This is the second garden we visited on the Atlanta Botanical Garden, “Connoisseur’s Tour.”  I named it the Zen Wildlife Garden because you could hear the meditational music as soon as you got out of the car! The owners of this garden have been making additions to their gardens for over 25 years.  This is another garden set in the woodlands and even though it is in a large neighborhood setting, this garden is well over three acres! Let’s go in and see how they designed and planted it!

This garden is designed in many layers. We’ll start at the pool and entertainment level. I soon realized I could spend a lot of time here because there was so much to see. Those folks in this picture are helpers, who are here to answer any questions you might have about the gardens. I wanted to look first and ask questions later………..

There were plenty of seating areas around the pool and several fountains, which added to the zen-like feel of the garden. It was very restful………..

There was a plant or ornament tucked in everywhere! So, I looked this way……..

and that………

and this way……getting into the vibes of the music.

There was even a little pagoda-style theme to the fountain at the end of the pool.

I really liked the plants in the fountain….., especially that sedum-like plant in bright green. I did not know it would grow in the water like that. I have mine in the ground.

The gardener was kind enough to label some of the plants here……..

I’m not sure what this plant is either, but it is very interesting! What does that label say? It’s a euphorbia! Stunning!

Here is a photo of the solarium, from this angle. It is one of the newest additions………..

There were many places to just relax……..and here are some of those speakers, simply breathing the zen music…….

This gardener knows how to use large pots in her garden……..they were everywhere!

This she-shed was at the long end of the pool area. I could see hot yoga being offered there! And don’t forget to ring your chime when you come out!

Now, how about this for an old pump/fountain tap?

We’ve got the crane and bath and flowing fronds…………

Let’s head up the path and see what is up here……….it looks like a mini Stonehenge………

Definitely meant for meditation and mindfulness, I think. There is music up here too……coming from the trees…………

It goes up and up………..

We passed the fairy garden ………….overlooked by an angel……….. we might need bread crumbs on this trail……..

passed the roses……….

and looked back over our shoulders at the solarium from up here…… watch out for the bird chime!

walking on, passed another raised bed…….  Is that fennel, or some exotic plant? I can’t see the tag!

and looking down at the pool area….. again. I don’t think I would ever get tired of this!   This view shows off all the hosta, ferns, grasses and the creek bed, doesn’t it? Just nature, water, wind chimes and zen here!

and a look this way……gives you an idea of the layout of the gardens.

we’re going up higher……..

What do we have here? The tennis and basketball courts! What is that structure behind?

The Chicken House! It’s too big to be a coop! I guess the meditation stops here and now we can be physical or economical……..

Love the rooster door! It’s perfect…….

And every tennis court needs a climbing rose……….

I think we’ve walked all the three plus acres…….. We can get a glimpse of the neighbor’s yard through here…..

Walking back down a different path we can rest at the gazebo,

and study this piece…..

When we get close to the bottom we can see that we are in another section of the garden. I’d call this the dance area. We’ve already got the music knowhow.

and look over in that corner……Is that a path to yet another garden? So far, the Chateau Garden and this Zen Wildlife Garden have been so big I need to hoof it, if I want to see all the gardens on the tour.

I’ll just look back one more time!

and examine this sweet birdhouse……..

and check this little fellow out, as I say goodbye!

Wow, what wonderful gardens we are seeing! I am sure with all the tranquil water features and soft restful music and the clucking of the chickens and the birds singing how happy they are, this is a great place to live! But, we must move on to the next garden! See you there!