Walking in Columbus

In my last post, I said I was staying here in Columbus, GA for a couple of nights, meaning yesterday was going to be my only full day here. I had some Zoom things going on in the late morning and early afternoon, so I wasn't actually able to start my exploring until around 3:30pm. Given that I wanted to be outside in the gorgeous weather here right now, I decided to head to the Columbus Botanical Garden. I hadn't even known there was a Botanical Garden here, and it turned out to be only about 2 miles from my hotel.

This is what I discovered about the CBG before heading over there (greatly summarized). The original rough design was a post graduate thesis project of someone named Philip M. Adams. Some months later the George M Adams family set aside about 20 acres (now more than 35 acres, only a few of which are currently developed) for the creation of a botanical garden, and in 1999 it was approved for development by the Columbus City Council. The forested land includes pines and various varieties of hardwoods, part of the native Georgia landscape - like in many places, becoming more scarce because of development.

The CBG was officially dedicated in the spring of 2004, and hired its first executive director in 2007. Nicole Sanchez implemented educational programs to supplement the continued development of the garden. 2008 saw development continue, and also the creation of the Joann Holt Walking Trail which was designed by a local architect named Gary Gullatte. In 2013, the first garden was added along the path of the walking trail - The Sam M. Wellborn Camellia Garden. I have included pictures of that garden, an absolutely delightful and lovely area.

The following year saw a new executive director (Matt Whiddon) and a lot of planning and progress to enhance the garden. Stefan Bloodworth became ED in 2018, and focused, among other things, on continuing the development laid out by the garden's ten-year master plan, the introduction of environmental standards for the CBG (with a focus on plant conservation and sustainable architecture), and the completion of a $10MM capital campaign. Finally, Adriana Quiñones joined the garden in 2021, to help propel the garden forward with its new mission: CBG celebrates the beauty, inspiration, and wonder of the natural world, educating current and future stewards of its care.

And just because I love water ...

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I'm sure this is much more than many of you really want to know about the CGB. But I loved my few hours there. What I saw is absolutely wonderful and calming and lovely in its natural beauty. I see so much potential. And, the mission is so close to my heart and soul. It resonates with the part of me that needs the woods and feels connected to everything I see and experience when I am out there in the natural world.

I knew by the time I got back to the hotel yesterday that I have to go back to the CBG and explore more before I leave Columbus. And I also knew I still wanted to visit the Chattahoochee Riverwalk. So that meant I needed to extend my time here, which I did! And today, I went to the Riverwalk. Another beautiful day, temps in the mid-60s F with sunny skies. (Just an aside, I have had some really nice weather on this trip so far. Nothing too hot, a few pretty cold days - which I actually like - and the only days with actual precipitation were while I was in San Antonio and in meetings all day.)

The Riverwalk is much longer than I was ready to complete in one day, but I found my way there and walked for a few hours. The path, from what I saw, is primarily brick and concrete, and just flows and winds along with the river. There are benches if one wants to sit and gaze for a while, watching the water pass by - as I am wont to do.

Another enjoyable afternoon. And I have more time in the CBG to look forward to for tomorrow!