Georgia’s First Lady Camellias are at the Garden Center

The Marietta Educational Garden Center at 505 Kennesaw Avenue received in spring of 2024 an entire set of ten camellias, named after the last ten First Ladies who have lived in the Governor’s Mansion.  The camellias are propagated and sold exclusively as a set from Loch Laurel Nursery in Valdosta, Georgia (www.lochlaurelnursery.com) The nursery is owned and operated by plant scientist Mark Crawford.

The idea began when the William D. Smith family established the Sydney Cobb Smith Camellia Garden in memory of their mother.  Mrs. Smith was a true southern lady, and the committee felt a camellia garden would be a fitting way to honor her memory.  When the Trustees heard about the First Lady Collection, they immediately began to contact the nursery.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity honor Georgia’s First Ladies here at the Garden Center and look forward to welcoming visitors to see our camellia garden,” says Kathy Young, Marietta Educational Garden Center, Inc. Board of Trustees Chair

Plans were made for delivery, and as of last week, Marty Kemp, Sandra Deal, Mary Perdue, Marie Barnes, Shirley Miller, Elizabeth Harris, Mary Beth Busbee, Rosalynn Carter, Virginia Maddox, and Betty Foy Sanders were planted in the Sydney Smith Garden.

The idea was suggested by First Lady Sandra Deal midway through her husband, Governor Nathan Deal’s two terms of office. A camellia had been named for Betty Foy Sanders some years back. The Tifton Garden Club initiated a movement to name one for Mrs. Deal.  Upon receiving her honor, Mrs. Deal felt that each First Lady who had lived in the Mansion should have one named for her. She made contact with Mark Crawford, nursery owner of Loch Laurel Nursey in Valdosta, Georgia.  He began identifying new seedlings from the japonica species that would be appropriate to create a new variety for each First Lady who had lived in the Governor’s Mansion on West Paces Ferry Road.   A set of the First Ladies can be seen at the Governor’s Mansion, and at the First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia.

As for now, there are only full two sets of First Lady Camellias in Cobb – the ones at the Marietta Educational Garden Center, and at the home of Mrs. Robert Bowden.

The Garden Center grounds are always open for strolling and viewing of their special gardens, many sponsored by various garden clubs in the county.