RSS Feed
 |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Hamilton Rhododendron Garden is expected to be "acceptable" this year Come April and May of each year, residents and visitors to the mountain community of Hiawassee, Ga. expect sunshine and the state's largest collection of rhododendrons to come out of hibernation. But, the unexpected temperatures that moved into north Georgia have left some wondering what will come of the Hamilton Rhododendron Garden at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds that should be blooming to peak quite soon. "The rhododendrons will certainly be acceptable this year," said Doug Freeland, head gardener at the Fairgrounds. Usually, the Hamilton Rhododendron Garden at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds peaks around this time and displays the lustrous colors and wonders that only the spring sun and rain can bring. But this year, the north Georgia mountains experienced some unusual weather for the season. The freeze that moved into the mountains in late April had crippling affects on the azaleas, dogwoods and rhododendrons that should be showing off their full glory very soon. "This is the worst freeze disaster I've ever seen in the 50- something years I've dealt with rhododendrons and azaleas," said Freeland. The dogwoods and azaleas lining Lake Chatuge at the Hamilton Rhododendron Garden began their bloom but have since wilted thanks to spring's unexpected temperatures. The rhododendrons, however, are cold-hearted plants and are still expected to bloom late in April or early in May, said Freeland. The fact that the gardens will still see the rhododendrons still see the rhododendrons bloom is sure to excite visitors to the Fairgrounds. This garden is home to Georgia's best collection of the flower, and the Hazel Rhododendron that lies in its trails was even created by the garden's namesake Fred Hamilton. The rhododendrons are the staple of the garden and should not be missed when they peak soon. The Hamilton Rhododendron Garden is open daily from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. year-round. There is no admission charge, but a donation of $3 is requested. More information on the garden is available at www.GeorgiaMountainFairground s.com . The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is home to several popular events throughout the year including the Georgia Mountain Roots & Music Festival, the Georgia Mountain Fair, the Hiawassee Festival of Arts, the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival and Georgia's Official State Fiddlers' Convention. This year the Fairgrounds is also hosting George Jones, Ray Price, Josh Turner, Sara Evans, Moments to Remember: Four Aces, Four Lads & Diamonds and Neal McCoy for the Superstar Concert Series.
The Fairgrounds is located along the shores of b e a u t i f u l L a k e Chatuge in the north G e o r g i a m o u n t a i n community o f Hiawassee and offers 189 beautiful camp and RV sites, most with lake views. Sites are equipped with modern conveniences and are available year round. For more information on the property and campsites as well as a complete listing of events and ticket information, v i s i t www.GeorgiaMountainFairground s.com.
|
for larger version      |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
