Magnolia Plantation The Message of Flowers
MAGNOLIA PLANTATION AND Gardens is a love story. It is a romantic garden, an effort to re-create Eden. The Rev. John Grimke Drayton, whose Phil- adelphia- born wife
BY BARBARA PATRICK
hated the South, spent a lifetime trying “to create an earthly paradise in which my dear Julia may forever forget Phila- delphia and her desire to return there.” Through his devotion to Julia,
the Rev. Drayton succeeded in de- signing a world-class garden. Now, more than a century after his death, a new generation is charged with re- storing the gardens back to the way they were in the mid-19th century. Tom Johnson, director of gardens, delights in his new mission. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has joined with 10 other public gardens to form the Great Gardens of America Alliance, which is dedicated to locating and bringing back the camellias and azaleas of the past. “We work together to propagate old azaleas and camellias. We’re saving the DNA,” Johnson said. Though Johnson might be look- ing far into the future, today’s Mag- nolia Plantation and Gardens should top the list of must-see places in the Lowcountry. From the moment you turn off historic Highway 61 to enter
the moss-draped avenue of oaks, you are transported to another era. “Magnolia Plantation is the complete plantation experience,” said Judy Ham- mill, who is in charge of tourism and public relations. “There is something for everyone.” Indeed there is. Just rambling
through the almost 500 acres – there are hiking and biking trails – you’ll come
Revolutionary War rice barge. Several specialized gardens, including the Herb Garden and the Barbados Tropical Gar- den, are nestled on the grounds. And children will naturally gravitate toward the petting zoo and the maze. But it would be a shame to leave without experiencing at least one of the guided tours. The house is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who bring the history of the planta- tion alive. Other tours include the nature train and nature boat. On the way out, at the Audubon Swamp Garden, stop to visit a true Southern blackwater cypress and tupelo swamp. Despite the Rev. Drayton’s
efforts, Julia never fell in love with
across remnants of plantation life such as a street of slave cabins or the pre-
the South – but you will fall in love with Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family,
Magnolia Plantation is the oldest public tourist site in the Charleston Lowcountry and the oldest public gardens in America. Opening its doors to visitors in 1870 you can view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens.
Join us to experience the beauty of its gardens and its rich history today!
MAGNOLIA PLANTATION AND GARDENS 3550 Ashley River Road - Charleston, SC 29414
(800) 367-3517 • (843) 571-1266
tours@magnoliaplantation.com www.magnoliaplantation.com
www.ILoveIOP.com |
www.ILoveCharleston.com |
www.WildDunesHomesAndCondos.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66