America in Bloom
AMERICA IN BLOOM: DISCOVER THE GREAT GARDENS OF THE USA AT RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW 2018
Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, showcased the Great Gardens of the USA at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, the world’s largest flower show. The Charleston, South Carolina Garden and The Oregon Garden, both designed by Sadie May Stowell, an award-winning garden designer and landscape architect, took centre stage earlier this month.
Providing a taste of green inspiration, Brand USA spotlights some of the glorious gardens and horticultural hotspots waiting to be discovered in Charleston, South Carolina and Oregon.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA:
The garden was designed to take the viewer on a magical journey through Charleston in South Carolina, capturing its spirit, charm and elegance. It offered a sense of the history, sub-tropical climate and atmosphere of this special city and the state of South Carolina.
Features included wrought iron railings with walls and pillars made from reclaimed old brick. The spectacular centrepiece was a water feature based on Charleston’s famous Pineapple fountain, a symbol of welcoming and is a key element in the fabric of Charleston.
Experience the charm of historic Charleston combined with the contemporary vibes of South Carolina’s coastal culture. With its second-to-none restaurant scene, beautiful oceanfront resorts and enduring cultural roots, Charleston is a haven for history buffs and beachgoers. Flickering copper gas carriage lanterns, ornate hand-wrought ironwork and hitching posts used by horse-drawn carriages hint at a bygone era in the welcoming and elegant city.
Today, manicured sub-tropical public parks and glimmers of private gardens turn the city into a botanical wonderland, where the delicate aromas of tea olive trees and Carolina jessamine vines dance amid the soft sea breezes.
Charleston is a wonderful example of intelligent urban planning. The early city was laid out on a grid, which resulted in easy-to-navigate streets that are pedestrian friendly. It’s easy to move through the day wandering the pretty paths while discovering culinary delights, beautiful beaches, exquisite shopping and fascinating historical sites.
As one of the world’s premier vacation destinations, South Carolina offers travellers the full mountains to sea experience. Beautiful mountain trails, championship golf resorts and charming small towns are perfect places to escape in South Carolina.
Must-visit garden attractions in South Carolina include Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, Charleston Tea Plantation, Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Middleton Place and Brookgreen Gardens.
OREGON:
The Oregon garden was designed to capture the natural beauty of the landscape and gardens of Oregon taking inspiration from the mountains and rich heritage of fruit and timber production to be found there. This garden aims to highlight the natural beauty to be found in the state of Oregon.
The backdrop of the garden consisted of rocky outcrops to represent the mountains. The central focus of the design will be a clear pool of water with a waterfall with the planting wrapping around the seating area and water feature creating sinuous curving shapes. Visitors took inspiration from the natural planting style and inclusion of fruit within the planting beds. The use of rock and stone also helped to create a natural theme for this garden.
Oregon is a state of natural wonders. From the authentic beauty that you will find in historic towns and sleepy fishing villages, to the stunning landscape encompassing rugged mountains and scenic wineries. Windswept beaches, verdant forests and snow-capped peaks give way to sweeping rangelands, towering rock formations and dramatic river valleys in this incredibly diverse land. Beyond 363 miles of pristine public beaches, high-desert country, painted hills and wine-producing valleys, Oregon is home to North America’s deepest river gorge (Hells Canyon), the country’s deepest lake (Crater Lake National Park) and the world’s second most-climbed mountain (Mt. Hood).
Whatever your passion, Oregon’s natural and scenic variety encompassing coast, mountains, rivers, high desert, plains, forests and valleys lends equally to exhilarating outdoor adventure or tranquil exploration. With more scenic byways and tour routes than any other state, as well as no sales tax, isn’t it time you come and experience Oregon’s hidden travel gems for yourself? And now it’s easier than ever on Delta Air Lines’ new direct service from London Heathrow to Portland, Oregon.
Must-visit garden attractions in Oregon include Darlingtonia State Natural Site, International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Shore Acres State Park and Oregon Garden.
