About The Gardens

Our mission. Our history. Our Vision.

With a variety of plantings, the Hiram Butler Home (ca. 1880) and 30 contemporary sculptures, Smith-Gilbert Gardens has something for everyone.

At the center of Smith-Gilbert Gardens is the historic Hiram Butler House, dating back over 150 years. The house was once owned by Mr. Butler, a Confederate railroad man, who worked the lines most of his life and was present during the “Great Locomotive Chase.” 

In 1970, Mr. Richard Smith and Dr. Robert Gilbert bought the Hiram Butler House and surrounding 13 acres in Kennesaw, Georgia. Over the following 35 years, they realized their dream of developing the house and grounds, primarily to attract birds.

Now open to the public, Smith-Gilbert Gardens is 16 acres of serene setting. United by woodland paths, the Gardens consists of separate groupings with individual elements of fascination, including the Bonsai exhibit, camellia garden, tea house and waterfall area, rose garden, and conifer display. Each area is complimented by thoughtfully positioned sculpture.

Our Garden is a proud member of various horticultural groups: the American Conifer, American Daffodil, American Hosta and the Southeastern Camellia societies.  We are also a designated wildlife habitat by the Atlanta Audubon Society.