Gibbs Gardens’ Unique September: Autumn Begins but Summer Lingers
By Barbara Schneider
Le Jardin
As 2026 moves into September, autumn begins but summer lingers, creating a unique, once-a-year blending of seasons. In September Gibbs Gardens’ Seasons of Color overlap, providing visitors with inspiring views of nature’s transition at its most colorful.
Japanese Garden
Cooler, less humid weather is Mother Nature’s bonus.
During this time of transition, the gardens are filled with colorful blooms, reflecting both seasons. Heirloom, Knockout and Drift roses provide dramatic ribbons of vibrant color until frost arrives. More than 1,000 rose bushes, ranging in color from shades of red and pink to yellow and white, thrive across acres of verdant green lawns in the Valley Gardens.
Hydrangeas
Azaleas and Hydrangeas bloom into October along with perennials and annuals of every description. Late summer roses, water lilies and acres of wildflowers bloom into November.
Waterlilies
Waterlilies grace the ponds of the Monet Waterlily Gardens. Vivid Canna lilies stand tall and proud in sweeping serpentine beds adorning the Grandchildren’s Sculpture Garden.
Swallowtail butterfly on flower
Pansies and violas in planters and beds show off their bold color while Encore azaleas—take a second seasonal bow—ablaze with color.
Manor House Gazebo
Elegant gardens flow from either side of the Manor House. The elevation of these gardens provides sweeping views of fall in the mountains, especially Mount Oglethorpe. The new Fountains Garden offers comfortable places to sit a spell and take in the views.
Designed to inspire home gardeners, the innovative Inspiration Gardens offer a variety of planting ideas for home gardeners.
In September the Wildflower-Butterfly Meadow—a 15-acre refuge for butterflies, birds and bees—welcomes new flowers (planted in the summer) for fall color.
Secret Garden. Photos by BILL HOWELL
Don’t miss this unique once-a-year garden experience.
A world-class garden experience
Honored with the National Garden Club’s Award of Excellence, Gibbs Gardens was named one of the “Thirteen Best Botanical Gardens in America,” “2020 Best American Botanical Gardens,” one of the “World’s 10 Best Places to See Daffodils,” USA Today’s “Best Flower Festival” for 2025 and 2026; a top garden in Georgia by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Explore Georgia. To learn more, go to gibbsgardens.com.
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Although the garden feels like it’s winding down, there is an opportunity to begin something new: next season’s flowers. For an interesting article on the topic, click here .
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