Among my favorite books as a child was the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Last Friday I decided to reread it so I checked it out of the library. I have my own copy but it is among my books still stored at my mom’s house. Mental note: bring books back to Georgia.
For a few weeks, many commercials advertising that the Alice in Wonderland exhibit has been at the Atlanta Botanical Garden since May 11 has been aired on television. I learned that the exhibit would be on display until October 27, 2019; I made a note to take time to go.
Going to the Botanical Garden has been on my bucket list for a years. Although I had made myself a promise to go, I hadn’t yet. The television announcements inspired me so I decided to at least check out the times and the prices. Later that evening, while surfing the web, I learned that the next day, Saturday, was Educators Appreciation Day at the Gardens. Educators and a guest could get in free for the day. I immediately called one of my best friends who teaches to see if she wanted to go. I introduced her to you in my post, “Unexpected Friends.” I then checked with my daughter to see if she might want to go. She had just arrived back from a course in New York and wasn’t sure, but said she might. I understood, it was after 1:00 a.m. when she arrived home. All three of us had home-going services the next day, but decided to go after the services.
Wow! My first visit to the Botanical Garden was awesome. It was beautiful as if I really fell into a hole and came upon a botanical wonderland. I am so glad that the Alice in Wonderland exhibit wasn’t the first exhibit when you entered; it gave me an opportunity to become acquainted with the beauty the Gardens had to offer both with its plants, but also with other topiary-like sculptures that are advertised as making a comeback from 2018.
As we approached the Alice in Wonderland exhibit, we could see the Madhatter’s hat from a distance. And once we came around the corner, the magnificence of the “White” rabbit greeting us in his full glory was enough to take one’s breath away while putting a smile on the face.
As we got closer we understood why the pond in which the sculpture sat was called the Skyline Garden Pond. The overlook gave us a beautiful view of the Atlanta skyline, which by the way is literally right down the street and around a few corners.
In the middle of the Skyline Garden pond, was what I like to call an impressive, 27-foot-tall “White” Rabbit which is really green. There he sat in an upside down umbrella. The rabbit, the umbrella, and the rabbit’s top hat appeared to welcome us in all their glory of colorful, living plants.
Time to enjoy not only the Rabbit sculpture, but also the crazy chess game. 
Side view of White Rabbit sculpture showing off his pocket watch.
Once we turned around 180 degrees the enormous chess games took our breath away. Not only by its gargantuan size, but like with the Rabbit, because of the intricate display of craftsmanship. We were awed by the inclusion of the 12-foot tall Red Queen’s playing card soldiers, the knights and the chess pawns, all decorated with plants.
The sculptures are designed by Mosaiculture International of Montreal. The creations are composed of metal frames, stuffed with soil and covered with living plants. It is reported that in January, a team of gardeners began stuffing and planting sections of the sculptures, working inside greenhouses, before transporting the sections of horticultural art to the Midtown garden in April. Staff at the Garden report that a team of six (6) horticulturalists maintain the exhibit.
I hope you enjoyed this virtual visit to Alice’s Wonderland. Please know these photos do not do justice to the exhibition; you need to see it for yourself. If you visit Atlanta between now and October. 27, consider a trip to the Atlanta Botanical Garden to see “Imaginary Worlds: Alice in Wonderland” Atlanta Botanical Garden is located in midtown Atlanta at 1345 Piedmont Ave., NE, Atlanta. The exhibit is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. The cost is $18.95-$21.95. More info is at atlantabg.org.
As a final note of my Alice in Wonderland Marathon weekend, I must say that the book and the visit was later complimented by the movie airing on STZKHD. Yes, I read it. And the teacher in me prompted me to compare and contrast the book, the movie and the exhibit. Needless to say the visit compliments the book. Bringing it to life and providing an opportunity for me to be engaged and connected. And writing this post closes out my marathon weekend!
The only regret I have is that my husband, mom and son didn’t have an opportunity to experience the Gardens with me; they have never been. My other regret is that I didn’t video tape any of it. Since I can’t go back to yesterday, I know that I will return soon to record my experience and to see other parts of the Gardens that I did not see on this visit. My desire to see it all inspires me to return, as if the beauty didn’t. I am also anxiously awaiting to see new exhibits in the future. I think I am going to need a family season pass.
Engagement
- Read the book and brainstorm what exhibit should be added to the display.
- Create a Book Walk
- Try to identify many different types of plants
- Invite a horticulturist, botanist, florist and/or gardener to class as a guest speaker
- Attend a florist
Connections
- Take a trip to a botanical garden
- Take a trip to any garden
- Develop a beautification plan for your school, house or a local business.
- Write letters to local florists asking for guidance, donations and other needed items to use on a beautification project for your community.
I love this blog!! (Almost as much as I loved Atlanta Botanical Gardens and seeing them with you and Remel!!) The pictures are wonderful and I love the suggestions to use in class. I only have one question. Where are the photos with you and Remel in them?? It was a great adventure and I’m so glad we went. We need to do more of that kind of thing!!
