Our April visit to Carolina gardens continued with a walking tour and a horse-drawn carriage ride through Middleton Place plantation grounds near Charleston, South Carolina.
Photos by Keith Olson & Lorelie Olson
Text by Lorelie Olson
THE REFLECTION POOL
We are greeted by an impressive entry sign to “America’s Oldest Landscape Gardens,” and we begin our walking portion of the garden tour. The reflection pool, framed by trees and formal gardens provides shade and serenity on this warm morning.
CYPRESS LAKE
As we walk north we can see the area that borders Cypress Lake. We get an impression of a subtropical swamp, complete with wildlife: turtles, herons, even an alligator!!
THE AZALEA GARDENS
Continuing our loop trail through the formal azalea gardens, we enjoy the statuary, brilliant azaleas in bloom, and cool green of lawns and trees.
OUR CARRIAGE ARRIVES
We stroll back to the Visitors’ Center, tired from our long walk and ready to rest! Our carriage, driver, and horses are in place to take us in comfort along the rice fields, ponds, lakes and bridges.
PLANTATION ANIMALS
Heading toward the “animal farm,” we see a variety of domestic animals typical of earlier times. The peacock doesn’t spread its wings for us, but the ducks show their napping techniques!
GOODBYE TO THE GARDEN
We are ready to leave, with our last views of the entry gardens and scrollwork framing different areas.
Thank you for joining us on our plantation garden tour!
To view L Olson’s previous garden post – click here
