Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/29/26

Cosmos and Zinnias Sweep Acorss the Wildflower Meadow as Monarch Butterflies Make Their Annual Journey South 

New Sections of the Meadow Bloom Every Two Weeks Through November

Photo: David Akoubian

Monarch butterflies are beginning their fall migration through North Georgia, and Gibbs Gardens is ready with acres of pollinator-friendly flowers in bloom. Cosmos and zinnias are opening across rolling hillsides in waves of color now through early November. Eastern monarchs will pass over the state on their way to the forest of central Mexico, a journey of up to 3,000 miles from summer breeding grounds in the Northern United States and Canada.

Migrating monarchs rely on nectar every day to fuel their flight, and they have to spot it from above. Each year, Gibbs Gardens plants broad swaths of brightly colored flowers in its Wildflower Meadow to attract them. Gibbs began reshaping the meadow into a pollinator garden in 2021 and expanded its cosmos and butterfly plantings from three to 15 acres. Milkweed, the native butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), is planted in and around the meadow. It is the only plant on which monarchs will lay their eggs and the only food their caterpillars will eat.

“Color attracts the monarch butterflies, luring them down lower to find food sources,” said Jim Gibbs, owner and developer of Gibbs Gardens. “We’re no longer surprised to see thousands of monarchs suddenly swoop down en masse and settle on the flowers planted for them in the Wildflower Meadow.”

More than a showstopper for visitors, the Wildflower Meadow plays an important role in reestablishing needed habitat for pollinators. Millions of cosmos, zinnias, and other blooms are planted in succession. The sections are timed to bloom every two weeks now through November to provide an ongoing source of nectar, pollen, and a place to rest for bees and butterflies. Cosmos and zinnias are opening now, with more color expected to spread across the hillsides in coming weeks.

Monarchs are not the only winged visitors to watch for. Eastern Black Swallowtails, Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, and Red Admirals are among the butterflies that can be spotted around the Wildflower Meadow.

This fall, visitors can experience the Wildflower Meadow as new sections come into bloom week to week. Early blooms are already drawing several butterfly species, and as successive plantings open across the hillside, the color will continue building into October and November.

Gibbs Gardens is located at 1987 Gibbs Drive in Ball Ground, Georgia, and is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open days vary by season, so visitors should check gibbsgardens.com for current days, admission, and the online Bloom Calendar, including bloom updates through November. Follow us on social media @gibbsgardens.