Save green on.
Each spring, Barnsley Gardens Resort becomes awash in bright and beautiful colors as acres of gardens begin showing their blooms. An exclusive blend of history and nature lures visitors to this Georgia gem as they find unique landscape and a 170 year old garden. This year a special deal further entices visitors to "Savor Spring" with $100 dining credit towards Friday nights through April 31.
Guest accommodations at the resort are within 37 unique guest cottages -- with 87 guest rooms and suites to choose from. An entire cottage can be reserved for groups of friends or family.
Complimentary guest amenities include concierge services; WiFi; trail use and admission to the Historic Gardens & Museum; lawn games and use of canoes (first come first serve basis); pool and fitness center usage; use of whirlpool, steam and sauna (for guests 18 years and older) and firewood (for accommodations with fireplaces).
Other resort amenities include a gift shop with a snack pantry; bike rentals, use of tennis courts, activities such as golf, hiking, biking, horseback riding, paintball, sporting clays and fly fishing and a seasonal beer garden and two restaurants.
Barnsley Gardens Resort is depicted as a European town. The renowned, American landscape designer, Andrew Jackson Downing, is the inspiration to the village's natural plantings and walkways, as well as the 170 year old in Boxwood Parterre. The Parterre does resemble a maze and is located directly in front of the resort's historic ruins. The Heirloom Rose Garden features a variety of heirloom roses.
Sandy Sanders, Horticulturist for Barnsley Gardens Resort, offers handy tips for at-home gardening:
1. The key to a long lasting landscape is to choose old-fashioned plants that have proven themselves for decades, such as Peonies, Irises, Spanish Bluebells, and old garden roses.
2. Roses grow best in full sun, planted in a well-drained site with regular watering during the growing season. A thorough watering once per week is better than a light sprinkling.
3. Research the characteristics of roses and find one that best suits your needs: moderate vs. vigorous climbers, large vs. small shrub roses, and once vs. repeat bloomers.
4. Favorite rose varieties grown at Barnsley are: "Knock Out" roses, where the pink color adds punch and is an incredible performer with little maintenance; "Lady Banks", a small, creamy yellow flower that blooms profusely; "Zephirine Drouhin", a fragrant, bright, nearly thornless and has pink flowers, that are great for training up a post or a small arbor; and "New Dawn", a repeat bloomer with light pink flowers that fall like snow.
5. For Spring planting, wait until the last frost date, generally April 15.
6. Some plant varieties will not tolerate the Georgia heat. So, choose a selection that blooms early to mid-season (Peonies, Tulips, etc.).
Stay any Friday night, at rates from $259 per night, and receive $100 in credit toward dinner Friday evening. Dinner credit valid for Friday only and may not be applied toward future dates.
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, this Georgia resort is just 60 miles north of Atlanta.
Barnsley Gardens Resort is pet-friendly.
For details on this an other resort packages, visit Barnsley Gardens Resort at www.barnsleyresort.com.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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