The Garden Team

The credibility and world-wide visibility of the Gardens at Athens did not happen overnight or because of any one individual. The Gardens is managed and maintained by a group of dedicated people, each of whom believe in the basic missions of the gardens: research, teaching, and new crop introduction.

Sandra Begani
Sandra Begani
Garden Manager
B.J. Garrett

B.J. Garrett is more than a Master Gardener Volunteer. She helps out in the Trial Gardens tremendously. Her service to us is invaluable.

B.J. Garrett
Head Volunteer
Dr. John Ruter

Dr. Ruter hails from Los Angeles, California, where he grew up surfing waves and sidewalks. Today, he's the director of the Trial Gardens, professor, and ornamental plant breeder at UGA. Many of his specimens can be found planted right here in the garden. When he's not researching, writing books, attending conferences, or teaching classes, Dr. Ruter enjoys traveling, and "doing whatever his kids want to do". His favorite place to travel is to the mountains of the Western U.S, the plant life there is something he finds remarkable.

Dr. John Ruter
Fearless Leader

We couldn't do this without our sponsors. Thank you.