Since we purchased the Haughton-McIver house we have focused on renovations and interior design to present this wonderfully restored home to the public for tours and functions.  We opened in 2006 and received Chatham County’s Chamber of Commerce Rookie Business of the Year award.  We have enjoyed weddings, bridal luncheons, and baby showers.  We displayed our home for the County’s Christmas tour, and received  tours from historical groups, antique clubs, garden clubs, retired teachers and of course the Red Hats.  Now, we are pleased to expand our interests through our landscape and gardens.  Please visit our website in the Spring as we update this page with garden photos that we hope you will enjoy.  In the meanwhile, enjoy a few photos of our October 2009 grounds as we continue to plan and layout our gardens within.

Our Landscaping October 2009

Below, established trees, both deciduous and evergreen surround the property and display the glory of autumn.  In early spring, the wood lines will be newly dotted with colorful dogwoods and the ornamental purple pink flowers of the Redbud.

October produces seeds to feed the birds during the cold season from our
Barberry bushes, grand Magnolia tree, and English Hollies.

The property features a grand 50-foot Magnolia gradiflora “Majestic Beauty” and an equally aged Pine.  Both trees are listed by the National Registry of Historic Places as part of the preservation of the property. 

 October still displays reblooms from our Cannas and a budding Gardenia joins
the fall spectacle of the Spider Lily.

      


 The bold colors of the Chinese Witchhazel in one garden is in sharp contrast to the soft whisper of the
Gulf Muhlygrass in another.

      

We wait now with anticipation for the first signs of Spring showing the flowering buds of our Yellow Lady Banks Rose Vine across an arbor, the stunning ornamental display of our front Bradford Pear and Cherry Plum Trees.  It is then that our new gardens within these landscaped borders will begin their magical parade.

What garden plans do we have planned?  You will have to wait until Spring and visit our property and of course check our website for updates.  You won’t be disappointed.  We will be announcing an open house weekend during May or June.  All are welcome!

Remember us on Mother’s Day.  Again this year during Mother’s Day week we will run an overnight special for mothers and daughters to spend a relaxing and bonding time together, leaving their responsibilities behind for just one day.  There is no greater gift to a mother than your time.  Take it easy on the back porch rockers overlooking the gardens while sipping a mint julep and sharing stories, cool off with a dip in the pool, or enjoy Gone with the Wind in the parlor followed by a late night soak in the hut tub. In the morning, awake to a lavish candlelight Southern breakfast served on fine china, crystal and silver.  

 

Garden Friends Share (GFS) During the planning and planting stages of our gardens, I enjoyed participating in a Yahoo group called Garden Friends Share (GFS).  They have been invaluable in providing timely advice, sharing information and techniques, and sharing their flowers in trade from all areas of the United States.  The group bonds with a simple focus:   to add to the enjoyment and beauty of each other's gardens while chatting as friends.  They are open for membership.  If you are smitten with gardening, beginner or Master, this group is for you. To join, click here: Garden Friends Share