Gardens of Charleston

by vicki | Aug 26, 2015 | Gardens | 1 comment

Charleston, S.C. the hotbed of the South. Steeped in history and shrouded in the rarefied air of old money. Historical mansions line shaded streets while live oaks stand guard over an elusive inner social circle. The latter of which has been unveiled in (Bravo’s “Southern Charm”). Outsiders (like me) are allowed a glimpse of carefully tended gardens and cultural traditions, maintained through a few hundred years surviving a war and urban progress. While this historic city is known for it’s architecture, emerging art scene, and noteworthy restaurants, there is little that equals the grandeur of the Battery. Charleston is most notable for its labyrinth of secret gardens.

So several weeks ago, we decided to spend a long weekend in this captivating city braving the scorching temps and withering humidity. I had an entire day to roam (including a little world-class shopping on King Street), and take in the utterly charming sights. I peeked behind walls into gardens that are hidden from public view and overlooked a few property lines (my apologies) along the way. Eventually, I decided my plan of attack would be to strike up a conversation with anyone who was out tending to a garden, and Voila I would be legally on the property. Is there anyone in Charleston who doesn’t like to talk about gardening? I think not. Natives of the “Holy City” are considered some of the most gracious people in the country, and I see why. One conversation turned into an invitation to enjoy a glass of overly sugared sweet tea (sadly not a New York girls favorite). I gladly accepted so that I could hang out on the back porch of a home that had breath-taking views of formal gardens. All while enjoying the company of a genteel woman who decided that it was better to “invite me in then have me scale the wall outside her home to get a picture.” True southerners are made from some of “the nicest stuff on earth,” and they can also add “best green thumbs” to the list. Here is just a small taste of Charleston…