After my lecture for the Charleston Horticulture Society, an elderly woman came up to me and said, “I know it will seem bold for a lady to do this, but I’m 90 years old and can be bold. I’ll cancel all my appointments tomorrow, if you’ll come see my garden.”

The only response for a well raised Southern boy was, I’d be delighted to!

Lucile MacLennen’s Rare Garden

Little did I know of the treat in store. Lucile MacLennen showed me (and I brought along 6 awe struck guests) an amazing, rare, totally documented collection of wild plants from South Carolina. This reminded me of two things. First, garden visiting is a great tradition that we have to make time for. Second, take chances. You never know who or what will open doors to new delights.

Later I met Michael Moran and his parents for a little garden tour. Michael loves trees and wood and makes the most beautiful furniture… it’s like he knows whats in a tree, waiting to get out.

In the downtown garden we care for, Ethan Kauffman and Madison Turnblat and I will do lots of sheering as well as trashing of winter annuals and planting for summer. We’re also adding water lilies and tropicals to one of the fountains. It’s a test!

Looking Good Now

Dutch Iris Oriental Beauty is a hit with everyone
Toadflax -the native and the European making masses of easter egg colors
Tulipa clusiana Cynthia still in flower and looking great with burgundy crinum emerging through it.
Verbena Homestead Purple Looks best this time of year!
Stokesia – thick, lush, erect leaves look green and fresh now
Narcissus Statosphere is the last daff in flower.
Nicotiana mutablis – seeded in August, planted out in September, Full flower today! See picture

What’s the Work

We pulled and cut and chopped and folded all those winter/spring plants that have faded. We did this for two full days. Now the little Charleston garden is ready for summer annuals. So its time to plan the colors, to order the caladiums and get the liquid feed ready!

The other, most important work of the week, was photographing and taking notes. Those will become the plan for next year.