens – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – just bring your race bib.

1 mile Fun Run – 7:30 a.m.
5k – 8:00 a.m.
Tot Trot – 8:55 a.m.

Start your Halloween right!

The Thyme to Read Book Club will be discussing Second Nature by Michael Pollan.

Facilitator: Katie Sanstead

Book is available through the Cobb County Public Library System

The Cherokee Garden contains plants the Cherokee used for medicine, food, tools weapons, shelter, arts and ceremonial purposes.  Master Gardener Tony Harris will talk to us about the garden, as well as the Period Garden at Green Meadow Preserve, which is centered around a 19^thcentury farmhouse on 112 acres of historic farmland in West Cobb County.

Led by Bonsai Curator Rodney Clemons
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch 12 noon – 1 p.m.) Open to visitors; included with garden admission

Rodney Clemons visits Smith-Gilbert Gardens on the 2nd Saturday of each month (some exceptions as noted on the events calendar) to oversee, evaluate, care for, and prune the Gardens’ bonsai collection. Along with a small group of well-trained and very experienced volunteers, Rodney provides expert care in all aspects of maintaining the collection.

Visitors are welcome to ask questions and talk with Rodney and the volunteers to learn more about this ancient art.

If you’re interested in learning more about bonsai, please plan a visit on the 2nd Saturday.

(Please note: We request you do not bring your personal bonsai trees to the Gardens.)