Jackie and I visited historic Charleston, South Carolina this past May and enjoyed the town gardens.  Most have brick walls covered with ivy or creeping fig and iron gates with unique designs.  Little alcoves are standard using a small fountain or piece of concrete sculpture.

 The homes are long and narrow, with side gardens filled with Azaleas and Camellias.  Star Jasmine is used over arbors, up wire frames and as fillers, great for the fragrance. They call it Confederate Jasmine in the South.  Day Lilies add color in late spring and early summer as do blue and pink Hydrangeas.  Magnolia trees are usually under the large Oak trees and add fragrant lemon scented blossoms in May and June. 

We took a trip out to a rice plantation called Middleton Plantation, named after a governor of South Carolina who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.  Here we saw the authentic swamp plants and Spanish moss hanging from the massive oak trees.  It was a nice add on to a delightful visit to the South.

 We saw little use of roses as the moist air causes major disease problems in the South.  Wall hanging baskets were very prevalent with lots of colorful foliage mixed with flowering annuals.  The cobble streets and horse drawn carriages make Charleston a wonderful place to visit.  The tour of home gardens is in the month of April, so try to time a visit in late March or early April to hit the major color season. 

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