Swan Lake - Part 2
Swan Lake in Sumter, SC is known for its accidental iris garden.
This space was formerly the private property of Hamilton Carr Bland.
After planting Japanese irises that did not pan out, he had the bulbs dug up and tossed in the swamp.
Bulbs have a mind of their own sometimes since they have come back in a big way!
Across the street from the main part of the park is a swampier version. There is an overpass for easy crossing.
Boardwalks are always a treat.
How big can a southern magnolia tree flower become?
Here I am trying to demonstrate size. This one is approximately the size of my head. These trees typically grow to 50 feet in height.
This wonderful place features a chocolate garden.
A chocolate garden is one that features plants that either smell like chocolate or look like chocolate.
It also contains metal chocolate kisses and a chocolate bench.
There is a butterfly garden of blooms that attract the darling insects.
There were not many flowers in bloom at the time of our visit. It was still a whimsical garden to walk through.
The park also features a braille garden. This means fragrant! Those who are visually impaired can read about the amazing scents they are taking in.
If you go, open daily 7:30am to dusk, free of charge.
822 West Liberty Street (US 763)
Sumter, SC
Thank you for stopping by! ~Val
In our state, Iris is wild flower...glad to know there is Iris garden.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day
People really enjoy planting iris bulbs in their gardens here. We found the same when living up in New England. The flowers are such beauties.
DeleteHow beautiful, Val, the garden is! You look so pretty pushing on that adorable butterfly settee.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kitty. The butterfly bench is so sweet.
DeleteBeautiful :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Gabi.
DeletePart of that area looks like typical southern bottomland and I would love to explore through there. I bet there is a wide range of interesting wildlife.
ReplyDeleteThere was a wide range of wildlife. The environment is so perfect with the islands and cypress trees.
DeleteThis place looks great . I like the photo of you in front of the yellow butterfly - very cool.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sandy!
DeleteOh my! That magnolia is ENORMOUS! And it's really beautiful. I like the irises too. Oh, I like the whole thing!
ReplyDeleteIsn't is a wonderful place? We will definitely be back. The gardens are designed to have year round color!
DeleteGüzel yer
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteYou do find the coolest places to visit. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam. We are surrounded by beautiful places!
DeleteThis Swan Lake does look like a perfect place to visit. I loved to story of those iris flowers that were planted but wouldn't grow and then when they got thrown away in the swamp, they decided to blossom. Flowers often have a mind of their own.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photography! I really like your white dress as well. You look lovely.
Thank you Ivana. The irises are such beauties.
DeleteEstupenda entrada! gracias por tu visita! feliz dia!!! :-) :-) :-)
ReplyDeleteGracia Carolina! Feliz dia a tu!
DeleteThat place is stunning, wish I could be there☺
ReplyDeleteThank you Natalia. It is truly stunning!
Deletewow so amazing place;)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy!
DeleteGorgeous place, love all of these flowers!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI live in SC, but I've never been to this beautiful garden!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a place to visit. The gardens are designed to enjoy year round.
DeleteButterfly bench is the best! Kisses :*
ReplyDeleteIt was a treat to rest on it!
DeleteThe colors are stunning!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I love that butterfly chair/bench. And the chocolate garden? It might be an answer to my chocolate addiction, I can just smell it without touching...lol! Stunning images and a beautiful inviting garden.
ReplyDeleteThank you Khaya! Chocolate is a beautiful thing, isn't it? That garden was a brilliant idea!
DeleteWhat a fabulous continuation from your previous post.
ReplyDeleteAn absolute joy to sit in the comfort of my chair and admire this garden through your beautiful selection and variety of photographs ... nice to see you in them too.
Thanks again for a wonderful post.
All the best Jan
Thank you! It is a perfect place to visit.
Deletei love love this photos;)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy!
DeleteHi Miss Val, I can smell the amazing scents from the garden.
ReplyDeleteThe Southern Magnolia is big and beautiful.
So many giant Southern Magnolia trees in my neighborhood Baton Rouge, no wonder, magnolia is the state flower of Louisiana :)
Thank you Evi! The massive Magnolia flowers are so fabulous!
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