Smith-Gilbert Gardens

What Smith-Gilbert Gardens does

Smith-Gilbert Gardens is a 17-acre public botanical garden located in Kennesaw, Georgia, operated by the City of Kennesaw and supported by the Smith-Gilbert Gardens Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit entity. The property includes the historic Hiram Butler House (ca. 1880), more than 30 sculptures, rare plant collections including one of the largest bonsai collections in the Southeast, and distinct areas such as the Palladino Camellia Garden, Knowlton Meadow, Japanese Maple Grove, Living Laboratory children's garden, and the A Garden with Wings butterfly house. The organization is accredited as a Level II Arboretum by ArbNet and is a Certified Wildlife Sanctuary designated by Birds Georgia.

The garden serves a diversified customer base spanning families with children, school groups (Pre-K through 12th grade aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence), adults and seniors seeking wellness and horticultural programming, dog owners (Dog Days program), event hosts (weddings, corporate events), and donors/members across eight membership tiers from $45 to $750 annually. Programming includes year-round educational workshops, signature seasonal events such as Art Blooms (a citywide spring festival) and Pollinator Palooza, a butterfly exhibit, and venue rentals at hourly rates of $100-$450. The organization is led by a small paid staff of fewer than 10 employees supplemented by approximately 250 volunteers contributing more than 3,700 hours annually, valued at $116,884.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of general admission ($5-$10), butterfly exhibit add-ons ($3), annual memberships ($45-$750), venue rentals, gift shop and plant sales, programs and workshops, and donations and grants including consecutive Georgia Council for the Arts Project Grants. There is no proprietary technology platform; the core offering is a physical visitor experience supported by standard digital channels (website, Constant Contact newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and operational systems (eTapestry donation platform, timed-entry ticketing). In FY2024 the garden achieved record attendance of 13,894 visitors, underwent a multi-month capital improvement closure beginning November 2024, and reopened on Labor Day 2025 with expanded facilities and a doubled butterfly exhibit.

Name

Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Legal name

Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Website

https://smithgilbertgardens.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Smith-Gilbert Gardens is a 17-acre public botanical garden in Kennesaw, Georgia, operated by the City of Kennesaw and supported by a 501(c)(3) foundation. It serves families, schools, and adults through admissions, seasonal exhibits, educational programs, venue rentals, and an eight-tier membership program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Botanical Garden

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Historical Sites (71212)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Parks, Gardens & Botanical Attractions (THAJACAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL), Museum, Zoo & Attraction Gift Shops (CRALAJAG)

Keywords

• Public botanical garden
• Horticulture education programs
• School field trips
• Event venue rentals
• Garden memberships

Headquarters

HQ city

Kennesaw

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. General Admission: Visitors pay admission fees to access the 17-acre botanical garden. Admission ranges from free for members and children under 3 to $10 for adults.
2. Butterfly Exhibit Admission: Additional $3 per person fee for Garden with Wings butterfly exhibit access, added to general admission.
3. Membership Subscriptions: Annual membership tiers from $45-$750 providing free admission, discounts, and exclusive benefits. Core revenue driver with recurring donor support base.
4. Venue Rental and Event Hosting: Rental of event spaces including Knowlton Meadow & Pavilion ($450/hour), Event Lawn ($350/hour), Little Theater in the Woods ($250/hour), and Carriage House ($100/hour). Additional fees for cleaning ($150) and damage deposit ($500).
5. Programs and Workshops: Fees for educational programs including Garden Learning Series, art workshops, meditation classes, and children's programs. Some programs free with admission, others have registration fees.
6. Dog Days Program: $3 per visit dog entry fee plus general admission. Annual Dog Membership available for $20.
7. Gift Shop Sales: Souvenirs, local honey, Georgia crafted items, artisan soaps, children's items, and gift items sold in the Hiram Butler House gift shop.
8. Plant Sales: Seasonal plant sales including Spring Plant Sale and Fall Plant Swap. Members receive early access and 10-20% discounts.
9. Donations and Grants: Support from Smith-Gilbert Gardens Foundation (501(c)(3)) through donations, memorials, tribute gifts ($50-$2,000+), and grants including Georgia Council for the Arts Project Grants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Smith-Gilbert Gardens operates a 17-acre public botanical garden featuring thousands of plants (including rare specimens), the historic Hiram Butler House (ca. 1880), and over 30 contemporary sculptures across distinct garden areas. The organization sells admissions, annual memberships, educational programs for children and adults, school field trips, private event venue rentals, and signature seasonal events including the A Garden with Wings butterfly exhibit and Art Blooms festival. Revenue is generated through consumer visits, memberships, programs, gift shop sales, donations, and grants via the supporting 501(c)(3) foundation.

Product overview

Smith-Gilbert Gardens is a 17-acre City of Kennesaw botanical garden serving as a resource for conservation, education, and the enjoyment of horticulture, fine arts, and historic preservation. The core offering is the physical garden featuring the historic Hiram Butler House (ca. 1880) and over 30 sculptures, with distinct exhibits including the Bonsai collection, A Garden with Wings butterfly house, and Living Laboratory children's garden. The organization offers educational programs for adults and children, school field trips, private event hosting, and an annual membership program. Major seasonal events include Art Blooms (spring), Pollinator Palooza (summer), and various workshops throughout the year.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Smith-Gilbert Gardens Foundation: The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Smith-Gilbert Gardens through fundraising events and donations.

