Garden Variety

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Springtime in Charleston marks the return of proper Edens aplenty. Countless private homes and gardens are open to the public this time of year through various tour events, many of which aid the work of historic preservation groups.

Middleton Place dates to 1705, and the landscaped gardens are considered America’s oldest. Visitors can explore the home, gardens, and stableyards, which house adorable heritage breeds of farm animals.

Glean historic tidbits and decorating ideas during the Historic Charleston Foundation’s Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 19-April 19.

Later in May, as part of the Spoleto Festival, Behind the Garden Gate offers tours of 16 landscapes.

Cypress Gardens

At Magnolia Plantation you can get out on the water for closer inspection of the natural surroundings.

Historic Edmondston-Alston House

Edmondston-Alston House

Main lobby of Edmondston-Alston House

Sweet Olive in Mount Pleasant sells odds and ends for outdoor living spaces, plus home décor and gift items.

Aiken-Rhett House

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens boardwalk

Cottages on the Harbor

Azalea Hillside path at Middleton Plantation

Peninsula Grill at Planters Inn

Planters Inn Celadon

Celadon

RESOURCES:

Photographs courtesy of the Historic Charleston Foundation, (tour) by Carrie Naas & courtesy of the Charleston horticultural society, Cypress Gardens & Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, (stairs) by Rick Rhodes & (house) Courtesy of Middleton Place foundation, Sweet Olive

ISSUE DATE:

March 2015

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Garden Variety

Garden Variety

Garden Variety