If you haven't been to the Augusta Botanical Gardens, you have missed a real treat.

Living in North Augusta, and not more than a five-minute drive to the gardens, I had never taken the time to visit. Recently our daughter in North Carolina, her greyhound and our North Augusta daughter and granddaughter decided to stop by the gardens after going to the Farmers' Market. Don't be dismayed when you drive in and park and think "Well, there isn't much to see." Just continue across the grassy area on the paths and you'll come to the Augusta Botanical Gardens signs -- and walk into an enchanted, well-tended garden including roses, lily-of-the-Nile, red hot pokers, cannas of various kinds and many more flowers and shrubs.

There are nooks and crannies where you can rest, and watch and listen to the birds. Turtles and goldfish swim in the pool areas, and a beautiful waterfall sends its water splashing over large rocks into the lower pool.

Needless to say, we had a good time, and we were impressed with what Augusta is doing with the gardens. I look forward to seeing the gardens at other seasons during the year.

I encourage everyone to visit and enjoy!

Betty Hostetler, North Augusta, S.C.