[PHOTOSTORY 1: OUTDOORS] Statesboro's Botanical Garden

 by: Brandon Murray 

Walking inside the Botanical Garden you will be greeted by Dark burgundy leaves that densely cover a flowering shrub. The sign names this as Cilia japonica, a species highly valued for its year round foliage in Southern gardens.

A metal sign labels this as “Elaine’s Woods” stands among bright green ground cover and pine needles.
This space stands among many in the garden honoring those from Statesboro who are no longer with us.

A dense mix of green foliage and purple flowers growing under the canopy of surrounding trees.
This area is meant to showcase pollinator-friendly plants that bloom across seasons.

Bright pink and green caladium leaves spread out across a shaded garden bed, surrounded by dark mulch and pops of orange-red blooms. These tropical plants are often grown for their vibrant foliage and thrive in warm and humid climates. 

A wooden gazebo with a metal roof stands at the edge of a garden path, surrounded by green shrubs.
It provides a peaceful, shaded retreat for visitors looking to escape the sun.

Tall green leaves grouped together around the base of a large tree, with shaded undergrowth filling the space. The plant is named Carex plantaginea, a sedge commonly used for erosion control in forest gardens.

Bright red flowers bloom along a brick path partially lit by the afternoon sun, with hydrangeas slightly in the background. These are likely planted to attract pollinators, this section of the garden bursts with color throughout the warmer months.

The thick green foliage grows in the shade beneath a tree, with labeled signs naming the plants “Carex” and “Maidenhair Fern.” This shaded section of the garden showcases native ground plants that thrive in low light and help prevent soil erosion.

The sunlight spills across red flowers, ferns, and a wooden bench tucked behind a post wrapped in a vine. A weathered wooden bench sits just off the brick path, offering visitors a shady spot to rest and enjoy the garden's deep textures and bursts of red blooms.

Bright orange lilies bloom along the edge of a grated path beneath overhanging foliage.
According to garden staff, these Asiatic lilies are known for thriving in partial sunlight and well-drained soil.

Water streams down from a rusted bowl into a lower brick basin, creating a small tiered fountain.
The fountain was assembled using materials from old campus buildings, giving it a rustic  recycled charm.

A wooden pavilion opens to a sunlit forest trail, with benches and water fountains inside.
This structure serves as a shaded meeting point for educational tours and nature walks year-round.

Spring star flowers and other young plants emerge from a bed of leaves. These are known as Ipheion uniflorum, which blooms early in the season and takes root quickly.

Pink flowers and silver Dusty Miller foliage fill a deep red ceramic pot near a brick border.
This container highlights contrasting textures and tones that hold up well in Georgia summers.

A curved bench sits beside a low growing shrub along a brick pathway. This is a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the layered greens of the shade garden.

An orange and yellow canna lily rises tall beside a wooden wall, its large green leaves soaking in the summer sun. This flower is a hybrid currently being tested for its ability to withstand high temperatures

A small coleus plant with red and green variegated leaves grows from dark mulch. Coleus is often used for vibrant ground cover because of its vibrant striking color patterns and shade tolerance.

Distant sunlight filters through a leafy tree onto a bright green understory of broadleaf plants. The dense canopy and layered greenery create a cool atmosphere that feels worlds away from the nearby walking paths.

A compact shrub with yellow-green leaves growing out of a pine straw mulch bed. This is popular due to its low maintenance and ability to brighten up shaded borders.

A narrow dirt path winds through thick greenery, drawing visitors into a shaded, secluded section of the garden. This woodland trail offers a cool escape on hot summer days.