Gardenia Shevardnadze, Tbilisi

Address: Nikoloz Khudadovi Street 138, Tbilisi, Georgia
Café contact info: 0322 246 703, +995 599 181 634
Cafe hours: open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am-8 pm
Garden contact info: +995 595 054 791
Garden hours: open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am-10 pm. Plants can be purchased until 6 pm.

Gardenia Shevardnadze is one of the most rejuvenating places in Tbilisi. With its Villa Gardenia, Little Café, flower shop and German-style garden replete with diverse plants and colorful flowers, it is a magical spot for gardeners and anyone with an appreciation for beauty and nature.

Garden Creator

Zura Shevardnadze, the designer of this lovely haven, is probably the most well-known gardener in Georgia. Many gardens in Tbilisi were planted by Zura, who is originally from Guria Region in western Georgia. Ever since he planted his first persimmon tree with his grandfather when he was only five years old, Zura knew he wanted to pursue this as a lifelong calling. Zura went on to study gardening in Germany. It was his dream to create a garden which everyone could enjoy, and after years of hard work and devotion, Zura created Gardenia Shevardnadze, his small heaven on earth.

Gardenia Garden

Gardenia Garden occupies nearly one hectare of land and contains one of the most diverse collections of plants in Georgia, including gardenia succulents and other rare varieties. The garden welcomes visitors from March 1-December 31, but to see the grounds in full glory you should plan to come between late spring and late autumn, when everything is in bloom. Half of the area is filled with greenhouses, nurseries, workshops, cafes, guest houses and terraces which can be used for special events. The plants at Gardenia Garden are said to be good for your health, and a large number of them are grown on Gardenia's natural substrate.

Little Café

Five years after the garden opened, Gardenia Shevardnadze Little Café was added to the site. Most of its products are brought in from Guria, the childhood home of the garden’s founder. Highlights on the Gardenia cafe menu include natural tea from Guria (grown on site at the Gardenia plantation) and cakes and pastries which are baked according to family recipes. Please note that this is a small but popular café which is usually booked, so we advise you to make a reservation in advance so as to avoid a long wait time.

Villa Gardenia

Villa Gardenia has six uniquely decorated rooms which are adorned with cozy antique furniture. The setting is so idyllic that the rooms are often rented out for photo shoots and filming. Breakfast is served in a small café in the garden.

Activities

During a visit, guests can dine at the cafe, purchase souvenirs at the gift shops, buy plants, take gorgeous photos and ask questions from professional gardeners. Family-friendly activities include fun, informative gardening lessons for kids in which children can dig in the garden, mix soil, decorate clay pots with decoupage and help plant flowers. Tbilisi residents love to get dressed up and take colorful photos in this fairytale world, which is also a favored spot for wedding photography. Gardenia Shevardnadze is just the place to escape urban life without ever crossing city limits!