Tucked five miles from Fort Gordon, at 3855 Bath Edie Road, Bath Gardens was restored in 2021, and has a history dating back to the late 1950s.
The gardens will host a holiday event that is free of charge and is opening on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will feature caroling, carriage rides, Christmas tree decorating, marshmallow roasting, scavenger hunts, bell ringing and even a Santa Claus.
Prior to his death in 1972, the creator of the garden, Alonzo Plumb “Lonnie” Boardman Sr. originally modeled it after an Austrian village he traveled to when visiting his son in the Air Force.
His granddaughter, Catherine Fleming, inherited the site in 2018 and was determined to get it back to its former glory in honor of Boardman.
“It would’ve been like throwing a Monet in the trash,” she said. “Monet’s kids could’ve thrown his art away, but thank God they didn’t.”
Fleming described her grandfather as an enormous renaissance man as he loved traveling, history and art. To her, the garden serves as a beautiful, living memorial for Boardman.
Executive Director Jim Brady said the staff is currently trying to implement many different programs revolving around renaissance and role-playing activities, food drives, arts and culture appreciation, improving literacy and community outreach.
MORE: Bath Gardens Being Restored
Brady said Fleming could have done a number of different things with her time and finances, but she instead chose to pour into the community and pursue creating something great.
“It’s given the community an opportunity to have another beneficial asset, if it’s embraced and supported,” he said. “I thought, ‘wow. What a great opportunity to be part of a new community service foundation from the ground up, and help it grow and develop.’”
With very similar philosophical viewpoints, Brady said it has been a wonderful and exciting project to be a part of. In the future, they hope to make the garden a gathering place for many different people.
Brady said they are currently considering allowing outside clubs and organizations to plant and maintain a specialized garden – such as a butterfly, fruits and vegetables, iris or rose garden.
Hoping to also host young community groups such as Girl Scouts of America, 4-H, Boys and Girls Club, Future Farmers of America and etc., Fleming and Brady said they were looking forward to continually expanding the space into a new CSRA jewel.
Prospective events might include: costume contests, nature studies and classes, live music concerts, art shows and auctions, and children’s book readings.
Further honoring Fleming’s family, Bath Gardens also hopes to one day host military appreciation days for local veterans and active duty.
With just one garden’s beautiful surroundings, Fleming said she wants to revitalize her grandfather’s love of the outdoors, and handmade items by instilling those passions in others.
“The garden was his way of showing the beauty of nature,” she said.
For more information, visit: https://bathgardens.com
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