Thank you for being a “fan.” The Garden was great and I am so glad we got to go together. The photos of which you inquire will be included in either part 2 or part 3 of the Botanical Garden series. Part 2 will focus on all 11 Imaginary Worlds’ exhibit and will feature books that go with each station or set of station. Part 3 will focus on the rest of the Garden and will either be connected to “The Secret Garden” or “The Thief in the Botanical Gardens.” If I make it to the Gainesville Garden, there might be another part. Depending on what their theme is.
My bad! There was suppose to be the picture of Remel and I standing in front of the chessboard. I have revised it. It is there now. Thanks for taking the picture and for reminding me that it existed. Part 2 of my Atlanta Botanical Garden visit is now posted at https://literarilymyway.com/atlanta-botanical-gardens-imaginary-worlds-by-the-numbers/
Congratulations! On Tuesday your name was one of two drawn (for this comment) as a winner of a book of your choice. The list of books and the instructions are on Facebook and on Twitter. I look forward to hearing what your wishes are as related to your prize.
You’re succinct descriptions brought your experience to life for me. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment and for letting me know that the experience was brought to life for you. Part 2 will be published by next week. It will encompass the total “Imaginary Worlds” exhibit and Part 3 will be published, if all goes well, by the beginning of August. Again, I appreciate that you took the time to comment.
Part 2 of my Atlanta Botanical Garden visit is now posted at https://literarilymyway.com/atlanta-botanical-gardens-imaginary-worlds-by-the-numbers/
This is really neat. I love natural places like this! They have an Alice in Wonderland maze made out of hedges at Disneyland Paris that my boys enjoyed, so I know they would really like this! Thanks for sharing!
It means a lot to me that you took the time to check out the blog and even more that you commented. The Garden is gorgeous and this is only a few snapshots of what the Gardens offer. I have to go back since we didn’t see it all. Next time I will try to record some of it. The rest of the Imaginary World exhibit will be featured on the blog next week. It features a mermaid, phoenix, dragon and much more. The third part of the series will focus on the book “A secret Garden.” Because of my experience at the Atlanta Gardens, I’ve added the Gainesville (GA) Gardens to my list. I will now add the Disneyland Paris Alice in Wonderland maze to my bucket list. Thank you for the recommendation!
Part 2 of my Atlanta Botanical Garden visit is now posted at https://literarilymyway.com/atlanta-botanical-gardens-imaginary-worlds-by-the-numbers/
I love the book Alice in Wonderland, too. What an amazing event and pictures!
Thank you for your comment. It means a lot to me when people read the blog and especially when they take time from their busy schedule to comment. The Garden did justice to the book. Thank you for mentioning the pictures; they were taken with my smartphone. I only wished I had recorded some of it. The rest of the Imaginary World exhibit will be featured on the blog next week. It features a mermaid, phoenix, dragon and much more. The third part of the series will focus on the book “A secret Garden.”
Part 2 of my Atlanta Botanical Garden visit is now posted at https://literarilymyway.com/atlanta-botanical-gardens-imaginary-worlds-by-the-numbers/
What a beautiful garden! The pictures are so vibrant and colorful, it makes me want to go! Excellent recap!
Thank you taking time to read and comment on my post. The Garden is gorgeous and this is only a small portion of what we saw on Saturday…and we didn’t see it all. Your recognition of the pictures make me feel good; they were taken with my smartphone. I only wished I had recorded some of it. The rest of the Imaginary World exhibit will be featured on the blog next week. It features a mermaid, phoenix, dragon and much more. The third part of the series will focus on the book “A secret Garden.” Again, thank you for the comments!
Part 2 of my Atlanta Botanical Garden visit is now posted at https://literarilymyway.com/atlanta-botanical-gardens-imaginary-worlds-by-the-numbers/
Going to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens has been on my bucket list for years as well! Seeing this post has made me push it to the top! I can’t wait to visit!
Great! You can do it! Feel free to share when you complete that bucket list item I welcome interaction on my blog. The rest of the Imaginary World exhibit will be featured on the blog next week. It features a mermaid, phoenix, dragon and much more. The third part of the series will focus on the book “A Secret Garden.” I am so in awe, that I plan to attend the one in Gainesville, GA sometime this month. Although they don’t have the “Alice in Wonderland” exhibit, they have other exhibits. Have fun on your visit!
Part 2 of my Atlanta Botanical Garden visit is now posted at https://literarilymyway.com/atlanta-botanical-gardens-imaginary-worlds-by-the-numbers/
This is sooo nice! The Mad Hatter looks so cute! We have a botanical garden here in St. Louis but I haven’t been in years!
Thank you taking time to read my post. I am so glad you enjoyed it and that you took the time to comment. The rest of the Imaginary World exhibit will be featured on the blog next week. It features a mermaid, phoenix, dragon and much more. The third part of the series will focus on the book “A Secret Garden.” OAN, one of the athletes from our track team is at MoBap so if I ever make it there to see him, I will keep in mind to try to visit the one in St. Louis. A course, this depends on time of the year of visit.
