Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden

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Named after avid gardener and lover of nature's beauty, the Ruby M. Mize Garden was created thanks to an endowment established by Mize's daughter, Dottie Wisely. Previously an overgrown loblolly pine forest, the project brought together SFA students, community members and nursery professionals to bring this 11-acre garden to life. The garden is open from dawn to dusk. 

Ruby Mize Garden map

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Azalea Cultivar Evaluations

  • Peak bloom season: March to May
  • Beds 29 though 33

Native Azaleas

  • Peak bloom season: March to May
  • Beds 25 through 28

Camellia Trail

  • Peak bloom season: October to February
  • Beds 18-19 and 21-22

Color Display Beds, Flowering Shrubs and Trees

  • Peak bloom season: March to May
  • Beds 1-17, 20, 23-24 and 34-35

Council Ring

Featuring colorful azaleas and Acer palmatum ‘Oto hime,’ dwarf Japanese maples grafted on to taller trunks, made to look like whimsical toad stools.

Japanese Maples

  • Peak color season: October to December
  • Distributed throughout the garden and campus.

Magnolias

  • Peak bloom season: Spring
  • Distributed throughout the garden and campus.

Unique Trees

  • Distributed throughout the gardens.
  • Pawpaw, ginkgo and Japanese plum yew.

Hydrangeas and Gardenias

  • Peak bloom season: May to August
  • Distributed throughout the garden.

Cascade Falls Baldcypress Tunnel

The cascading weeping baldcypress tunnel paired with the bridge over Lanana Creek is a favorite for all who visit the gardens.