Featuring Homes and Gardens of Waynesboro, Georgia

On May 2, 2009, the 14th annual Historic House and Garden Pilgrimage was held in Waynesboro, just 25 miles south of Augusta in Burke County. Hosted by Burkeland Garden Club under the sponsorship of the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. and the Historic Preservation Division of Georgia Department of Natural Resources, this pilgrimage promised to be one of the best—and it was.

The Waverly, circa 1885, with its Greek Revival portico and outstanding walled gardens, is a study in tranquility. Boxwood hedges define the formalĘgarden spaces which are graced by mature camellias, azaleas, and other plantings.

The Steadman House, circa 1917, was built in the Spanish Mission style. ItĘboasts a welcoming open front porch graced with container plants.ĘDogwood trees, camellia bushes and seasonal planting abound within a wrought iron fenced yard.

The Callaway House, circa 1896, has extensive and varied plantings which provide a garden oasis only blocks from downtown Waynesboro. Pathways and ornamentals in the newer back garden add to its beauty.

There were six private historic homes and gardens on the tour, plus St. Michaels Episcopal Church and Burkeland Garden. All the tour locations were within the Waynesboro Historic District, recently named to the Georgia Register of Historic Places.

Proceeds from the tour benefit the restoration and preservation of Georgia's public, non-profit historic landscapes and gardens through the GCG Historic Landscape and Garden Grant Program.

Due to GCG hosting the National Convention in Atlanta in 2010, it has been decided to not sponsor a Historic House & Garden Pilgrimage the same spring. Therefore, the next tour will be held in the spring of 2011.

Preserving Our Landscape Heritage

The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. has been actively involved with various aspects of preserving the landscape heritage in the State of Georgia. Through a collaborative effort with the State Historic Preservation Office and the Cherokee Garden Library at the Atlanta History Center, GCG is helping inventory and document historic landscapes in Georgia that are listed in Garden History of Georgia, 1733-1933. This information will be housed in the Cherokee Garden Library and will serve as a resource for restoration endeavors.

Individuals who have volunteered to work with the Cherokee Garden Library on the Historic Garden Initiative can access the survey form and an instruction sheet with a sample completed form by clicking on the respective link:

• Blank Survey Form
• Hints on Completing the Survey (with sample completed survey)

Preservation Partner

A new GCG donation category was established in 2005 to encourage members and clubs to support historic landscape preservation efforts within our state. Those clubs donating $25 or more to this program will receive a "Partner of Preservation" certificate at the spring convention. For donations of $100 or more, a "Patron of Preservation" certificate will be awarded. Make checks payable to GCG and mail to:

Beverly Taylor
State Chairman, Historic Patrons/Partners
2905 Meadowview Drive
Columbus GA 31906-1236
bevst@charter.net
706-327-8331

For your convenience, use the Historic Preservation Donation Voucher when sending your check.