Part 2 of my Atlanta Botanical Garden visit is now posted at https://literarilymyway.com/atlanta-botanical-gardens-imaginary-worlds-by-the-numbers/
I love this post! I live just north of Atlanta and keep seeing the commercials for this exhibit. Now that I’ve seen your photos, I need to make a point to get down there. You should check out the holiday lights in December; it’s beautiful!
Thank you. I can’t believe I am just visiting after being in the Atlanta area either as a student or resident since the late 70s. I will definitely check it out in December. The rest of the Imaginary World exhibit will be featured on the blog next week. It features a mermaid, phoenix, dragon and much more. The third part of the series will focus on the book “A secret Garden.” I hope to visit the Gainesville Botanical Garden sometime this month. Again, thank you for checking out the blog.
Part 2 of my Atlanta Botanical Garden visit is now posted at https://literarilymyway.com/atlanta-botanical-gardens-imaginary-worlds-by-the-numbers/
Such a fun day trip. I love when books come to life. It would be a wonderful place to take littles after reading the book with them. I can only imagine how excited they would be.
Thank you for checking out the post/blog. I am glad you enjoyed it. I agree with all your points. We had fun. Your point of making books come to life is the whole essence of my blog. Part 2 dealing with Imaginary Worlds (the entire exhibit with mermaid, dragon, phoenix and other exhibits will be ready next week.
Part 2 of my Atlanta Botanical Garden visit is now posted at https://literarilymyway.com/atlanta-botanical-gardens-imaginary-worlds-by-the-numbers/
WOW! That chess game!! No words! Those plant sculptures are SO cool! My 7 year old daughter actually just started reading the “Classic Starts” version of “Alice in Wonderland”! The Red Queen has already left quite an impression on her! Thank you for sharing your amazing photos (including the rare one with you!)… this looks like an incredible place to visit!
I know, right! I too felt that sentiment as I looked at the exhibits. My pictures don’t do the exhibit justice, seeing it in its glory with height and getting up close to some to see all the different kinds of plants used was very impressive. The science of it all, knowing what to plant and when so it blooms when it can. Thank you for sharing your daughter’s experience with the book. I hope she also enjoys the pictures. If you are interested in this incredibly wonderful Garden, part 2 of my Atlanta Botanical Garden visit is now posted at https://literarilymyway.com/atlanta-botanical-gardens-imaginary-worlds-by-the-numbers/ If I was still in the classroom I would probably have an I read Alice in Wonderland party once we finished reading the book or if my daughter was still young, an Alice in Wonderland tea party. Maybe when she starts teaching…:-) I’ve pinned some wonderful ideas at https://www.pinterest.com/literarilymyway/alice-in-wonderland/ Also, FY: National Alice in Wonderland Day is observed next on Saturday, July 4th, 2020. It has always been observed annually on July 4th. Again, thank you for taking the time to read my post and my lengthy comment! Happy reading!
Wow, this is so cool! Unfortunately won’t make it down to Atlanta before October, I so hope they recreate this exhibit in other locations!
The exhibit was very cool. Sorry you will miss it. Since it was my first time at the Garden, not sure what is next. I will keep my eyes and ears open as to whether another site will host the exhibit. If you are interested in this incredibly wonderful Garden, part 2 of my Atlanta Botanical Garden visit is now posted at https://literarilymyway.com/atlanta-botanical-gardens-imaginary-worlds-by-the-numbers/ Thanks for the comment.
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designer to create your theme? Great work!
Thank you for your comments. The theme is one of the free ones from wordpress. I hired someone from http://www.fiverr to design the logo. I wanted something that was a reflection of diversity and lovvve of books.
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Oh how cool to have the backdrop of downtown! I’m going to share these pictures with my daughter who loves the book. It looks as though the exhibit was exquisitely done.
Thank you for your comment. I hope your daughter enjoys the pictures. I too love the backdrop of downtown. They did a great job with the exhibit and I hear this year’s Alice’s Wonderland Revisited is as exquisitely done. I plan on going back to see the exhibit and am hoping that I can drag my husband along. I really want to see the new Red Queen revolving exhibit as well as the new Alice exhibit, among others, of course. https://atlantabg.org/
This was awesome! I’ve been telling my husband that I wanted to go back to the gardens but I have not actually done anything to really make it happen. This was the push I needed. Your pictures and descriptions are spot on. I’m hoping all the exhibits are open when I go, especially this one!
I plan on going back this year to see the Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined exhibit with some of the old and some new additions, like the revolving Red Queen plus some other additions non-related to Alice’s Wonderland. They are open but limit who comes in so make sure to go online and get tickets prior to coming. The Garden is open Tuesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
All guests must have timed tickets or member reservations. Masks are required. Hope you make it! I also visited the Gainesville one but having posted on that one yet. Again, have fun! https://atlantabg.org/
I love Botanical Gardens and especially the special exhibits such as this one. Will try to get there when we can travel again.
It was my first visit to a real Botanical Garden. I have since visited two more, one in Gainesville, GA and one in St. Petersburg, FL. I hope to visit Atlanta’s again to see the new additions to the Alice in Wonderland exhibit plus the scarecrow exhibit they have now. I am now a big fan. I hope that when it is safe to travel again that you get there. Stay safe and thank you for your comment.