Where History and Nature Bloom
The Founders Memorial Garden, established in 1939 by the College of Environment and Design, celebrates the history of American gardening while commemorating the founding of the Ladies Garden Club—the first garden club in the U.S.—in Athens, Georgia, in 1891. Conceived under the guidance of Hubert Bond Owens, UGA’s founding dean of landscape architecture, the garden’s intricate design and layered plantings pay homage to those early horticultural pioneers and honor the memory of U.S. Armed Forces veterans.
Covering 2.5 acres, the garden hosts more than 300 plant species, including historic Southern trees, heirloom shrubs, and vibrant perennials that flourish across formal and informal landscape spaces. A boxwood parterre, quiet courtyards, and a sunken perennial garden are complemented by an arboretum of native trees and informal plantings that showcase the region’s biodiversity. The Lumpkin House—a rose-brick Greek Revival style building that has served many purposes over the years—anchors the garden with its historical presence. Recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects as one of the top 100 “Landscapes of Significance,” the Founders Memorial Garden remains a cherished public sanctuary, listed on both the National and Georgia Registers of Historic Places, where visitors can connect with history and nature.
Commit to the Garden
The Founders Memorial Garden flourishes today through dedicated preservation and community support. Funded by private donations and the Founders Memorial Support Fund, the garden’s upkeep safeguards its historic plants, pathways, and structures.
Please consider making a gift to see that this crucial endowment is fulfilled. We need and appreciate your support!
