Step back in time and discover the legacy of Dan and Catherine Bland, whose love story blossomed alongside their remarkable farm.
After meeting in 1914 at the First District Agricultural and Mechanical School (now Georgia Southern University), the couple transformed the challenging Southeastern Coastal Plain soil into a thriving agricultural operation that Georgia Magazine recognized as a “model farm” in 1929. Operating a small dairy, raising livestock, and cultivating diverse crops demonstrated their agricultural ingenuity.
Dan, a self-taught naturalist with deep appreciation for regional flora, integrated native plants throughout their working farm. Today, their 11-acre former farmstead has evolved into the Botanic Garden—a living testament to their pioneering environmental stewardship and agricultural innovation that continues to educate and inspire.
The Blands were known for their hospitality and dedication to education. Their deep connection to Georgia Southern University, where they had both studied, influenced their decision to leave their beloved property as a botanical garden for future generations.
Heritage Farmyard
Formerly filled with barns and corrals too far gone to save, the farmyard is reminiscent of the Bland’s working farm. Outbuildings, including Mr. Bland’s garage and sheds, and Miss Catharine’s Butter and Egg Stand, offer a glimpse into the working life of the farm. The central fountain is constructed of brick from Miss Catharine’s dairy barn foundation, a syrup kettle, and the tailpipe from Mr. Bland’s car. The restored Weathervane Barn is home to an exhibit of farm life of the 1920s and 30s. The Farmyard features heritage plants and their modern cultivars, as well as shady places to sit and imagine the activity of the past and enjoy the daily beauty of the present.
Built to mirror the distinctive profile of Miss Catharine’s dairy barn, the Heritage Pavilion is a center of activity for the Garden. The soaring event space opens onto the Native Plant Landscape Garden and the Concert Lawn, and provides a panoramic view of the arboretum. The Heritage Pavilion is centered on the Garden’s Franklinia alatamaha, a beautiful flowering tree discovered by botanist John Bartram in 1765 along the banks of the Altamaha River. Each year, in addition to daily educational programs, the Garden hosts a number of parties under the Pavilion, including Wine, Moonlight & Magnolias, a signature event of the region’s social season. The Heritage Pavilion makes a great Bandshell, and Symphony in the Garden has become a popular spring event for serious picnickers and music lovers alike. Jazz, bluegrass and even a tuba quintet have filled the Garden with beautiful music from the Heritage Pavilion.
A catering kitchen, restrooms and proximity to a service entrance make the Heritage Pavilion the perfect venue for a wedding, reception, or other event.
Bland Cottage
Bland Cottage was Mr. Dan and Miss Catharine’s home from 1916 until the late 1980s, when Mr. Dan left the home and 6.5 acres for “the enjoyment of plants and animals.” The cottage was then renovated, and another major overhaul took place in the summer of 2012. The home was built by Mr. Dan from heart pine.
Inside the Cottage, you will find orientation information, Garden membership brochures, and information about Statesboro and the region. The cottage is available for rental for small meetings or events, and contains a restroom and partial kitchen.
Heirloom plants of the south abound in these colorful gardens. Species include pomegranate, hydrangeas, althea, crepe-myrtle, and many other assorted perennials and annuals. Trickling fountains and the Benson Rose Arbor, covered with Lady Banks and other roses, add to the charm and interest of these special garden rooms.
Weathervane Barn Rural Life Exhibit
The restored Weathervane Barn, formerly Mr. Bland’s Mule Barn, is now home to an exhibit of farm life during the 1930s, when the Bland Farm was active. Each stall provides a chance to discover a special part of coastal plain life, including cotton, tobacco, and row crop farming, turpentining, and the day-to-day operations of the farm. Put a hand to the well-worn handle of a plow, spin one of Mr. Bland’s whirligigs, and marvel at the ingenious tools and industrious spirit it took to build a life on the coastal plain.
Historic Learning Spaces
Experience the rich educational history of Georgia at the Kennedy Outdoor Classroom and Oak Grove One Room Schoolhouse, two unique spaces that celebrate learning in natural and historic settings. Whether it’s students gathering under towering pines for outdoor lessons or visitors stepping inside a preserved one-room schoolhouse, these sites offer a glimpse into the past while continuing to inspire future generations.
The Garden is now the home of the Oak Grove Schoolhouse, a one-room school typical of those that served most of Georgia’s rural students from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. The Oak Grove Schoolhouse was originally constructed in Tattnall County, Georgia. In 2007 the schoolhouse was moved to Bowen-Rushing Road, where it was restored and then relocated in 2010 to its current home at the Garden.
In 1900 there were more than 7000 of these one-room schools in the state of Georgia, but today only a select few of them have been preserved. Groups can schedule a tour with the Garden to see what school was like for rural Georgia students in the 19th and 20th centuries. While at the Garden, guests can also visit the restored Weathervane Barn, which contains a museum of rural life from the 1920s and 30s.
Special thanks to the vision and generosity of Ms. Jan Anderson, who donated the Oak Grove School to Georgia Southern University during its centennial celebration in 2007.
To arrange a group tour of the Oak Grove One Room Schoolhouse, contact Kathy Tucker at 912-871-1503 or ktucker@georgiasouthern.edu.
A gift from Statesboro’s Kennedy family, in honor of R. J. and Edna Kennedy, the Kennedy Outdoor Classroom is a charming site for a variety of activities. The classroom is used daily by school groups listening to stories or planting seeds. Lunch time visitors, shaded by longleaf pines and magnolias, enjoy an hour away from the hustle and bustle. The stage also makes a fine venue for an outdoor theater in the woods. Call 871-1149 for rental information.