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Great Gardens of the USA: The Charleston & South Carolina Garden

World Gardens

Did you know...

  • The pineapple motif depicted in the garden is synonymous with the locality. A ship's captain would spike a pineapple and place it on a stick outside his home to indicate his return from sea and to welcome visitors to the house
  • Joggling boards can be seen at the entrance to the garden. These were made to sit on and the movement they generate is similar to being in a horse and carriage – a welcome relief from arthritis for the person for whom they were originally invented
  • Airplants can be seen hanging from the branches of the trees. These blow in the air and 'hook' themselves over branches creating a denser canopy in the tree

About the garden

Taking the viewer on a magical journey to the charming city of Charleston in South Carolina, the garden’s design captures the spirit, elegance and history of this beautiful region of the United States.

Included is a water feature based on Charleston’s famous Pineapple fountain, wrought iron railings, and walls and pillars made from reclaimed brick. A pair of joggling boards painted in classic Charleston green appear at the front of the garden under the characterful trees, which are set within the grass planting. The planting includes species such as gardenia, Lagerstroemia, Cycas revoluta and Citrus x limon. 

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.