Estjwm
First of all, I am not a garden person but Massee Lane Garden is wonderful even to people like myself. Just outside Fort Valley, Georgia, the gardens are beautiful even on a cold winter day. The people in the garden are very helpful. A great palce to send a winter afternoon in Central Georgia.
LD610
A trip to the Gardens is a nice diversion from hustle and bustle activities. Since this is primarily a camellia garden we went the wrong time of the year. February and March would be beautiful. The staff was very helpful.
CamelliaCam
The $5 ($4 for over 55 and free for children under 12) entry fee to Massee Lane Gardens is a bargain any time of the year. If you visit outside of the camellia season--which runs from late August through the winter months, peaks in February, and continues through April--be sure to check out the other specialty gardens. A wide variety of sasanquas begin blooming in the early fall. The environmental garden blooms year round with native species and endangered plant varieties. The sensory plantings in the children's garden make the visit an interactive experience. A field of pure camellia species offers a glimpse of varieties rarely seen in private landscapes. Two galleries feature the largest public display of Boehm porcelain sculptures in the US. Guided tours are available by appointment for no extra cost. Do not miss the Japanese garden, rose garden and Smith Memorial Greenhouse. Live plants are on sale from October through March. Members receive four lovely colorful magazines each year.
WandaD573
After suffering from cabin fever from the cold and snowy weather not common in Georgia we decided to get out of the house when the weather changed for the better. Massee Lane Gardens is close to my house and I knew my mother would enjoy the flowers and figurines in the museum. We had a great time going through the gardens and green house; the staff was wonderful, friendly and answered all our questions regarding the camellias. Admission is very reasonable for the area.
JessicaL402
Pretty gardens, we go during the fall-early spring to see the camellias blooming. We have also been during the summer for peak daylily season. Just a gorgeous peaceful place for a day trip. Staff is very nice and we have purchased a few camellias to plant in our yard. Great place to visit. There is an AAA discount too if you ask.
2FarAwayFromHome
If the admission were any higher during the "off" season I would feel ripped off. During this time of the year the gardens are rather overgrown and many areas need attention. Although I have not visited during the peek Feb-Mar time frame when the Camellias are in full bloom it seems as though that is really all there is to see and the best time to visit. The Japanese Garden area was just barely okay, a roughly small 20x20 area with a koi pond taking up nearly all the area in the middle and a few stepping stones. The pavilion was in disarray, maybe it looked better when fixed up for a wedding, but there would be no way I would plan anything in the condition it was currently in.There is a lot of area on the grounds and so much more could be done. The porcelain art was nice to view but we went more for the expected gardens. The 10 foot entrance into the garden area is filled with small plants with lots of color and fools you into thinking the grounds are similar, they are not. It was a nice day away from the house but I would not go back until the Feb-Mar time frame.
GabrieleS652
The gardens are a landmark being the headquarters of the American Camellia Society, but don’t expect an expansive horticultural feast like Callaway Gardens of the Georgia Botanical Gardens. In keeping with its more modest and species-specific display, the admissions is equally modest.Nevertheless, it’s worth the short trip south from Macon and Perry, GA especially during February Camellia Days when the show is spectacular, during Daylily Extravaganza in June, and during September/October when the Sasanquas are in their glory. A leisurely Saturday (10:00- 4:40) or Sunday afternoon (1:00 - 4:30) in February, especially if the weather is in league with the Chamber of Commerce is sure to delight the camellia lover who will also have a feast of fragrance with the numerous Winter Daphnes in bloom. On an amble around the pond a return trip in May is likely put into your mind since the paved path is bordered along one side with blackberry vines. And a delight along the way is the children’s garden complete with swings for resting, a maze, and lots of plant friends to get to know.Another attraction and unfortunately a too well-kept secret is the extensive Boehm Porcelain Collection. For anyone interested in such collections, it’s worth the trip any time of the year to see the masterpieces included here.During Camellia days there may be a "food shack" to tempt the snack prone especially if it's Gramp's & Mimi's Q-shack, but normally only vending is available. CLOSED on Monday's and call ahead for major holidays.
SealBeachSally
Massee Lane Gardens is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Middle Georgia. My favorite is the Japanese Garden that has been created there. Truly a treasure.
Slowhand1527
This place is certainly seasonal. It is a garden area, so if you are there any other time and things are blooming, it is a waste of time. They overcharge even during the off-season too, so be aware of that.
429MaryS
The American Camellia Society has its show in late February, and the flowers are generally at their peek then. Some of the warmer varieties have blooms the size of salad plates! If you have a penchant for ceramics, I was told their permanent exhibit of Boehm is the largest collection known. The gardens sell some camelias and the winter fragrant daphne. I bought a cute shawl in the gift shop. There is a minimal charge.
maconlists
the camelia gardens. pick a pretty day in january through march when there hasn't been a hard freeeze for about 10 days . very compact area but prettiest place you can image when all the giant camelias are blooming
JMS827
We are so fortunate to have this gem of a garden located in Georgia. I wish more locals and tourist knew of this lovely garden.
kuppkake
Great place during the spring, lovely grounds...great place for reception, etc.
vessel2
what a wonderful way to spend a nice spring day! We loved the flowers and the greenhouses were fun to go through as well.
South_Georgia_boy
The home of the American Camellia Society, the beauty of Massee Lane Gardens in the wonderful gardens. Camellia's bloom in this area in winter, especially in January and February, so that's when you should plan your trip. We're not particularly avid gardeners or well versed in horticulture, but we enjoy walking through these gardens and enjoying the blooms.