Gardenia Shevarnadze: fairy garden in Tbilisi

Gardenia Shevardnadze is a magical haven in Tbilisi, where you can escape the noise of the city and immerse yourself in a green, colorful, and tranquil atmosphere. It’s a place to unwind, read a book in the shade of trees, pick out a new plant for your home, and enjoy tasty tea with homemade pastries and beautiful piano music in a cozy vintage cafe.

Your visit to Tbilisi would be incomplete without experiencing this unique place, which should definitely be on your must-visit list. You’ll encounter a small world: a splendid garden filled with diverse seasonal plants and beautiful flowers, along with a cozy cafe, the “Villa Gardenia” hotel, and a flower shop.

The Gardenia square covers almost a hectare, boasting one of the most amazing plant collections in Georgia, including rare varieties of gardenia succulents.

I’m pretty sure my photos will show y’all this place better than words. Just take a look at how uniquely beautiful it is!

Zura Shevardnadze

Zura Shevardnadze, the creator of this wonderful garden, planted his first persimmon tree at the age of five with his grandfather, shaping his future aspirations. The garden’s dimensions are impressive, with half of the area dedicated to various structures such as greenhouses, workshops, cafes, and guesthouses. Terraces offer opportunities for entertainment, weddings, and parties. The garden pleases the eye with its colors from early spring to late autumn, and it also offers unique and rare plant species. In the succulent collection, you can find true gems.

Cafe

Notably, there’s a charming vintage cafe. The pastries made from local fruits are delicious. Live music is often present; during my last visit, beautiful piano music accompanied my meal, transforming the space into a magical old movie scene.

Additionally, you can enjoy natural tea from Guria in this cafe, sourced from their own plantation. And the herbal tea, “Bouquet of Our Garden,” is a collection of aromatic herbs.

In the Gardenia Shevardnadze Garden, various events are often organized, attracting a crowd on weekends. Locals love this place because it allows them to enjoy tranquility without leaving the city. Tbilisi residents often come here to capture vibrant photos in this magical corner, which has also become a popular spot for wedding photoshoots.

Shop

Besides seeds and seedlings, Gardenia offers natural honey, jam, and aromatic tea, grown, harvested, and packaged in Guria. There’s a souvenir shop in Gardenia where guests can purchase handmade jewelry, ceramics, accessories, fabrics, and simply beautiful items crafted by Georgian artisans.

Villa Gardenia

At the time of writing this article, I also learned that Gardenia has rooms, and you can stay overnight! There are six uniquely decorated rooms adorned with cozy antique furniture. Some say these rooms are even rented for photo sessions. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find information on how to book on the rare websites where I found details about this accommodation. Perhaps it’s worth contacting Gardenia directly to inquire.

In any case, spending a night in this beautiful place and waking up to breakfast amidst this garden seems simply wonderful!

Photoshoots

Gardenia allows amateur photography. Videography and photoshoots need to be arranged in advance and paid for.

Getting There and Visitor Tips

The garden welcomes visitors from March 1st to December 31st, but to see the place in its full glory, plan your visit between late spring and late fall when everything’s in bloom.

Gardenia Shevardnadze is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except on Mondays.

You can take the city bus No. 360 from the central railway station (Station Square metro), with buses departing every 15 minutes. The bus stop is right across from the entrance to Gardenia.

But, of course, it’s easier to hop in a taxi. A ride from the center of Tbilisi will cost you around 10 lari.

Nikoloz Khudadovi Street 138, Tbilisi, Georgia

+995 599 18 16 34