Exploring History and Hospitality: A Garden Guide to Charleston, South Carolina
- Katie Burnham
- Apr 9, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 25, 2024
Last summer, my mom texted me asking if I wanted to go on a cruise to the Bahamas in April for a family reunion of sorts. While at the time it was hot and beautiful in Washington, I knew that surviving the dark and chilly winter would be a little easier if I had a tropical vacation to look forward to. While my mom and my sisters are not typical frequenters of cruises or tropical destinations--I love beaches, warm weather, and palm trees. So of course I said "yes!" right away and booked my cruise reservation.
Unbeknownst to me, this extended family trip was booked during this particular week in April because it was spring break for my cousins, nieces, and nephews. Which meant it was spring break for everyone else on the east coast too! So, in an attempt to save a bit of money on a plane ticket, I flew into Charleston, South Carolina (where the cruise port was) a few days early. While in Charleston, I had an amazing time playing tourist, admired the victorian houses, and took notes on the beautiful gardens. While I mostly observed private gardens from the street, I had a chance to walk through a handful of public parks and greenways.
I stayed in a quaint and quiet hostel in downtown Charleston, which turned out to be an amazing location! I was able to walk out the front door and visit a handful of parks and historical areas. Cannon Park and Colonial Lake were about a 10 and 15 minute walk (respectfully) and I enjoyed the greenery, formal and informal landscaping, and the water.
Colonial Lake was surrounded by paved sidewalks, benches, and an array of plants. I saw a variety of azaleas, coriopsis, roses, palm trees, and lots of trees and shrubs I couldn't identify. I thought it was really neat seeing the climbing roses growing up palm trees!
In several places around Charleston, I noticed that garden beds were often top-dressed with decaying leaves from the surrounding trees. Some beds were even top-dressed with pine needles, though I'm not sure why because I couldn't find a single pine tree in my explorations! Possibly, the soil is too alkaline and they're experimenting with natural acidification? Your guess is as good as mine.
Further along on my walking tour of Charleston, I came to White Point Garden. The ancient oak trees that line the pathways create beautiful light specked shade throughout the park. There are a variety of statues, old Civil War cannons, and a gazebo in the center of the park. White Point Garden is operated by the Charleston Parks Conservancy and is open to the public and pets.
Across the street from White Point Garden, the privately owned victorian homes are painted in unique pastel colors that bring life to this old street. Many of the homes have iron fences, lined with palm trees, boxwoods, and statues. These gardens were both formal and informal at the same time, giving these gardens a flavor that was uniquely Charleston. Some of the best streets to look at old homes and beautiful gardens are Broad Street, Battery Street, and Meeting Street.
In addition to the inviting and ancient parks and gardens, Downtown Charleston has old streets lined with trees and greenery. Even on a bright and sunny day, there was lots of cool shade to walk underneath and observe the beauty.
Further north, I found myself enjoying Hampton Park. Hampton Park is rather large at 60 acres, with several paved and dirt trails that meander through grassy lawns, ancient oak forests, and planted garden beds. I loved the natural and informal gardening here, where oak leaves line the pathways and garden beds, adding much needed organic matter that feed soil microbes. I found the moss dangling from tree branches enchanting and stopped to sit on a bench to have a snack and enjoy the sunshine. Hampton Park is operated and maintained by the City of Charleston.
I had a great time walking around the city and thoroughly enjoyed the monuments, parks, gardens, and water features. If you ever find yourself in Charleston, SC, definitely take a day to walk around the city and enjoy the many free and beautiful parks and gardens.
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