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| Lobby |
| The Main Lobby facilitates as both the entrance to the Tropical Rotunda and a spacious exhibition area for education and displays. It displays educational exhibits that show the diversity of the plant kingdom. At the entrance to the Tropical Conservatory, an ever-changing display of flowers welcomes guests. Within the lobby are several glass cases containing a living collection of poison arrow frogs set within a naturalistic setting. These exhibits are part of a major frog conservation program based at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. |
| Tropical Rotunda |
The equatorial regions of the world occupy around 10% of Earth's surface and contain more than half of the world's plant and animal species. Many of these regions are under threat from deforestation, climate change and development. The Tropical Rotunda has hundreds of species from these tropical regions. These collections are a valuable tool for education, research and conservation. They are arranged in communities that provide a living model of specific habitats from selected geographical regions. The collections are themed:
Geographical regions:
Lowland tropical forest: Central America, Central Africa, Southern Mexico, Southeast Asia
Islands of high endemics: Seychelles, Madagascar, Mascarene and the New Zealand, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Comoros Islands
Plant groups: Palms, tropical conifers, Gesneriaceae, aroids, bananas, cycads |
| Desert House succulent collections native to Madagascar and Southern Africa |
Madagascar is an island off the coast of Africa where biodiversity is threatened by invasive species and rapid forest loss. Of all the species that occur in Madagascar, 85 percent are endemic, or native, only to the region. The Desert House showcases plants from the dry region of Madagascar known as the Spiny Forest.
Southern Africa is home to an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals, many of which are threatened. The Desert House showcases several Southern African hotspots such as the Namib Desert and Succulent Karoo. Among the collections represented here are xeric (dry loving) cycads, Aloes, Lithops and Welwitschia mirabilis, an unusual plant from coastal Namibia |
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| Special Exhibits |
Featuring more than 140 species of Asian pitcher plants, or Nepenthes. They range from Malaysia and Indonesia to Madagascar and the Seychelles. The size, shape and color of the pitchers vary with different species.
Insects and other small prey (occasionally small mammals, frogs or birds) are lured to the mouth of the pitcher by small nectar glands around the opening. Losing their footing on the ultra-smooth surface, they fall in and drown in the liquid below. This digestive cocktail inside is a combination of water and enzymes that breakdown the "meal" into a form that can be absorbed by the plant. |
| Orangerie tropical & sub-tropical species of high economic and medicinal importance |
The collection is a valuable educational tool and provides the visitor with the opportunity to see, touch and smell some of the plants which are so important in our daily lives.
Some examples of species on display include the spices; ginger, pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, vanilla, fruits; tamarind, citrus, medicinal plants; aloe vera, neem, stimulants; cocoa, kava, coffee, tea, foods; cassava, coco yams, arrow poisons; curare, strophanthus and the food dye annatto. |
| Wildlife Animals |
The tropical conservatory is alive not only with plant collections but also with many animals. This successful cohabitation is indicative of horticultural practices that encourage a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
The trilling of the dart frogs and the mating call of the geckos are evidence of creatures mostly unseen. Beautiful yellow saffron finches, native to South America, fly about the canopy while various species of quail patrol the under-story brush seeking insects and greenery on which to feed. Tropical wood turtles and tortoises openly bask in their terrestrial habitat, occasionally sipping collected water from a cupped leaf or stone.
The lush waterfall, home to many of the dart frogs and tree frogs, cascades over the mossy stone into the pool below. This is where two alligator snapping turtles permanently reside, leaving the water only to nest. (Or ... waiting for their next meal.) |
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| Fuqua Orchid Center Orchid Hall |
| Choose the Fuqua Orchid Center for the most exclusive events. There is no more beautiful or unique environment in the entire city! The "Gardens Under Glass" are filled with fragrant, blooming orchids from around the world. East doors lead out to the Robinson Gazebo, an outdoor but roofed facility, which overlooks Piedmont Park with the gorgeous downtown Atlanta skyline as its backdrop. This magnificent gazebo is included in the rental of the Orchid Center. |
| High Elevation House |
The centerpiece of the High Elevation House is a massive waterfall constructed of Georgia granite boulders mantled with brilliantly flowered Andean orchids like Odontoglossum, Masdevallia and Phragmipedium. Neotropical blueberries bearing bright clusters of tubular flowers and exotic bromeliads are prominently displayed. Fallen logs are laden with mosses, ferns and delicately flowered miniature orchids such as Stelis and Porroglossum.
Spectacular Nepenthes lowii and N. rajah, tropical carnivorous pitcher plants found only on Mount Kinabalu, flourish in the High Elevation House. |
| 6000 Square-Foot Formal and Naturalistic Orchid Tropical Display House |
Formal Display: Its lush and colorful entrance has all the elements of a formal garden: geometrically shaped beds, symmetrical design and architectural accents. But here the setting is strictly tropical and the focus is on orchids.
Rising above the pathway is a cedar pergola draped with orchids. Visitors get a close-up view of a unique collection of Euglossine bee-pollinated orchids, such as the Stanhopea, Coryanthes and Gongora, with their pendant-shaped, intoxicatingly fragrant flowers.
Vanilla comes from the seed capsule of several species of orchids of the genus Vanilla. A different species of Vanilla can be found at the base of each cedar post.
Naturalistic Display:
An extensive area of the Tropicais devoted to orchids of Ecuador and neighboring countries. Different habitats simulate the natural environments of these orchids. A rocky streambed features many species of Phragmipedium, South American Lady slippers. Artificial trees have been constructed to showcase some of the many epiphytic orchids including species of Oncidium, Cattleya, and Paphinia. Terrestrial habitats are planted with Sobralia, whose large exotic flowers can appear throughout the year but each might last for only one day.
The orchid flora of the forest floor and low canopy is represented by diminutive shade-loving Pleurothallids. Groups of terrestrial Sobralia thrive in a brighter, more open area. Large flowered Lycaste grow on a rock ledge near delicately flowered Epidendrum. Cattleya and Gongora species grow and flower in the tree layer. |
| Classes |
| Adult classes range from the artistic, like floral design and watercolor painting, to hands-on practical gardening workshops. The Garden offers children's classes as well, covering a fun mix of plant topics like natural dying and gourd craft. Many noted environmental and horticultural experts hold lectures at the Garden throughout the year. |
| General Info |
 All areas are handicap accessible. Wheelchairs are available on a first come first serve basis.
For your safety and enjoyment, and to protect the gardens, please follow these guidelines:
No smoking, food or pets allowed (Seeing-eye dogs are permitted).
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Bicycles, roller blades, and skateboards are not permitted. |
| Open Days and Hours (Seasonal) |
Open Tuesday - Sunday
April - October: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
November - March: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Contact, Address & Website |
Telephone: 404-876-5859 - Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta Georgia 30309
Atlanta Botanical Gardens Website |
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