Gibbs Gardens’ Designer Shares How She Creates Spectacular Garden Baskets
By Barbara Schneider, Gibbs Gardens, Photos courtesy of Gibbs Gardens
Seasonal baskets.
Ask Jim Gibbs, the owner/designer/developer of Gibbs Gardens, to name his favorite month and, in the blink of an eye, he’ll tell you, “August—because of all the color. It’s just fabulous. The big show everywhere is the thousands of annuals and perennials blooming throughout the gardens.”
Captivating floral arrangements welcome Gibbs Gardens’ visitors the minute they set foot on the Flower Bridge entrance.
Flower baskets across Gibbs Gardens Flower Bridge entrance (These are on the Flower Bridge now and will stay until Fall).
“More than just a walkway, these bridges are a spectacular floral gateway, setting the stage for one of the most celebrated garden experiences in the world,” said Hayley Davis, seasonal color/design manager for Gibbs Landscape Company.
“On either side of the entrance bridges, 40 hanging baskets overflow with vivid blooms that sway gently in the breeze. Each arrangement is thoughtfully curated to dazzle the senses, blending vibrant colors with lush textures.
“Along the ground, 20 cradle baskets blend vibrant colors and lush textures of seasonal flowers to create a welcoming burst of beauty that feels both grounded and grand.”
The impact, according to Davis, is immediate and unforgettable. “The visual harmony between architecture and flowers creates an immersive scene that feels more enchanted than landscaped.”
Seasonal baskets.
What makes these bridges truly magical, she explained, “isn’t just the flowers; it’s how they shape each visitor’s experience. They invite you to slow down, breathe in the beauty—let go of the outside world.”
Davis is convinced designing flower baskets requires “captivating the guest’s attention through intentional visual structure.”
She believes a triangular design, which naturally guides the eye forward and creates a sense of movement, is most effective. Repeating key elements in specific areas and harmonizing the colors with each section, she said, creates visual cohesion and functionality.
“For the Flower Bridge, one of our primary design goals was to incorporate an abundance of hanging plants to achieve a lush, cascading effect,” she added.
For summer, Davis selected a diverse mix: Ipomoea sweet potato vines, ‘Wave-Purple’ petunias, ‘Cora Cascade’ cherry and lilac vincas and ‘Caliente’ ivy geraniums. All of these contribute to her distinctive “dripping” aesthetic that trails elegantly from the baskets and softens the overall composition.
Flower Basket closeup shows contrasting colors, shapes and sizes.
For her filler plants, Davis incorporated a vibrant mix including ‘BabyWing White’ begonias, ‘Dragon Wing Pink’ begonias, many shades of vinca and blue plumbago all chosen for their lush texture and continuous bloom.
“To introduce dynamic height and depth into the design, we added striking ‘Red Flash’ caladiums, elegant ‘Aaron’ caladiums, bold purple Angelonia, and architectural Strobilanthes. This combination brings both fullness and vertical interest, enhancing the overall structure and visual balance of the garden.”
When planning to design baskets for the home garden, it’s important to focus on what grows well for you and suits the unique conditions of your environment, said Davis.
“While trialing fresh varieties is part of the fun, it’s wise to stay loyal to the tried-and-true plants you know will thrive. Our goal is to ensure that our flower designs maintain their vibrancy and beauty throughout the entire season, from the first signs of spring to the crisp days of fall.”
Cool and relaxing
Gibbs Gardens offers guests a cool and relaxing visit. “While August can bring afternoon temperatures on the warm side, mornings are delightful, especially if you arrive at opening,” said Gibbs. Twenty-nine ponds, streams and waterfalls flow with natural spring water throughout the gardens while thousands of trees provide abundant shade.
Summer hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last admission is 4 p.m., when the entrance gates close. Gibbs Gardens is located at 1987 Gibbs Drive in Ball Ground. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit gibbsgardens.com or call 770-893-1880.
World-class destination garden
Atlanta’s local ABC channel, WSB, named Gibbs Gardens one of Georgia’s Hidden Treasures during its June 1 program. “We are honored to be named one of Georgia’s Hidden Treasures and very appreciative of the wonderful recognition we’ve received this spring,” said Gibbs. WSB’s recognition comes just two months after Gibbs’ Daffodil Festival was voted “the best flower festival in America for 2025” by USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.
Gibbs Gardens also is honored to be recognized by these organizations: National Garden Clubs’ Award of Excellence; Flower Magazine’s one of “The 10 Best Places in the World to See Daffodils”; one of “Thirteen Best Botanical Gardens in America”; and rated a top garden in Georgia by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. To learn more about Gibbs Gardens, go to gibbsgardens.com.
All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.
Tight on space? Go vertical! And your neighbors will thank you too. Click here for an interesting article with great ideas for planting vigorous Sun Parasol Giant mandevillas.
Click here to sign up for our monthly NEWSLETTER packed with great articles and helpful tips for your home, garden and pets!
