News
See Great Gardens in Columbia and Lexington
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own garden or just want to see some lovely outdoor spaces, two Midlands garden tours are just what Mother Nature ordered
The ninth annual Lexington Master Gardener Volunteers Tour, today, Saturday and Sunday, includes nine gardens in the West Columbia and Irmo areas, plus Riverbanks Botanical Garden. Landscapes and gardens on the tour include courtyard gardens surrounded by tall brick walls, climbing vines and espaliered shrubs, water features, a cottage garden, ivy terraces, an infinity pool and an herb garden.
The Columbia Green annual Festival of Gardens, today and Saturday, features 12 homes in the Spring Valley area with a variety of landscapes: gardens on the golf course, on lakes and in backyards hidden from the road; a garden train; and the garden of a national rosarian.
2010 Columbia Green Festival of Gardens
Garden 1, Ann and Steve Holtschlag, 236 Spring Valley Road - Gardening in the South was a new experience for this couple transplanted from colder climates in 1993. Year-round gardening has had a happy aspect for the Holtschlags, who built their garden from scratch. The landscape is designed as a family gathering place since the Holtschlag clan is widely scattered.
Garden 2, Jane and Greg Evans, 120 Spring Valley Court - The Evanses moved from Charleston, and the influence of that city is found throughout this space. Guests will find it hard to believe that this garden is only two years old— it is a jewel box of color, variety and whimsy.
Garden 3, Susan Hamilton and Tom Gross, 116 Southlake Road - This garden radiates with color in every season with trees, bushes and perennials. The centerpiece is a recirculating stream that meanders through the terraced garden before flowing into Lower Spring Valley Lake.
Garden 4, Francine and Phil Smith, 201 Southlake Road - Look past the screen of palms to the front porch of this Craftsman inspired house, and you'll pots of agaves and succulents with colorful annuals. The containers have a structural quality that mirrors the clean lines of the house. The combination of architecture and landscape make the visit worthwhile.
Garden 5, Betsy and Harry Mashburn, 8 Northlake Road - Many events supporting charities and other organizations take place in this impressive garden.
Garden 6, Steven Ford and Alonso Cuellar, 1 Tiftgreen Circle - This spacious home "speaks Southern," and the owners have been adding their style on the structure of this garden since they moved in a year ago.
Garden 7, Linda and Bill Stern, 2134 Bermuda Hills Road - Linda Stern envisions her front garden as an interplay of shades of green, as she brings her background in design to one of the prettiest landscapes with a golf course view.
Garden 8, Yvonne and Donald Russell, 2400 Bermuda Hills Road - The house and landscape are only two years old but give the impression of a thoughtfully planned and executed Southern garden. The garden "rooms" were given the same attention as the home's interior.
Garden 9, Vijaya and Satish Prabhu, 18 Long Meadow Lane - This space has been designated the best rose garden in the Southeast United States by the American Rose Society. The Prabhus grow roses for exhibition and competition, but that will be the last thing on your mind as you pass under the rose-draped gate.
Garden 10, Karen and Charles Potok, 311 East Springs - This area around Clark Lake is one of the prettiest in Spring Valley, and the lake provides a backdrop for the traditional Southern landscape design of this tree-shaded yard.
Garden 11, Carreen and Bill Frew, 837 Kinlock - The front yard of this home puts on a show during azalea season, but it's in the backyard where creativity really shines. Friends and neighbors often pass through the Frews' gate to pick a sprig of fresh herbs or find a fresh vegetable or two. Birds are welcome, too; the weeping yaupon holly is an avian salad bar when the berries are on the tree.
Garden 12, Erika and Jack Swerling, 14 Glenlake Road - The landscaping showcases the architecture of this unique Spring Valley home.
Click here to read the full article.
Originally posted in The State.
Compiled by Carol J.G. Ward
