We love the color of springtime in Charleston. From the window boxes of downtown homes to historic plantations and city parks our area comes alive with color this time of year. After a chilly winter, we’re ready to shake off the gray of winter and soak up the blossoms of the season.
Here are some suggestions to great places to catch the color display:
Middleton Place: This 18th-century plantation is home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens. Created by Henry Middleton, he established an intricate space crafted in logic and geometry. The garden adapts to the contours of the land, and walkways are adorned with trees and shrubs, green arbors and sculptures. This spring look for dozens of plants, including Confederate Jasmine, wisteria, dogwood trees and plenty of annuals. Check out this list of what’s in bloom each month at Middleton.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: Photo opps abound at these gardens, which were first established in the late 17th century. Beginning in April, you’ll see blooms of azaleas, daffodil, dogwoods, honeysuckle, Jasmine, roses, tea olive and wisteria – to name a few. Check out this list of what’s blooming at Magnolia.
Cypress Gardens: It’s worth heading out to Moncks Corner to see the dogwoods, native Iris and azaleas blooming at this swampland sanctuary. Plus, there are a number of bird species to see because they won’t migrate north until late April or early May. The wintertime feathered residents include ruby-crowned Kinglets, solitary warbler, swamp sparrow, yellow-throated vireos and ruby-throated hummingbirds to name a few. See what’s in bloom at Cypress Gardens.
Charleston Parks: Local nonprofit the Charleston Parks Conservancy helps make the parks in the city beautiful spaces to relax, play, have a picnic or get some exercise. With plenty of volunteers, the Conservancy planted hundreds of daffodils earlier this year and they are coming to life! See some of their handiwork in Brittlebank Park on Lockwood Boulevard, Allan Park on Ashley Avenue and Cannon Park at Rudledge Avenue and Calhoun Street. Check out the Conservancy’s Park Directory to learn more about all of Charleston’s 120 parks and green spaces.
Some events where you can see both public and some amazing private gardens:
- April 1-20 Festival of Houses and Gardens – Take a series of walking tours through Charleston’s historic district, getting a glimpse into the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences, dating to the 18th century. 843-722-3405
- April 5 Kiawah Island Art and House Tour – The tour features five Kiawah Island homes. It is sponsored by the Gibbes Museum of Art member auxiliary group, Gibbes, etc. 843-722-2706
- April 5-6 House and Garden Tours – Hosted by the Garden Club of Charleston, these two walking tours take visitors through private homes and gardens in Charleston’s historic district.
- April 5-7 YMCA Flowertown Festival – Visit the town of Summerville to see the azaleas in bloom and shop the goods of more than 200 artists who participate in this annual arts and crafts festival. Azalea Park and the surrounding streets are filled with food vendors, activities and rides for children. This event is consistently rated one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
We’d love to hear about the places you’ve visited that are bursting with blooms. And be sure to share some photos with us on Facebook!