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HydrangeasGeorgia is loved for its mountains, food and hospitality, and it has plenty for plant lovers too. Within a small area, the humid subtropics of the Black Sea coast sit beside the dry valleys of Kakheti and the alpine meadows of the Caucasus. Here is where to see green Georgia.
Flowers delivered: spray roses and flower baskets.
Where to go
- Batumi Botanical Garden. Founded in the early 20th century on Green Cape above the sea, it gathers subtropical plants from around the world: bamboo, eucalyptus, magnolias, palms and Japanese maples.
- Tbilisi Botanical Garden. Set in a gorge below Narikala fortress in the heart of the city, with a waterfall and bridges.
- Kazbegi. In June and July the meadows at the foot of Mount Kazbek fill with flowers, and the slopes with Caucasian rhododendron.
- Kakheti. Vineyards of the Alazani valley; Georgia’s method of making wine in clay qvevri jars is on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list.
When to go
- April and May. Gardens and magnolias bloom in Batumi, lilac and wisteria in Tbilisi.
- June and July. The season of mountain meadows in Kazbegi and Svaneti.
- September and October. Rtveli, the grape harvest in Kakheti, and golden autumn in the mountains.
- Tea plantations. In Guria and Adjara you can see tea bushes on the hillsides and taste local tea.
For more remarkable places, see hidden towns of the world and famous gardens of the world.
FAQ
How long do you need for Batumi Botanical Garden?
At least 3–4 hours: it is large and on a slope, though you can ride an electric cart inside.
When do the mountain meadows bloom in Georgia?
Usually in June and July, depending on altitude and weather.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
