Must-see southern gardens

Southern Living, Spring 2001 by Riley, Ellen, Druitt, Liz, Bender, Steve, DiNella, Glenn R, Thigpen, Charlie

But don't take our word for it. Go for a drive and look-- you'll like what's out there.

Our Garden staff are not the only ones devoting their lives to the pursuit of gardening for the masses. Whatever you need help with, public gardens are ready to lend a hand. There are hundreds of great ones around the South, but here are the five we consider the cream of the crop.

CHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN AND MUSEUM OF ART, NASHVILLE

The public gardens I most enjoy are those with a private beginning. On an intimate scale, Cheekwood blends the older personal grounds of a magnificent home with newer public areas. The original estate gardens have been renovated, giving a glimpse into the style of elegant and beautifully appointed private spaces. Additional gardens have recently been developed to serve as both picturesque destinations and learning resources. Lush flower borders, an herb garden, and a sculpture trail are part of the growing developments on the 55 acres. Old stables have been transformed into an educational facility enjoyed by children and adults. This garden, rich in history, is growing rapidly into the new century. For more information call (615) 356-8000, or visit www. cheekwood.org. Ellen Riley

LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER, AUSTIN

I like just about every garden I've ever seen, but there are a few that stand out as places I'll revisit every time I get the chance. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is one of my alltime favorites. Here the architecture suits the flowers: Buildings of rough native limestone are a perfect backdrop for the Texas Hill Country plantings. The seasonal changes of these native plants--sometimes vivid, sometimes subtle-are far more satisfying to me, somehow, than the "in-your-- face" bright but artificial beds that decorate some other public gardens. This garden is a terrific place to get centered again as a Texan, to understand why you live where you live, and to learn how to incorporate a little of that incredible wild Texas beauty into your own living space. For more information call (512) 292-4200, or visit www.wild flower.org. Liz Druitt

MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN, ST. LOUIS

If I called the Missouri Botanical Garden the finest botanical garden in America, some folks might quibble, but none could really argue. Established in 1859, it ranks at the top of the list in so many categories: the first geodesic dome greenhouse; the country's foremost research program dealing with tropical rain forests; an outstanding collection of garden sculpture, including works by Henry Moore and Carl Milles; community education programs that enlighten more than 100,000 citizens a year; and, of course, 79 acres of glorious gardens that showcase roses, daylilies, wildflowers, bulbs, cacti, tropical plants, and much more. This is a must-stop for anyone visiting the Gateway City. For more information call (314) 577-9400, or visit www.mobot.org. Steve Bender

BROOKGREEN GARDENS, MURRELLS INLET,

SOUTH CAROLINA

The powerful beauty of Brookgreen Gardens is probably best captured by the words of Archer Huntington, who created the gardens from several adjoining Lowcountry rice plantations in 1929. He described the mission of the more than 9,000-acre gardens as a "quiet joining of hands between science and art." His wife, Anna, an accomplished sculptor, laid out a plan in the shape of a massive butterfly and thus set the groundwork for a superbly designed coastal garden. For almost 70 years, visitors have had the pleasure of wandering paths that wind by fountains, through artfully arranged displays of lush plantings, into peaceful courtyards, and past more than 500 sculptures by American artists. Brookgreen boasts the largest collection of outdoor sculpture in the U.S., and every work of art seems to be paired with a planting that was made for it. The Lowcountry Wildlife Trail offers a glimpse into the untamed beauty of the local flora and fauna. Everywhere you turn, there is a new breathtaking view, and the overall effect is simply stunning. For more information call 1-800-849-1931, or visit www. brookgreen.org. Glenn R. DiNella

BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite places because I've been able to enjoy it for so many years. When my grandmother would take me there as a child, we would always end up in the Japanese garden, where I looked for koi swimming in the pond. Now my son, Jacob, runs ahead to see the brightly colored fish. Birmingham also features a rose garden, fern glade, wildflower walk, conservatory, vegetable areas, and many other display gardens. Covering 67 acres, the gardens provide a pleasant green belt for a busy city. They're also special to me because I helped develop the Southern Living Garden located on the grounds. I planted many of the original trees, shrubs, and perennials about 20 years ago, and now I get to see them all grown up. For more information call (205) 414-3950, or visit www. bbgardens.org. Charlie Thigpen