by Natalie Bradley, Flint Energies Community Connections Specialist

Right outside of Marshallville, in rural Central Georgia, you'll delight in the treasure that is Massee Lane Gardens. With an address of Fort Valley, it's also located in Macon County, so residents of both stake claim and are quite proud of these exquisite gardens. Locals frequent the gardens, but there are also a number of travelers who stop by, stroll the gardens and take in nature's glory, and we encourage you to do the same. 

While Massee Lane Gardens is known for the one of the world's finest collections of camellias (and I highly recommend you go during camelia season in February and March), there are other treasures in the gardens you can enjoy year-round. Just a few months ago, while I was at Masse Lane enjoying the Camellia Show, I stumbled into the Japanese Garden and absolutely fell in love. 

I have a genuine love for flowers of all varieties and will usually name a different flower each season, exclaiming, "this one is my favorite!" Digging in the garden is a great therapeutic practice, in my humble opinion, but the joy I find in observing buds turning into blossoms and new sprouts shooting up is something that is quite hard for me to put into words. So, when I find another joy in the garden, it quite literally takes my breath away.

I could have sat in the Japanese Garden for hours doing absolutely nothing but taking in the beauty of nature contrasted with man-made structures, and watching the Koi fish have a wonderful time. This is the Abendroth Japanese Garden, and according to the Massee Lane website, the building in the garden photographed here is called the "Abzumaya and provides shelter for the quiet contemplation of this idealized representation of nature’s perfection."

The gentle murmur of water flowing through the stonework is so calming and meditative.

I can't wait to go back with my sketchbook for the sheer pleasure of observing and enjoying this idyllic place. I highly recommend the Abendroth Japanese Garden, even if it's to give yourself a few minutes to stroll the gardens before you get on the road once more to your next destination. You won't regret it!