Take a Virtual Trip to the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens of Savannah Georgia (Pictures Included).

I am an avid lover of nature and in this technology fixated world, it has always been my desire to instill this same love in my children as well.

A great place that will help instill this love is the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens of Savannah, Georgia.

Located at 2 Canebrake Road off of highway 204 in the picturesque town of Savannah, Georgia, this nature lovers paradise is a 50-acre facility that is an extension of the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension.

Their mission? - To provide education, public outreach and applied research in environmental and horticultural sciences.

Nature lovers of all ages are provided with the opportunity to mingle and to get up close and personal with at least thrifty points of interests that include but are not limited to:

1. The Pollination Garden - Also called the butterfly garden; the pollination garden is not treated with pesticides or herbicides and is used in a Roots and Shoots program for school groups ("Students in grades K through 5 take part in the Roots & Shoots program which brings science classes for half-day field trips to the Farm.").
2. The Strawberry Field - this field uses a technique known as plasticulture. Plasticulture uses drip irrigation in raised row beds covered with a layer of black plastic as mulch. The benefits of plasticulture include: higher yields, an increased efficient use of fertilizer and water resources, a reduction in soil erosion, cleaner and higher quality of produce, fewer weeds, as well as disease and insect management.
3. The Rose Garden - this amazing garden features five variety of roses that have been chosen by local rosarians as types that perform very well in the local climate (the heat and humidity we experience here in Savannah) and are fairly resistant to disease and insects.

Today, a handful of home-schooled children participated in a volunteer program that allowed them to volunteer their time in weeding the small annual trial beds.

What a grand opportunity to get one with nature, provide a service, and get dirty all at once!→

Several programs are offered at the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Garden for all ages.

In addition to the Root and Shoot program; field trip programs such as Fall Outdoor Walks and Pick-your-Own Blackberries and Strawberries are offered to school age children.

Gardening classes and workshops are provided for the more experienced gardeners, horticulturist and the general public, and volunteer programs are offered as well.

There is so much to see and do at the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Garden.

If gardening is of interest to you, then a walk through the varieties of gardens will tickle your fancy.

If hiking the trail is more up your alley, then the self-guided, marked trails will be your cup of tea. Don't forget to visit the small ponds while you're at it!

Are you a scientist by nature? Then the weather station, the banana research plot, and the plant research trials will give you much pleasure.

If you are simply a lover of plants and flowers, then a peaceful walk around the gazebo and miniature waterfall will fit the bill.

The public is invited to roam the farm and gardens at their leisure with the exception of the work and storage areas.

Bring along your four legged friend since leashed dogs are allowed as well.

Whenever you decide to visit this fascinating bamboo and plant reserve, keep an eye out for some little surprises such giant trees for the kids to climb as well as a lounge of lizards resting in an inconspicuous place!→

Opened free of charge to the public Sunday through Saturday; the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens of Savannah, Georgia has a worthy place on your traveling itinerary.

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