Landscaping and the Memorial Garden Project
Historic properties are defined not only by their buildings but also by the landscapes that surround them. Trees, gardens, and plantings preserve the history, traditions, and memories of the people who cared for these places over generations.
The grounds of Historic Woolsey Church retain much of their historic character, with mature post oaks that have witnessed more than a century of worship, community gatherings, celebrations, and remembrance.
The historic cemetery features a legacy tied to its original 1906 Stewart Iron Works fence installed by Juan Fernandez McLean. Although replaced in 2007, the historic fence lives on in the Friends of Historic Woolsey logo as a symbol of preservation and community devotion.
Professional arboricultural care will help address age-related concerns, improve structural stability, and preserve these historic landscape features for generations to come.
Memorial Garden
As part of the ongoing restoration of Historic Woolsey Church, a memorial garden is being created outside the cemetery fence in the area of the unmarked graves. Featuring heirloom white-flowering plants shared by local families, the garden preserves memories and connects generations through a living landscape.
The sharing of family garden plants is a cherished tradition that keeps the stories of loved ones alive. To volunteer or donate white flowers from your garden for this meaningful project, please contact us.
From the Garden of...
Thank you to those who have donated flowers from your garden and helped make this meaningful project possible.
Oak Leaf Hydrangea — Gail Jenkins
Symbolizes purity, rebirth, new beginnings, and hope
Easter Lilies — Gail Jenkins
Symbolizes purity and innocence
White Lacecap Hydrangea — Martha “Mattie” Henderson Crawford, courtesy of Dan Langford
Symbolizes resilience, serenity, and perseverance
White Lenten Roses — Patsy Gullett
Symbolizes memory and knowledge
White-Tinged Sedge — Sara Morgan, courtesy of Joey Morgan
Symbolizes purity and rebirth
White Lilies — Gail Jenkins
Symbolizes purity and innocence
White Daffodils — Patsy Gullett
Symbolizes purity and innocence
Bleeding Heart — Patsy Gullett
Symbolizes purity, innocence, and sympathy
White Irises — Originally on the property from Woolsey Baptist Church
Symbolizes purity, joy, love, sincerity, happiness, and luck
Lily of the Valley — Gail Jenkins
Symbolizes purity and innocence
Historic landscapes require ongoing care, knowledge, and stewardship. The following resources provide opportunities to learn more about gardening, horticulture, and preserving meaningful landscapes.
Explore More
Learn more about gardening, historic landscapes, and preserving Georgia’s natural heritage:
Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener
Walter Reeves was a beloved Georgia gardening expert whose work continues through his website, The Georgia Gardener. His extensive gardening resources provide valuable information about plant selection, care, and gardening practices suited to Georgia’s climate.
Fayette Master Gardener Association
The Fayette Master Gardener Association promotes horticultural education, community service, and environmental stewardship through programs that encourage responsible gardening practices and help residents learn more about gardening in Georgia.
The Cherokee Garden Library at The Atlanta History Center
The Cherokee Garden Library preserves and shares resources related to garden history, landscape design, horticulture, and the cultural importance of gardens and landscapes. Its collections help researchers and the public explore the relationship between people, plants, and historic places.
Click the thumbnail images below to view the full-size gallery.
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