Hidden Gem: Centennial Olympic Park's Gold Medal Garden

The Gold Medal Garden is a quiet, hidden gem tucked away at Centennial Olympic Park.
When visitors stumble upon it, the magic of the plants draws them in and invites them to sit on one of the garden’s benches.  Others seek out the plant markers identifying the different species.  Perhaps one contemplates what might thrive in their own home garden.
Hopefully, it leaves visitors inspired and gives them a brief respite in the world of flora.
This garden hatched from a partnership between Centennial Olympic Park and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension more than 15 years ago.  Out of this collaboration, the Gold Medal Garden was created and is maintained by the Central Fulton Master Gardeners.
Even though the Georgia Gold Medal Plant Program ended after the 2016 season, the Central Fulton Master Gardeners remain committed to placing Gold Medal plants in the garden.  They have a sense of ownership and take pride in the verdant space.
The Georgia Gold Medal Plant Program promoted plants which thrive in the Georgia climate.  Winners were chosen from five categories:  Natives, Annuals, Perennials, Trees, Shrubs and Vines and Groundcovers.  The Central Fulton Master Gardeners volunteer their time throughout the year by pruning, weeding, mulching, and adding seasonal plantings in keeping with the Gold Medal Plant Program.
Check out this Gold Medal Garden slide show shot by Georgia World Congress Center Authority multimedia specialist (and unConventional contributor) Ashley Gilmer and then explore this wonder of urban nature yourself.