“A garden is not a place. It’s a journey.”
Monty Don
This
morning, Joe and I had the pleasure of going to the Bath Gardens and
Estate sale in Blythe, Georgia. The day was not looking promising
as it was quite overcast and looked like it was going to rain.
Fortunately, the day changed and it ended up being beautiful.
We
arrived first thing in the morning before the gates opened. There
was all ready a line of cars waiting to get onto the property from
Bath Edie Road. We pulled in and were directed to the parking lot at
the back of the property. We parked and headed first to the estate
sale. The estate sale was held under a large tent. There were
amazing antiques for sale. It was a blast looking at the old wagon
wheels, pew seats, fireplace mantels, old door, many old tools and
heaters, and so much more. It was fun checking out all the unique
items.
Across
from the estate sale, there were large white tents with tables and
chairs set up for eating. Sconyers BBQ was coming around 11 with
their delicious food and drinks to buy. Adorning the beautifully
set up tables, were table clothes and flowers on each table.
Then
we walked around this beautiful property. There are 50 beautiful
acres to wander through. There were beautiful bells displayed
through the property. We walked down to a beautiful garden with
ponds that was purchased by Alonzo P. Boardman and his wife, Elizabeth Fleming Boardman and built by Alonzo Boardman Sr, “Lonnie”. In 2018 their granddaughter, Catherine "Sweetie" Boardman Fleming inherited the property and is now working to make this property as Alonzo and Elizabeth wanted. It looked prestine with new mulch laid down
around beautiful plants and bushes.
We
walked up to one of the covered small buildings overlooking the
gardens and looked in and saw the spring bubbling up through a pipe.
This area was named Bath because it was loaded with mineral springs
near the original town site. This area was a resort and many famous
people used to come to this community for summer fun and a great
place to escape from the heat. This was a resort community that
many famous people have visited to escape the heat including
President William Howard Taft and John D. Rockefeller.
They
were setting up the bounce houses for the children for later that
day. They also had a wagon ready for hay rides for the children.
There is a nice trail that goes around the property under the shad of
gorgeous huge oak trees and large pine trees and bells. Yes, lots of bells. There will carriage
and hayrides, scavenger hunts, and the jumping toys for children, so
it will be great fun for the children and families. This area was
named Bath because it was loaded with mineral springs near the
original town site.
We
walked towards the back of the property where there is a nice pond
with a gorgeous Lodge behind it. The reflection of the Lodge was
gorgeous this morning. We walked around to the Lodge and it was
stunning with stained glass windows on the side, and lovely window
boxes on the front window and a lovely entry door.
There
will be a live band on both Friday and Saturday evening from 3 pm to
7 pm. This is a great event and a chance to get a sneak preview of
this park that will become a public park the middle of 2022. This
will also be a great venue for weddings and for the movie industry
site. The garden is being restored.
If
you get a chance to stop by and see the beautiful gardens and
property. Till next time. Bye for now.
