In 2004, a group of volunteer gardeners initiated construction of an extensive new hydrangea garden. Working with the City of Augusta, a plan was created and the hydrangea garden began to take form. For three years, the volunteers raised funds, dug up hydrangeas donated by Augustans, solicited hydrangeas from local nurseries and learned all they could about raising hydrangeas. Additional volunteers continued to join the group, and the hydrangea garden was offered to the community with a hydrangea festival including speakers, exhibits and tours in 2005.  Since then, a more formal upper garden with several hardscape structures has been added. The pergola and swing structure were built by skilled volunteers, and hydrangea paniculatas and complimentary plantings were added. Over 250 hydrangeas of more than 70 varieties make up the garden which is at its splendor from May through August. The upper, more formal part of the garden contains a pergola which may be used for programs, concerts and weddings. The lower garden displays macrophylla (mophead and lacecap) and oak leaf hydrangeas, while the upper garden contains paniculata (sun-loving) hydrangeas.