Gibbs Garden in November: Fall beauty, preparations for spring

By Barbara Schneider, Gibbs Gardens

Gibbs Gardens is incredibly beautiful year-round—but something almost magical happens in November. Marvelous bursts of autumn color greet visitors as they stroll through artistically designed flower collections, exotic water features and natural woodlands. All of Gibbs Gardens walkways and paths are designed to guide visitors across the slopes for a spectacular viewing perspective—to appear as one enormous garden drenched in color.

Hundreds of Euonymus alatus (burning bush) are sprinkled throughout the gardens to provide pops of brilliant red. Maple trees, dogwoods, crape myrtles and hundreds of companion plants bring layer upon layer of autumn color. Each year Jim Gibbs, the developer/designer of Gibbs Gardens, continues his tradition of adding Japanese Maples in a wide range of varieties for color and variety, to enhance the gardens’ beauty.

“One of the best hidden gems for fall leaves in Georgia is Gibbs Gardens, located in Ball Ground. Gibbs Gardens ranks as one of the most extensive residential estate gardens in the United States,” writes Leah Shoup in “The 15 Most Beautiful Places to See Fall Foliage in Georgia.” (Gringa Journeys)

Spring preparation begins in November

For gardeners, November is the time to prepare for spring, the time to replace summer flowers with winter-hardy varieties. As the seasons shift, Gibbs visitors will see planting underway for fields of magnificent spring flowers.

It’s also the time for home gardeners to plan and plant their spring bulbs, especially tulips and daffodils, Hayley Davis, Gibbs Seasonal Color designer, reminds fellow gardeners. “With bulb supplies running low again this season, it’s wise to purchase early to ensure you get the varieties you want,” she said.

“Before planting, it’s essential to properly prepare your beds. Start by removing all debris, tilling the soil and adding nutrients. We recommend using a slow-release fertilizer that will continue feeding your plants throughout the season.”

Two of the best options for consistent blooms are pansies and violas. “These flowers come in a wide range of colors and will continue to thrive until it’s time to refresh your beds again in the spring,” said Hayley.

While pansies and violas provide reliable color, Hayley says fall is also a great time to experiment with accent plants that add texture and visual interest to your garden. Many of these plants are deer-tolerant and some will even bloom again in the spring.

“Foxgloves are a favorite choice,” said Hayley, “because they maintain their green foliage throughout the winter and send up dramatic blooms in the spring. An added benefit is that deer avoid them entirely due to their toxicity.”

Snapdragons are another excellent option for Hayley. “They bloom in the fall, take a short break during the coldest months, and then bloom again in the spring. Available in vibrant shades like magenta, pink, lavender, yellow, red, and orange, snapdragons also make beautiful cut flowers. For a rich green backdrop, consider planting parsley. It adds depth and contrast to your flower beds and pairs well with both flowering and foliage plants.”

Hayley recommends top-dressing the beds with pine bark to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Homeowners can also add blood meal, which acts as a fertilizer and helps deter rabbits. “Taking the time to prep your beds now will set the stage for a successful and vibrant garden come spring.” 

World-class destination garden

Atlanta’s local ABC channel, WSB, named Gibbs Gardens one of Georgia’s Hidden Treasures during its June 1 program. “We are honored to be named one of Georgia’s Hidden Treasures, and very appreciative of the wonderful recognition we’ve received this spring,” said Gibbs. WSB’s recognition comes just two months after Gibbs’ Daffodil Festival was voted “the best flower festival in America for 2025.”

Gibbs Gardens also is honored to be recognized by these organizations: National Garden Clubs’ Award of Excellence; Flower Magazine’s one of “The 10 Best Places in the World to See Daffodils,”; one of “Thirteen Best Botanical Gardens in America” and rated a top garden in Georgia by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. To learn more about Gibbs Gardens go to gibbsgardens.com.

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