Rockdale County Master Gardener Arboretum

Rockdale County Master Gardeners, a volunteer group of citizens interested in plants, beautification, and horticulture projects, is a division of the Rockdale County Cooperative Extension (4-H). Cooperative Extension partnered with the GIHP in 2005 to locate a memorial arboretum ("garden of trees" in Latin) on the GIHP grounds.

The 5-acre patch of woods is maintained by the Master Gardeners, and posts and plaques can be found dedicating particular trees within the area to deceased loved ones and friends. There are approximately 37 species, including the rare swamp chestnut oak, within the arboretum.

Anyone interested in erecting a memorial may do so by either adopting an existing tree or planting a new one through the Master Gardeners. Further information on the Rockdale County Master Gardeners Program may be obtained by calling 770.278.7373. Or for the online brochure, click here.

HOW TO DEDICATE A MEMORIAL TREE
One creates a living memorial by dedicating a tree within the Arboretum.
You are invited to make your dedication by either adopting an existing tree or purchasing and planting a tree from the approved list. If you choose to plant a tree, you must pledge to maintain the tree and the ground around it. This is most important in the first few years when the tree is getting established. In addition, the cost and mounting of the memorial plaque is the responsibility of the person adopting or planting a tree. Guidelines will be provided to ensure a uniform appearance, 
and if needed, a Master Gardener volunteer can assist you. The current vendor for plaques is Olde Town Awards and Engraving, 770-761-3110, and located at 912 Center Street NW, Conyers, GA 30012. The cost is under $30.