Meeting Street gardens in historic Charleston

February 12, 3:56 PMGardening ExaminerRobin Ripley

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Flowers, vines and shrubs are abundant, even in
on bustling Meeting Street in Charleston, where
residents create outdoor rooms and vistas in even the
most unlikely of small spaces.

Charleston has been called the "city set in a garden." Outside the city are the magnificent plantations, including Middleton and Magnolia. But it is in the center of the city that the garden abundance is reduced in size, concentrating the beauty like a diamond.

In the Meeting Street area of Charleston--a busy thoroughfare that runs from the busy downtown area to the stately and residences along the Battery--residents have adorned their courtyards, passageways, car park areas and even street signs with a profusion of plants and flowers. Their efforts give the city a distinctive character that charms visitors as they stroll down shaded streets.

Wrought iron gates and grillwork permit glimpses of interior gardens hidden behind vine-covered stone walls. Greenery and flowers are accented with graceful statuary and bubbling fountains. Cobblestone walks lend an air of timelessness to the city.

Even the smallest of details merit attention from the plant-loving city residents. Star jasmine climbs up some street signs. The risers on brick stairways are covered in miniature ivies. Windowboxes grace even the smallest windows.

If you plan to visit Charleston, choose the spring or early summer, when flowers are blooming and before the city becomes dismally hot. Check with one of the many visitor kiosks located around the city for information on guided walking tours.

You can see more of Charleston's gardening heritage at The Historic Charleston Foundation's Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 19 through April 18, 2009.

Or if your summer sightseeing is going to be from your armchair, then I recommend Gardens of Historic Charleston, by James R. Cothran.

You can start your visit with the short slideshow below.

You for reading! You can reach me at gardeningexaminer@gmail.com and can follow me on Twitter at @RobinRipley.

Did you also know I write about fresh foods? You can read my food columns at the D.C. Fresh Foods Examiner.

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