Secret Gardens of Charleston

Montagu St., Charleston, S.C.

I walk the same streets over and over accustomed to peeking over fences and between gates and then once and awhile the gates are flung open like an invitation. How sweet is this?  It would be funny to live in that tiny Gothic outbuilding and have the grand entrance and garden.

My work days have been so busy lately a peaceful weekend has been welcome. I went to see the movie Chef yesterday and enjoyed it very much. Don't go on an empty stomach!

Check out writer and chef Holly Herrick's new blog at The Permanent Tourist. She will be featuring "Simply Saturday", a  weekly column featuring original recipes from her kitchen based upon produce and products from Charleston area farmers markets and produce stands.  You will find seasonal, simple recipes that use very few ingredients but are packed with fresh flavor – my favorite kind of cooking. This week's recipe is a Creamy White Turnip soup.

Enjoy your Sunday! I am heading out for my morning walk and I'll see what mischief I can get up to today.

A head for decor on Queen St.

Queen St. Garden, Charleston, S.C.

It didn't take long walking down Queen St. to realize there was a trend  - a head trend! That third shot had me laughing! Not sure how to explain it.

Middleton Place in full glory

Middleton Place, Charleston, S.C.

Time has been slipping by and I knew this might be the last weekend to get the blossoms in full glory. My annual pass to Magnolia Plantations had expired so I decided to go to Middleton Place this time. It is a little further out and has a more formal garden to wander in as well as a restaurant and Inn. The weatherman threatened storms today and I stayed just a few steps ahead of the dramatic skies.

My camera packing friends have been haunting the gardens making me jealous lately with their beautiful pictures on Facebook. I almost expected someone I knew to pop out from behind an azalea bush. A couple  did call out to me and I was able to meet a couple of online friends - artist Kathy Bates and her husband Bill (below). She is a very talented water color artist and I was tickled that they recognized me.

Middleton Place is beautiful at any time of the year but especially now. Go!

Secret Gardens

Secret Garden, Charleston, S.C.

Mary: It's a secret garden.
Dickon: Secrets are safe with me.