Products and services

• Smith-Gilbert Gardens (Botanical Garden Visit) Public admission to the 17-acre City of Kennesaw botanical garden featuring thousands of plants (several rare in American gardens), the historic Hiram Butler House (ca. 1880), and 31+ contemporary sculptures. Distinct garden areas include Bonsai exhibit, Palladino Camellia Garden, Knowlton Meadow, Living Laboratory, koi ponds, Japanese Maple Grove, and Conifer Display. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9AM-4PM.
• A Garden with Wings Butterfly Exhibit Seasonal butterfly exhibit open mid-May through mid-August featuring 7,000+ native Piedmont region butterflies and moths, their host plants (tulip poplar, passionflower vine), and nectar plants (lantana, butterfly weed). Additional $3 timed-entry fee per person plus general admission.
• Adult Gardening Programs

Quantifiable outcome

• 13,894 visitors welcomed in Fiscal Year 2024 - record attendance
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• American Public Gardens AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional membership organization providing resources, networking, and the Urban Agriculture Resilience Award recognition.
• American Horticultural SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReciprocal admissions program enabling members to visit 36+ participating gardens nationwide. Enhances membership value proposition.
• ArbNetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational arboretum accreditation program. Smith-Gilbert Gardens holds Level II accreditation.
• Birds GeorgiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing Certified Wildlife Sanctuary designation recognizing habitat conservation efforts.
• Kennesaw State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Theatre and Performance Studies Department for immersive theatrical productions. KSU students contribute to The Beauty Project and Art Hatch festival performances.
• Cobb County Public LibrariesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner participating in events like Art Hatch festival and providing programming support.
• Cobb County School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partnership for field trips and Visual Arts Department collaboration for Art Blooms student art programs.
• Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive HistorycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint membership package offering combined access to both institutions. Collaborative programming including The Beauty Project performances.
• Cobb CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partnering for Caregiver and Toddler Time sessions focusing on The Basics Principles with nature connection.
• Our Giving GardenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting Living Laboratory project addressing food insecurities through food production and donation.
• Marietta Arts CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew partnership for 2026 expanding Art Blooms regional impact through Sculpture Tour at Depot Park and Marietta sites.
• Kennesaw Parks & Recreation DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for events held at Swift-Cantrell Park including Opossum and the Season Stone performances.
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield ParkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner at Pollinator Palooza event sharing information on pollinator conservation.
• Cobb Co Beekeepers ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner at Pollinator Palooza educational event.
• Georgia Native Plant SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner at Pollinator Palooza educational event.
• Xerces SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPollinator conservation organization participating in Pollinator Palooza events.
• USDA-NRCSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency participating in Pollinator Palooza educational programming.
• City of KennesawcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity-owned botanical garden with City providing support through Finance, IT, Communication & Engagement, Building Maintenance and Public Works departments. Part of City's Breathe Easy Zones program.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens: A public botanical garden in Savannah, Georgia, operated in partnership with the University of Georgia. Comparable in offering themed garden areas, plant sales, educational programs, and event hosting under a public-affiliated governance model in the same state.
• Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: A 55-acre botanical garden and historic estate in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring the Cheek family mansion, sculpture trail, and seasonal programming. Comparable in combining a historic house, botanical collections, sculpture displays, educational programs, and event venue rentals under a 501(c)(3) governance model.
• Callaway Gardens: A 2,500-acre garden and resort destination in Pine Mountain, Georgia, featuring the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, horticultural displays, and seasonal events. Comparable in offering seasonal butterfly exhibits, educational programming, event venue rentals, and membership models within the same Georgia market.
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens: A 67-acre free-admission public botanical garden in Birmingham, Alabama, offering comparable plant collections, educational programs, event venue rentals, and a volunteer-driven operating model. Similar in mission, public-garden governance, and educational programming emphasis.

Regional players

• Gibbs Gardens: A 300+ acre private garden in Ball Ground, Georgia, featuring daffodils, azaleas, water lily gardens, and Japanese maple collections. Comparable as a regional Georgia botanical attraction offering seasonal display gardens and visitor admissions, though operating on a larger, privately-run scale.

Broad incumbents

• Atlanta Botanical Garden: The largest and most prominent botanical garden in metro Atlanta, located in Midtown. It offers a comparable mix of plant collections, sculpture, educational programs, and signature seasonal exhibits (e.g., Orchid Daze, Garden Lights, Fuqua Orchid Center). As a substantially larger institution in the same catchment area, it is the primary benchmark for visitor experience and donor share.
• Longwood Gardens: A 1,100-acre horticultural display garden in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, operated as a 501(c)(3). Comparable in operating a public-facing botanical garden with extensive educational programming, signature seasonal exhibits, performance programming, and a tiered membership model — but at substantially larger scale.
• New York Botanical Garden: A 250-acre botanical garden in the Bronx, New York, featuring plant collections, historic architecture, and major seasonal exhibits. Comparable in operating an educational, membership-driven botanical garden with sculpture displays and event programming, but at national-scale scope and visitation.
• United States Botanic Garden: A federally operated public botanical garden in Washington, D.C., offering plant collections, exhibits, and educational programs. Comparable as a publicly operated, government-affiliated botanical garden with educational programming and admission-based visitation, though at national scale and scope.
• Missouri Botanical Garden: A 79-acre botanical garden in St. Louis, Missouri, and one of the oldest in the U.S. Comparable in offering plant collections, sculpture, educational programming, signature seasonal events (e.g., Orchid Show, Garden Glow), and membership models, but operating at significantly larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCTLA1qM1OlC8Esy73aJzWXg/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/sggardens
• Instagraminstagram.com/smithgilbertga
• Xx.com/smithgilbertga
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/smith-gilbert-gardens-foundation-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Smith-Gilbert Gardens