The Great Southeast Pollinator Census
Join us at the Garden on Saturday, August 23rd from 9 am to 1 pm to participate in this important and fun census.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a University of Georgia Project open to residents in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Alabama. We will provide everything you need.
Cost: Admission fee (Members free). Call at 904-540-3294 to register or for more information. Ice cream, lemonade and water are available for purchase.
This is a great learning opportunity for kids–and the entire family!
Birdwatching at SJBGNP: A Peaceful Escape into Nature
Botanical gardens are often celebrated for their stunning collections of plants, but they also serve as havens for a wide variety of birds. With abundant food sources, water features, and sheltered habitats, these green spaces attract both resident and migratory species, making them ideal for birdwatching.
Visitors can enjoy spotting colorful songbirds flitting among flowering trees, watch hummingbirds sipping nectar, or observe wading birds near the pond and wetlands. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for bird activity, as the gardens are quieter and the lighting is softer for photography.
Beyond the joy of observing wildlife, birdwatching at the St Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve fosters a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of plants and animals. It’s a relaxing, eco-friendly pastime that connects people with nature while supporting conservation efforts.
So far we have documented over 110 species of birds, so next time you visit us, bring a pair of binoculars—you might discover a whole new world of feathered beauty hidden among the blooms.
NEW SUMMER HOURS!!!
Hello friends and visitors!
We have new, temporary Summer hours starting this week.
We are CLOSED Tuesday and Wednesday, and OPEN Thursday through Monday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
These hours will be in effect until September 1st.
Thanks for your patronage and we look forward to seeing you at the garden!
Latest SJBGNP Additions
Hello Everyone! Here’s some pictures of our newest additions! We now have a Butterfly garden and an area we call Kaitlyn’s corner! Inside Kaitlyn’s corner we have a sensory garden bed for children, a native pollinator/butterfly & wildflower bed, an edible and medicinal herb bed, and a vegetable bed along with a wonderful Teepee for kids with passion vine climbing up! The weather is beautiful today so please feel free to come out and enjoy the day with us! Pets are welcome on leashes! Thank you for all your support and remember without YOU, WE wouldn’t be possible! We are a 501c3 that runs entirely on admissions and donations.
Plant of the Month – Yellow bulbine
If you have that spot in your yard that is full sun all day, this is for you. It’s a succulent that blooms from mid spring to fall, drought tolerant and not picky about its soil as long as it drains well which makes care very simple. And get this, it can take cold down to 20 degrees. Are you in love yet? Deadheading is encouraged for more blooming but don’t worry. If you don’t have time for that, no worries, it’s still going to have plenty of blooms. It doesn’t mind being in a pot either. Come see it in the sunniest spot we have and enjoy the companion plants near it as well. See you there!
SJBGNP is now on YouTube!!!
We now have a YouTube channel where we will be posting videos every week!
These videos will include garden updates, upcoming events, volunteer projects, workshops, and so much more. Our first two videos will be posted today! Come follow our channel! We hope to see you there!
https://www.youtube.com/@sjbgnp
SJBGNP January 2025 Happenings
The Garden is now entering its second year of public existence, and so many things are happening in our young Garden that it is hard to keep up with everything! We truly have come so far but are working steadily for today, and the future!
The Garden has been buzzing with activity and excitement! New statues continue to be added to different areas of the Garden, including the twin mushrooms near the South Entrance. Donations of beautiful new trees and flowering plants continue to arrive, and the “Green Thumbs” have been folding them into the Garden like excited tots receiving presents on Christmas morning! Many of these new plants have been donated by Ken Pomar, a new neighbor of the Garden!
New “FUN FACT” signs have started to be placed around the Garden. These white and blue signs share interesting details about some of the plants in the Garden, making them more than just ID labels!
Speaking of signs, the brand-new ID signs have also been appearing around the Garden, thanks in large part to the efforts of Sue Wilson, our fantastic Store Manager! They are beautiful and long-lasting signs with our logo on each one, and include the common name and origin of the plant, as well as the scientific name. Such signage is ongoing and crucial for Education and visitor engagement, thereby supporting our Conservation goals, as well!
Additionally, the large Entrance Sign to the Garden was renewed by the hard work of Ephraim Badea (with a little help from his longtime friend, Dr. Rossi!) The old letters and decorations were removed; the sign was repainted, and then new letters and decorations were added. It looks great!