Garden Finder > USA > South Carolina > Caldwell-Boylston Garden, SC Governor's Mansion

Last updated on 06 January 09

Caldwell-Boylston Garden, SC Governor's Mansion

  • Caldwell-Boylston Garden, SC Governor's Mansion Photograph © Wanda Teat
  • Gate, Caldwell-Boylston Garden Photograph © The South Carolina Governor's Mansion
  • Governors mansion columbia Photograph © Sue Kramer Designs
  • Governorsmansioncolumbia Photograph © Sue Kramer Designs

Gardenvisit Editorial

Located on one of the highest hills in Columbia, the mansion was built in 1855 and was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The Caldwell-Bolyston House is located on the north side of the mansion grounds. The gardens were started by the builder of the Caldwell-Boylston House (John Caldwell) in the 1830s. The pea gravel paths are in their original 1830s location. Basically a green garden, the garden is planned on four tiers and features elegant fountains, rectangular boxwood enclosed beds and some large Magnolia and Crape Myrtle trees.

Head Gardener's Comment

According to Horticulturist Mike Lee, "The nine acre site features an intricate display of boxwoods, an extensive camellia collection, flowing fountains, and state champion trees."

History

Originally designed in the 1830s, the historic garden rooms remain as indicated on the Birdseye View map of Columbia in 1872. First established by the Caldwell family, owner Sarah Porter Smith Boylston nurtured the gardens for 69 years. She entertained Winston Churchill, Tallulah Bankhead, Lord Mountbatten, and Ethel Barrymore there.

Plants of Note

1830s ginko, magnolias, incense cedar, camellias. Lady Bank's rose

Address - 800 Richland Street, Columbia, South Carolina, USA, SC 29201
Opening times - Monday - Friday. 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Admission - Free
Website - Visit the Caldwell-Boylston Garden, SC Governor's Mansion website

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