Be inspired by some of the most beautiful flowers and gardens in the Lowcountry
Step into nature’s wonderland
Story by Nancy Renner
Frustrated by the damage the cold snap did to your garden? Be inspired by visiting six beautiful gardens on this year’s All Saints Garden Tour. The self-guided tour is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, and features distinctive gardens in Bluffton and Hilton Head. A master gardener will be at each location to answer any gardening-related questions.
Take the tour
34th annual All Saints Garden Tour
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., May 20
Where: Hilton Head Island and Bluffton
Details: Visit six lovely Lowcountry gardens on this self-guided tour. A $35 ticket includes the garden tour and a boutique and bake sale at All Saints Episcopal Church. Net proceeds from the tour are given to smaller local charities that focus on hunger, homelessness, literacy and aging. More than $500,000 has been given to local charities from this annual event. Purchase tickets online at allsaintsgardentour.wordpress.com or in person at All Saints Church Episcopal Church, Burke’s Main Street Pharmacy, the Greenery, the Green Thumb, Hilton Head Wine & Spirits or Bruno Landscape & Nursery.
Serenity on the Sound
Location: Port Royal Plantation
The variety of plants, flowers, trees, shrubs and herbs creates a tropical paradise in this garden. The tall live oak forms a canopy framing breathtaking views of the Sound. From lawn and gardens, the landscape changes to tall beach grasses and sand dunes, where each season brings ever-changing colors and scenery. The vista of sea islands is a place of beauty that offers a unique serenity.
After the Deep Freeze
Location: Port Royal Plantation
This mature garden is continually a work in progress. Strolling down the walkway, you will be met by beautiful hydrangeas in various shades. Round the corner, and you are met by beach spider lilies and different species of allium draped by crepe myrtle. Mixed in with the perennials are colorful annuals to maximize color.
A Walk in the Park
Location: Wright Family Park, Bluffton
The Wright Family Park located on the bluff of the May River is a historic property passed down through decedents of the Pope family. It fulfills the wish to “show locals and guests the way things were and the beauty of the present.” Master gardeners propagated and planted historic camellias in the park. An assortment of grasses and seating areas along the bluff provide a setting to enjoy the tranquility of the river.
Mood for a Change
Location: Moss Creek
The cold damage inspired the owner of this lovely garden that overlooks a lagoon. She has been In the mood for a change, and this is her excuse. She plans to cut back and move plants and find new ones that the deer do not like. She enjoys buying new plants and finding a spot for them and thus is using the cold damage as an opportunity for change.
Nostra Gioia
Location: Hilton Head Plantation
The owners of this charming garden that sits on a lagoon had a three-fold plan. At Nostra Gioia (our joy), they wanted to have a pleasing front garden, a secret knot garden and a pleasant and colorful place to sit and contemplate nature, controlled and uncontrolled. “My husband wants a bird sanctuary,” the homeowner stated. “We will see.”
An Unexpected Garden
Location: Hilton Head Plantation
This garden includes an assortment of mature camellias and hydrangeas, producing an abundance of color throughout the year. The camellias bloom from late fall through late spring. The hydrangeas bloom from spring until late frost. The terrace garden was inspired by the gardens in Charleston. From the terrace, enjoy a secluded fern-lined wooded path.
