The new visitors center at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm, which carries the name of a former researcher, will officially open Feb. 7 with a fundraising gala.
The 5,000-square-foot facility is named for James W. Andrews, a nutrition expert who experimented at the institute until 1980, when he founded Savannah Laboratories and Environmental Services Inc.
After selling his company in 2001, Andrews volunteered at the botanical gardens.
He and his wife Barbara later donated $1.5 million to help build the visitors center and helped raise another $4 million for the project.
The newly constructed Andrews Visitor and Education Center features a Lowcountry design with a grand foyer with a mural of bamboo and local art, a multi-purpose room with a capacity of more than 200 people, a catering kitchen and a terrace overlooking several gardens.
The gala, sponsored by the Friends of the Coastal Gardens, will feature former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley who will speak on ”A Horticulture Journey of a Football Coach.”
Proceeds will help establish a Children’s Garden at the Coastal Gardens.
OPENING GALA, ANDREWS VISITOR AND EDUCATION CENTER
• Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m.
• Tickets: $175
• Speaker: Coach Vince Dooley.
• Dinner and hors d’oeuvres by Chef Nick Mueller.
• Ticket information: Contact Liz Lubrani at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, 912-921-5460, ext. 202.
