An Iconic Athens, GA Garden Dream Yard

Want to meet a college-football coaching icon—and tour his iconic backyard garden?

Join veteran landscape designer and Dream Yards host Jane Waldrop as she travels to “The Classic City” for a once-in-a-lifetime visit with Coach Vince Dooley and his wife, Barbara.

From the Gridiron to the Garden

Although Coach Dooley’s outdoor living space inspiration began while leading his Georgia Bulldogs to 200+ from 1964 – 1988, he notes being “bitten by the horticulture bug” in a UGA classroom after his coaching days were over. Since then, Coach has amassed the most diverse collection of rare plants Dream Yards has ever toured.

Whether a visit with the Dooleys begins on their front porch, pool or back veranda, there’s no question where it’ll end: in Coach’s backyard garden—where there’s always something in bloom!

While Coach’s favorite Dream Yard area is unquestionable his garden, his wife Barbara lives to spend time with her family on the Dooleys’ spectacular back porch area.

Before departing, Coach thanked Doug and John Howard and their team at Howard Brothers Outdoor Power Equipment for equipping him with an Exmark Lazer Z riding mower . . . And the custom UGA seat it’s outfitted with! 

Now that you’ve had a taste, what will your dream yard look like?