Charleston Gardens | Magnolia Gardens, Middleton Plantation, Mepkin Abbey and Gardens

Charleston garden spriteHistorically, the Charleston garden has been one of the city’s most venerated treasures. Early settlers found that blooms flourished in the warm, sub-tropical climate, and gardens that at first were functional in raising edible plants, later became a show of beauty and wealth. As the city prospered throughout the 18th century, elegance became a standard in Charleston, and what better way to accentuate the charming houses that were being built than to add florid gardens.

The “English garden” was a common theme in old Charleston, as garden concepts from Great Britain appealed to the colonial appetite for exterior grandeur. Today, many private gardens throughout Charleston’s historic district feature the sculpted symmetry that became such a showcase on every street long ago. A soil rich in calcium deposits was good for just about any plant, and the long hours of warming sun and mild temperatures made Charleston a great experimental garden for colonial botanists. Among the famed botany names who were residents of Charleston over the years were Alexander Garden, for whom the Gardenia is named; Joel Poinsett, for Cypress Garden butterflywhom the Poinsettia is named, and Philippe Noisette, for whom the Noisette Rose is named. Other major influences came from the royal gardener of French King Louis XVI, Andre Michaux, who was fascinated by Charleston, and it was here that he introduced the Crepe Myrtle and Mimosa to America. And of course, there was Rev. John Drayton, who turned his appropriately-named Magnolia Plantation into a lush garden, where he introduced the stunning Azalea to America.

The gardens of Charleston became city’s first great tourist attraction, as both public and private areas are in full bloom much of the year. Every block of the old city is radiant with color, and many private gardens are opened to the public each year in very popular tours of homes and gardens.

Public gardens are enjoyed at Hampton Park, White Pint Garden, Washington Square, Colonial Lake, Waterfront Park, and Marion Square, where banks of Azaleas, Pittosporum, Jasmine, and Dogwood burst colorfully in the Spring; Magnolias, Crepe Myrtles, and Hibiscus and Hydrangea are radiant in the Summer; Orthosiphon, Confederate Rose, Star Lilies and Rose of Sharon grace the Fall; and, Cassia, Camellia and Poinsettia bring color to Winter.

In addition there are numerous famous attractions at which the gardens are a major highlight. Along old Ashley River Road, three plantations are open for public visitation - Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation, and Middleton

Place - all renowned for their incredible garden displays. Set among old rice ponds and terraced river banks, these grand gardens are high on visitors‘ lists every year.

Thirty minuted from Charleston is historic Cypress Gardens, an exquisite natural setting in historic cypress swamps, where visitors can wend their way paddling small boats through the giant trees that grow from beneath the gently-flowing fresh water, and enjoy a picturesque haven of flowers and songbirds.

In the old city, several house museums such as the Nathaniel Russell House also display the historic garden areas that have been such a hallmark of Charleston, and one of the most enjoyable surprises in Charleston is to realize that a visit to historic graveyards at St. Michael’s, St. Philip’s, to the Unitarian Church includes a dazzling array of colorful plants and trees that imbue these solemn areas with a soothing sense of serenity.

Bordering quaint alleys, twisting gracefully through wrought iron, and swaying in harbor breezes, the flora of Charleston adds gloriously to the city spectacle, and literally brightens the experience of living in this marvelous natural garden.

Featured Listings

Look at our Latest listed properties and check out the features on them. Contact Us today to schedule a showing any day of the week.

  • 3208 Hartnett Isle of Palms $2,600,000.00

    3208 Hartnett · Isle of Palms

    Beautiful custom built home in 2017 on quiet street and only a short walk to the beach! Built by Pol

    $2,600,000.00 View Now
  • 7555 Ladys Secret Awendaw $1,895,000.00

    7555 Ladys Secret · Awendaw

    New construction on deep water with amazing sunset views! High tide at all times! If you are looking

    $1,895,000.00 View Now
  • 927 Preston Charleston $1,595,000.00

    927 Preston · Charleston

    Welcome to James Island and the coveted neighborhood of Fort Johnson Estates. Homes like this rarely

    $1,595,000.00 View Now
  • 1609 Ware Bottom Mount Pleasant $1,195,000.00

    1609 Ware Bottom · Mount Pleasant

    A wonderful opportunity to own a turnkey home in a great neighborhood and only minutes from downtown

    $1,195,000.00 View Now
  • 108 Westminster Avenue Summerville $479,000.00

    108 Westminster Avenue · Summerville

    Welcome to highly sought after Ashborough East, where you'll find a handsome two story house with lo

    $479,000.00 View Now
  • 749 Creekside Charleston $539,000.00

    749 Creekside · Charleston

    Welcome to 749 Creekside, a remodeled brick ranch residence in the highly desirable Lighthouse Point

    $539,000.00 View Now
  • 400 Murray Summerville $1,800,000.00

    400 Murray · Summerville

    Located next door to the Charleston Equine Clinic, this is an AMAZING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY or hom

    $1,800,000.00 View Now
  • 2015 Groveland North Charleston $509,999.00

    2015 Groveland · North Charleston

    Step into this stunning NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME just minutes from downtown Charleston and Park Circle

    $509,999.00 View Now
  • 7003 Old Landing Hanahan $1,090,000.00

    7003 Old Landing · Hanahan

    Come take a look at this beautiful CUSTOM built Lowcountry home presenting an opportunity to own a p

    $1,090,000.00 View Now
  • 528 Hayes Park Johns Island $714,500.00

    528 Hayes Park · Johns Island

    *NEVER BEFORE SEEN NEW CONSTRUCTION ON JOHNS ISLAND! Welcome to HAYES PARK Johns Island's only pedes

    $714,500.00 View Now