Georgia Southern University Botanical Garden Holds First Online Auction

September 30, 2010

The Georgia Southern Botanical Garden will be auctioning a variety of fun and unique items, experiences and trips to help raise funds to continually support various events and programs at one of the state’s most unique gardens. The online auction, the Garden’s first, will begin at noon Oct. 4, and end at noon on Oct. 15.

Items that will be auctioned off include a five-day/four-night escape to Cancun, Mexico; three nights in San Francisco and three nights in Sonoma, Calif. including luxury lodging and airfare for two; and a 12-string acoustic guitar autographed by country music superstar Brad Paisley. Other items include sports memorabilia, a garden portrait photo session, a variety of limited edition Disney lithographs, gift certificates and more.

“By bidding on an item, you are not only competing to win a great item, but you will be supporting one of Georgia’s most unique gardens,” said Carolyn Altman, director of the Georgia Southern Botanical Garden. “The Garden hosts a variety of programs and events each year and through activities like this auction, we are able to raise funds to continually offer unique opportunities for members of our community and the surrounding region. The Garden attracts thousands of visitors each year and without the support of our members and the community, it would be difficult to continue to offer such a unique experience for visitors.”

The Garden offers a variety of instructional programs, plant sales, and workshops during the year with a focus on gardening, and the site is also used by Georgia Southern University as well as others as a place for festivals and celebrations. One of the more notable celebrations is the annual Heritage Festival which will be held on Sat., Oct. 9, featuring the opening of a new addition, the Oak Grove One-Room Schoolhouse.

The Georgia Southern Botanical Garden opened its gates to the public in 1990 and has served both as a resource for the University and community by sponsoring educational tours, workshops, seminars, plant sales, and festivals, and as a place for quiet reflection. Once the home of Daniel and Catharine Bland, the Garden preserves nearly 11 acres of the farm they worked together beginning in 1916, guided by Mr. Bland’s passion for plants and respect for the land that sustained them. The original home was renovated and now serves as the Garden’s visitor center.

Today, the Garden has been expanded to include a variety of features for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a beautiful stroll through a Southern garden. The site attracts thousands of visitors annually including enthusiasts, school children, members of the community and students.

For more information on the 2010 Georgia Southern Botanical Garden Online Auction or the Georgia Southern Botanical Garden, visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu/garden.