Perhaps to say that this post is in some way a documentation of the gardens of Charleston overstates it a bit. However, when Brenda and I went for a walk yesterday I thought that it would be fun to find some nice gardens to include in a post. The weather continues to be wonderful if a bit chilly but it’s perfect for walking around town.
Into every life a bit of rain must fall and our day will likely be Tuesday. I guess that will have to be our chore day. Besides, the engine oil needs to be changed and wash needs to be done. At some point I also have to change the zincs on the prop but will have to wait until we are in a place with less current. I’d hate to be swept under the dock with the current, pretty creepy thought.
It’s amazing to see just how scenic Charleston is. The level of detail that goes into everything is inspiring. In lusting after the gardens I do have to remind myself about the cost of all this. However, taking pictures is cheap so here goes. We were told that when a gate is let open to the street it means that the owner is welcoming you to explore their gardens. Alas, on a Saturday with loads of tourists, no gates open. These photos were taken through a hole in the gate or bars. Most of the best gardens we saw were very compact and some, like this one, surround a driveway.
Some are very simple with meticulously sculpted hedges. Not a lot of oil stains on this driveway. Very elegant. 
The architectural details are a visual feast. This patio/driveway wouldn’t last a single winter in Essex.
Some are perhaps better described as intimate vistas. It was hard to tear myself away from this one. Imagine an evening pitcher of mint juleps here with friends. Mmmm…
Container gardens are wonderful and there are plenty to feast your eyes on here in Charleston.
And an endless variety of window boxes, most with automatic watering systems. You’d surely need them in the heat of summer.
There is an amazing amount of ivy growing everywhere but it’s nearly always very carefully maintained. I expect that it is trimmed nearly as often as the yards, as small as they are, are mowed. Labor intensive is the standard here in the nicest neighborhoods.
You can be pretty lavish with your attention to detail when your front yard is only 5′ deep. I wish my yard was smaller. How great that would be.
Intimate of not, these gardens are nothing compared to the homes that they surround. I can’t imagine keeping such a work of art looking fresh for a hundred years. This would be a good example of the house owning you.
However, in all their grandeur, no house, even here, can rival the beauty of today’s sunrise as viewed from Pandora. And the cost is only the willingness to be up early enough to enjoy it.
I am blessed to be here with Brenda. What a wonderful city. So, what to do today? So much to do, so little time.