Magnolia Gardens, Public gardens in Charleston County, United States.
Magnolia Gardens is a 400-acre public park in Charleston County that stretches along the Ashley River, showcasing collections of azaleas, camellias, and other flowering plants. The property includes wetlands, lakes, and the Audubon Swamp Garden, which guides visitors through paths into the natural surroundings.
Reverend John Grimké Drayton of the Drayton family created these gardens in the 1840s, establishing paths and landscaping around the former rice plantation. The site developed within the context of the plantation industry and its complex legacy.
The gardens preserve the history of the plantation era, documenting the work of enslaved individuals who maintained the fields and shaped the landscape.
Visitors can use numerous walking paths that lead through seasonal flowers, wetlands, and garden areas, with guided tours available throughout the day. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and it is helpful to plan time to explore the different sections of the grounds.
The grounds provide documented habitat for around 267 bird species, making it a significant location for bird watching in South Carolina. Visitors can observe and hear many different species during their time there.
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