Five Southern Gardens That Feed the Soul
Words by Paige Townley
Across the South, beauty grows differently. It’s in the wild wisteria twisting up iron gates, the soft hum of bees drifting between camellias, and the way old oaks hold the light just so. For travelers who find peace in petals and power in landscapes that tell a story, the South’s gardens offer more than picture-perfect blooms. They invite you to slow down, wander, and reconnect. From Alabama’s riverbanks to the rolling hills of North Carolina, these six gardens remind us how deeply nature roots itself in our sense of place.
Barnsley Resort | Adairsville, Georgia
About an hour outside of Atlanta, Barnsley Resort unfolds across 3,000 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The heart of the property is the Manor House Ruins and Gardens, the romantic remains of a 19th-century estate built by Godfrey Barnsley for his wife, Julia. Today, visitors can stroll the same parterre gardens that once framed their home, where fountains murmur and roses soar. Roam the manicured lawns, linger by the multi-tiered fountain, or step into the on-site museum to trace the family’s story through artifacts and photographs.
Biltmore Estate | Asheville, North Carolina
The Biltmore Estate has long defined grandeur in the South, but its gardens reveal a quieter kind of delight. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the visionary behind New York City’s Central Park, these landscapes were crafted to complement the magnificence of George Vanderbilt’s home and the rolling beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Today, the gardens remain true to that original intent, a seamless blend of art, history, and stewardship. From the spring spectacle of tulips and azaleas to the deep greens of summer and the burnished hues of fall, every season tells part of the estate’s story. Even in winter, the conservatory glows with life as palms and orchids bloom.
Middleton Place | Charleston, South Carolina
History breathes through every corner of Middleton Place, where reflecting pools echo the elegance of another era. Recognized as America’s oldest landscaped gardens, this National Historic Landmark was designed in the 18th-century English style, inspired by the symmetry and opulence of Versailles, France, yet shaped by the Lowcountry’s unique light, climate, and soil. Visitors can walk terraced lawns overlooking the Butterfly Lakes, lose themselves in hidden corners like the Secret Gardens, and discover marble statues tucked among centuries-old camellias, including one of the first ever brought to America almost 240 years ago.
The best gardens aren’t just grown; they’re lived in.
Brookgreen Gardens | Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Part botanical wonderland and part open-air art museum, Brookgreen Gardens is a celebration of creativity and conservation. Founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, the gardens reflect both creative vision and cultural legacy. Towering live oaks, some over 300 years old, form the iconic moss-draped allée that welcomes visitors into a world where sculptures (more than 2,000 in total) and scenic landscapes seamlessly coexist. Each season brings its own kind of beauty—spring azaleas bursting with color, summer caladiums glowing beneath the ancient oaks, and camellias brightening winter’s quiet corners. Hidden gems like the Woodland Garden and the Youth Taming the Wild sculpture reward visitors who take their time and explore.
Bellingrath Gardens | Theodore, Alabama
Tucked along the Fowl River near Mobile, Alabama, Bellingrath Gardens is a year-round feast for the senses. Created by Walter and Bessie Bellingrath and opened to the public in 1932, the 65-acre estate features a 15-room home, built with salvaged brick and ironwork from historic Mobile, while the surrounding gardens unfold in a kaleidoscope of seasonal color. It’s blooming with something different each season, while the waterfront views make it easy to linger at any time of year.
Grow Your Own: Simple Inspiration for a Southern Spring Garden
You don’t need acres of land or a grand estate to enjoy the magic of a garden. Start small with a raised bed, a few pots on the porch, or a sunny patch by the mailbox. Southern soil and sun can work wonders when you choose hardy favorites like zinnias, hydrangeas, and native wildflowers. Layer textures and colors the way nature does—tall in the back, draping in the front, and plenty of room to breathe in between.
Plant with the seasons: Bulbs such as daffodils and tulips should be planted in fall for a burst of early spring color, followed by herbs and pollinator-friendly blooms as the weather warms. And don’t forget to feed your soul, too. Add a garden chair or birdbath where you can pause and simply be. After all, the best gardens aren’t just grown; they’re lived in.
