Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Green Expansion will double the size of the visitor’s experience when three new features open May 1. For the first time in more than 30 years, the expansion will open the Garden’s 15-acre woodlands, known as Storza Woods, to the public via a Canopy Walk extending 600 feet from the Hardin Visitor Center into the tops of poplars, hickories and oaks. The unique, 12-foot-wide suspension bridge will give visitors a bird’s-eye view of a quilted garden of native azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, woodland perennials and seasonal bulbs below. At the foot of the Canopy Walk, visitors also may soak up the woodland’s beauty on the Sourwood Terrace before passing through a tunnel under the Garden’s entry road and emerging into a tropical sunny paradise known as the new Cascades Garden. Here, visitors may pause to drink in the relaxing sounds of cascading waterfalls surrounded by bold-textured hardy tropicals, including bananas, cannas and more than 50 varieties of gingers. Strolling into the formal gardens, guests can visit the Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen, at the opposite end of the Garden. Built on the site of a former parking, the Edible Garden will feature colorful fruits and vegetables for consuming 365 days a year. The farm-to-table concept is designed to foster healthy lifestyles by planting, harvesting and preparing food using only the freshest ingredients. The centerpieces of this garden are an outdoor kitchen and amphitheater featuring regular cooking demonstrations and an 8-foot-tall, 55-foot-long herb wall planted with more than 2,000 herb plants. For information, visit atlantabotanicalgarden.org.
ecoEMPORIUM in West Midtown avoided closure, and has relocated to At the Collective in Inman Park, 280 Elizabeth St. The shop continues to offer organic and non-toxic mattresses, bedding, pillows, and baby products and well as eco-friendly cards, gifts, soaps, Kigo Footwear, and Dreamsacks Bamboo Loungewear. The eco-friendly store will continue the Organic Baby nursery classes and consultations for organic baby nursery and design. www.theecoemporium.com.
The Go Green Expo is set for June 26 to 28 in Atlanta, with opportunities for companies that specialize in eco friendly goods to display their products and interact with the general public, other business owners and the media. The first day of the event is open only to business owners. The second and third day is open to all. The exposition will host over 200 booths and exhibits, interactive seminars and speeches, film presentations, eco fashion show, demonstrations and other activities. Interested businesses should contact Nancy Mathew at (212) 655-4505 ext. 225.