Exploring the Low Country - Part 2 - Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The main reason for our trip to Charleston, South Carolina was to attend our nephew's wedding, which was held at the Magnolia Plantation, on the banks of the Ashley River a bit northwest of town. Founded in 1679 and still owned today by the Drayton Family, Magnolia is the oldest public garden in the U.S. It was opened to the public for tours in 1870.


After the wedding we spent several hours just wandering around the gardens.

There are walking paths and little bridges all over the place, and lots of ponds of various sizes. Many were covered with duckweed, which looks like a solid carpet of bright green. 

This little bridge was built around a tree.

We did see a few alligators, but I didn't have a long lens with me. I was able to get fairly close to this one. Looks like a fairly young one to me. I didn't ask if his parents were around.

We didn't tour any of the buildings, instead spending all of our time outside wandering around.

Click here to see more images from our visit to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, in Charleston, South Carolina.