Walter Reeves, Georgia Gardening Guru, Dies at 74

The longtime radio host and newspaper columnist passed away after battling Parkinson's disease.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:22pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a vibrant, verdant garden scene with soft, warm pools of light and color, conveying the tranquil legacy of a lifelong gardener.The passing of beloved Georgia gardening expert Walter Reeves leaves a void in the lives of countless green-thumbed enthusiasts across the state.Atlanta Today

Walter Reeves, a beloved gardening expert who shared his expertise on WSB radio and through his column in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for over 30 years, has died at the age of 74 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

Why it matters

Reeves was a fixture in the lives of many Georgians, educating and entertaining listeners and readers with his practical gardening advice and infectious enthusiasm for horticulture. His passing marks the end of an era for gardening enthusiasts across the state.

The details

Reeves had hosted a popular Saturday morning gardening show on WSB radio from 1994 to 2020, and had been a columnist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 1986, sharing his gardening gospel with readers across the region.

  • Reeves passed away on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • He had hosted his radio show on WSB from 1994 to 2020.
  • Reeves had been a columnist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 1986.

The players

Walter Reeves

A beloved gardening expert who shared his expertise on WSB radio and through his column in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for over 30 years.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The newspaper that employed Reeves as a columnist since 1986.

WSB Radio

The radio station that aired Reeves' popular Saturday morning gardening show from 1994 to 2020.

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What they’re saying

“Walter Reeves was a true icon in the gardening community, and his passing is a profound loss for all of us who learned from and were inspired by his work.”

— Sarah Esther, Longtime Listener

The takeaway

Reeves' legacy will live on through the countless Georgians whose gardens and love of horticulture were shaped by his decades of dedicated service as a gardening educator and media personality.