A visit to Vince Dooley’s office a few months ago found the former coach and athletic director almost forced out of his own domain. Everywhere, in every available space were books — big books, little books, illustrated books and how-to books.

Coach biographies? Nope.

Football related in any manner? Nope, again.

Rather, they were books about gardening, or horticulture, or flowers — or all the above — from hydrangeas (his favorite) to dogwood trees to any and all kinds that take root and bloom and grow.

“You probably can’t imagine this,” says Dooley, half in a apology, “but I’m writing a book about gardening. This,” he adds with sweeping gesture, “is my research.”

Now, that book, “Vince Dooley’s Garden: The Horticultural Journey of a Football Coach” has been written and is available.

Dooley will greet fans at the Historic Depot at 109 S. King St. from 1:30-4:30. In addition to his popular books, fans may purchase artist prints, game day caps and more Bulldog memorabilia. All purchased items may be autographed, but other memorabilia cannot be autographed due to time constraints. Book prices range from $20-$35, and checks are accepted.

The book signing is sponsored by Prater Ford-Mercury, Kent Chapman/All-State, Dr. Stephen King, Mother Nature’s Eden and WJTH Bulldogs Network Radio.

“I appreciate many friends in Calhoun for setting up an exciting afternoon,” Dooley said, “the book tour is really enjoyable and the fan visits are memorable. I look forward to seeing many friends and the entire Bulldog nation from the area.”

Since his retirement from the University of Georgia after a 40-year career, Dooley authored best-selling books, including “Dooley-My Forty Years at Georgia,” “Dooley’s Playbook-The 34 Most Memorable Plays in Georgia Football History” and “Hairy Dawg’s Journey through the Peach State.” His newest book is his first non-sports themed work, “Dooley’s Garden — The Horticultural Journey of a Football Coach.” This 200-page book has 35 painting by the acclaimed artist Steve Penley, and Dooley writes of his long time commitment to ornamental gardens and highlights some of the state’s famous gardens.

Dooley’s latest book is a result of a fast-developing passion for gardening and horticulture following a coaching career at Georgia that resulted in more than 200 victories, a half-dozen Southeastern Conference titles and a national championship season in 1980, and an athletics directorship that turned Georgia into one of the most respected institutions in the nation.

Nationally known artist Steve Penley illustrated the book, giving it an explosive color-splashed look that would compliment even Dooley’s own garden.

Dooley became interested in plants and flowers through a natural curiosity. While working at UGA, he would audit classes — a history class . . . an art class . . . eventually working his way into horticulture classes.

“I was always curious,” he says, “about raising plants.”

His interest became a passion and soon, two of his professors, Michael Dirr and Allan Armitage, had him thoroughly invested in the world of plants.

Now, his own garden is a showplace. He travels and lectures about the subject. Plants and flowers have been named for him. His book is filled with photographs of some of his unique plants, along with lush paintings of the garden in bloom. He tells of his journey into the horticulture world. Book reviewers have found it fascinating reading.

Football? Well, there’s son Derek at Tennessee, and he still bleeds a little red and a little black, but how ‘bout them hydrangeas?

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