Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground is a private estate garden open to the public, and it is one of the main reasons to drive to the foothills in spring. It is south of Jasper, under an hour from Ellijay. The garden says it was voted the No. 1 flower festival in the U.S. in USA TODAY’s 10Best awards in both 2025 and 2026.
Who built it
The garden was created by Jim Gibbs, founder and retired president of Gibbs Landscape Company. According to the garden, it was one of Atlanta’s leading landscape companies for more than 40 years. Gibbs graduated from the University of Georgia in 1965 with a horticulture degree and is a founding member of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The garden says some of its large English boxwoods came down through his family from cuttings grown in Virginia.
The size of it
Gibbs Gardens describes itself as a 376-acre estate, with about 350 acres of gardens to tour. Visitors can walk up to four miles of paths, with elevation changes of up to 150 feet. All tours are self-guided. The garden suggests allowing two to four hours and arriving by 2 p.m. Gates close at 4 p.m.
Featured areas include the Daffodil Gardens, Japanese Gardens, Waterlily Gardens, Manor House Gardens, Inspiration Gardens and the “Le Jardin” Color Garden. The Arbor Grove faces the Water Lily Pond and its Monet Bridge.
When to go
The garden’s bloom calendar is the best guide:
| Season | What’s blooming |
|---|---|
| Early spring | Daffodils (early March to mid-April), cherry blossoms (mid-March, about 2 weeks), tulips (March to early May) |
| Spring | Dogwoods (early April), native azaleas (April to June), rhododendrons (early May) |
| Summer | Hydrangeas (mid-May through Oct.), waterlilies (mid-May through Nov.), daylilies (June and July), crape myrtles (July and Aug.) |
| Fall | Fall wildflowers (Sept. to Nov.), Japanese maples (mid-Oct. to mid-Nov.) |
Daffodil season draws the biggest crowds. The bloom updates on the garden’s homepage are worth checking before you go.
Days and hours
Gibbs is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but which days it opens changes through the year. In 2026:
- Feb. 27 to June 30: Tuesday to Sunday
- July 1 to Sept. 30: Wednesday to Sunday
- Oct. 1 to Nov. 10: Tuesday to Sunday
- Nov. 11 to 29: Wednesday to Sunday, closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. The garden closes for winter on Nov. 29 at 4 p.m.
Late fall is a good time to go. The Japanese maples peak from mid-October to mid-November, and crowds are smaller than in daffodil season. Gibbs does not run a holiday lights event; it closes for the season after Nov. 29. For December lights and parades, see our North Georgia Christmas towns guide.
The garden says it does not close for bad weather, though entry can pause when lightning is near. The 2027 schedule had not been posted when we last checked, so confirm opening day before planning a late-February trip.
Tickets
Prices are plus tax:
- Adults (18 to 64): $25
- Seniors (65+): $18
- Young adults (13 to 17): $16
- Children (3 to 12): $10
- Under 3: free
Parking is free, and individuals don’t need reservations. Groups must register in advance by emailing info@gibbsgardens.com. Buying online lets you skip the ticket line, and the garden suggests taking a screenshot of your QR code because Wi-Fi can be limited. Annual memberships are $60 for adults and seniors and $30 for ages 3 to 17. Gibbs does not take part in reciprocal garden programs.
Rules to know
Gibbs has a long list of rules. These are the ones most likely to affect your plans:
- No pets. Only trained and in-training service dogs are allowed. Pets can’t come in carriers or strollers, and they can’t be left in cars.
- No outside food or drinks except water. The Arbor Café is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are two picnic tables at the west end of Parking Lot 3 if you bring lunch.
- No blankets, chairs, balls, music players or drones. No props or wardrobe changes for photos.
- No firearms, even with a carry license, because it is private property.
- Strollers and wagons are allowed, but bags, strollers and wagons can be searched at the gate. Strollers, wheelchairs, scooters and walkers may be kept out on rainy days and the day after heavy rain; the homepage posts these restrictions.
- Rideshare is not available in the area, according to the garden. Plan to drive.
Accessibility
The 100-acre Valley Gardens, including the Waterlily Gardens, Japanese Gardens and Le Jardin, are wheelchair, walker and scooter accessible. Paths there are wide and level, though not paved. The Manor House, Daylily and Inspiration Gardens are not accessible because of stairs and steep terrain. Gibbs does not offer trams, shuttles or wheelchair rentals. After heavy rain, wheelchairs, scooters and strollers may be restricted, so check the homepage that morning.
Make a day of it
From Ellijay, combine Gibbs with a stop in Jasper and Tate’s marble country on the way home. In fall, the Japanese maples are a good addition to our North Georgia fall color guide. Our dogs guide lists places where you can bring your pet.
Sources and further reading
Facts in this article were checked against these sources on October 30, 2026. Hours, fees and seasons change, so confirm before you go.
