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In the fall of 2004 the citizens of Kennesaw had the opportunity to purchase and preserve a unique private property owned by Dr. Robert Gilbert. It includes a restored historic home, a collection of notable contemporary sculptures and a vast variety of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. It is set in a delightful natural landscape. Currently under development as a public garden, the Smith-Gilbert Arboretum will make a significant contribution to culture, education, and tourism of Cobb County and the Metropolitan Atlanta area.
The House
Built in the 1840s, the house is an example of early plantation style. It was built by one of two Roberts’ brothers: Roberts Road off Barrett Parkway was named for this early Cobb County family. Originally the center of a plantation that may have included over 4,000 acres, the current property consists of 13 acres, 7 of which are planted as a garden. The walls of the home, a foot ad a half thick, are constructed of local brick. When the house and property were purchased by Dr. Gilbert and Richard Smith in 1970, the house had been abandoned for 7 years. Five years of painstaking restoration ensued.
The Garden
The garden is a collection of exotic plants primarily from Japan and China. In a naturalistic setting among indigenous trees. Throughout the garden hints of Asian design can be seen. Dr. Gilbert and Mr. Smith initially planted trees and shrubs to attract migratory birds, leading to the outstanding collection of hollies, virburnums, and other berry-producing plants. Today more than 120 different species of birds have been identified on the property. Interest in plants continued over the years and the two eventually planted more than 3,000 different trees, shrubs, and flowers. Today the Arboretum includes a conifer garden; a perennial flower border; a woodland walk; a water garden; a rock garden; a 30-year old bonsai collection, a rose garden, and a Plant-A-Row-For-The-Hungry vegetable garden. The Master Gardeners of Cobb County installed the Rose Garden and Plant-A-Row this past year.
The Sculptures
Dr. Gilbert has an extensive collection of both representational and contemporary art. The garden is accented with sculptures from both local and nationally recognized artists. Dr. Gilbert and Mr. Smith often visit the sculpture studios, seeing first-hand how the sculpture was created. A number of sculptors came on-site and participated in the installation.
Dr. Gilbert has donated approximately 30 of these works for permanent display at the Arboretum.