Marcy's Travel Blog- Mother Nature and the Magnolia Plantation

The morning sky was beautiful as we set out to see the Magnolia Plantation's Gardens. The vast garden was developed by John Drayton.  A few years after he assumed ownership of Magnolia Plantation he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. His doctor suggested he get outdoors and work his land as a way to improve his health. This was in the late1830's or early 1840's.

Also, according to his writings, John Drayton wanted to create an earthly paradise in which his wife- his "dear Julia" may forever forget Philadelphia and her desire to return there.








And what was developed over the years was  indeed heavenly. A Reverend and man of deep gratitude for nature, he worked to make a place that would inspire worship. Through wars, hurricanes, and rebuilding- the gardens have endured.

A picture is worth a thousand words- so for you nature lovers, it's picture time!

The Plantation has been in here since 1680

This main house is the third to stand here, the first destroyed by lightening, the second burned by General Sherman's troops during the Civil War.

Spanish Moss over one of the many swamp areas. Prior to the Civil War the marsh's were used to grow rice, so once were called the "Gold Coast".

A cannon ball from the Civil War now graces the front stairway.

The Ashley river graces part of the Plantation gardens

Statues are strategically placed throughout

Cypress nubs from Cypress roots

The overhanging tree reflects in the water's edge.

Quiet beauty seemed to be everywhere I pointed my camera!

Flowering bushes were everywhere- with more waiting to bloom

This was an interesting variety to the solid colors.

Many of the walkways had a canopy of green!

One of the many different shades of flowers here! Beautiful!

My friend Jan walks under a trellis of wisteria vines. In another month, these vines will be laden with beautiful purple blooms!

Jan on one of the many bridges.

The reflection of this bridge in the water almost gives it a double decker appearance.

We stopped for a picnic lunch on this lookout tower.

This area was the more structured English style garden

This bridge seems to be built around a tree

This bridge led to an Oriental area

A portion of the bamboo forest

This is so pretty, it almost looks like a painting!

Statue of Saint Francis of Assisi. Can you see the bird on his shoulder?

That's me looking rather out of focus, saying goodbye after a wonderful day of natures beauty!

I'll be blogging again soon on some of my exploring adventures on Isle of Palms, as well as the city of Charleston! Until then!