During our visits to the Carolinas we traveled to many unique gardens. We invite you to join us in our tours of these historic Southern landscapes.
Photos by Keith Olson & Lorelie Olson. Text by Lorelie Olson
ARRIVAL AT THE RESERVE
The sign leading to the lovely neighborhood home of Tim’s brother Jerry and sister-in-law Keith was underplanted with April pansies to welcome us. Shrubs and blooming trees, hanging baskets and fountains graced their traditional Southern garden.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
We celebrated our 49th anniversary in a variety of ways, with elegant restaurant dinners, family parties, neighborhood walks, and garden tours and a concert at Duke University. The Doris Duke Center gardens featured unique metal iris sculptures in front of the gift shop.
NATIVE PLANT GARDEN
In North Carolina, April is certainly azalea month! In the native plant area we saw azaleas in sweeping colorful drifts along the walkways. Keith and I were also intrigued by the many blooming shrubs in front of newly leafed out trees.
THE TERRACE GARDEN
The Terrace Garden is the oldest part of the present Sarah P Duke gardens, and features seasonal color in formal raised beds, often made of stone. April bloom included massed violas and tulips, providing more large sweeps of color.
A BRIDGE AND A WATER GARDEN
A short walk from the formal lower beds led us over an arching metal iris bridge to the lake and rolling green lawns. Tim and Jerry found a bench for rest and a conversation about our lovely afternoon!
Our next garden visit will be in Asheville to the Biltmore Estate, so join us then!
To view previous garden tour post – click here
Coat and tie! That’s the South. I love finding bridges in a garden or woods
Such fun! Thank you for sharing!