Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, South Carolina, USA

The plantation remains under the control of the Drayton family after 15 generations....(photos taken on March 19, 2011)

The plantation dates to 1676 when Thomas and Ann Drayton built a house and small formal garden on the site

It is one of the oldest plantations in the south, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Magnolia Plantation is located near Charleston and directly across the Ashley River from North Charleston

In existence since 1676, Magnolia Plantation &amp; Gardens is a journey back through time....

The true legacy of Charleston s rich history can be found within minutes of leaving the historic district

Wisteria are vigorous, twining vines that bloom in spring in Magnolia Plantation (also in South Carolina) with huge, cascading flower clusters

Magnolia Plantation...

A romantic walk along the trails of this former rice plantation is a peaceful diversion from the beach...

More photos to Follow.... UNDER CNSTRUCTION

It is a beautiful drive with trees lining the road...picture taking the carriage there for the summer barbecue at the plantation, just like in -Gone with the Wind-

Magnolia Plantation...

The Plantation House, front entrance seen from the garden

The Plantation House - south side

View from the front porch of the Magnolia Plantation main house...(towards W)

View from the front porch of the Magnolia Plantation main house....(towards SW)

....view from  the porch....(towards NE)

....view from  the porch....(towards N)

....view from the back porch....(towards E - Ashley River))

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a bit of a misnomer, really, it should be called -The Gardens at Magnolia Plantation....

Picturesque bridges and blooming azaleas provide plenty of photo opportunities...

The scenery is beautiful and the whole place gives you a feeling of tranquility....

Magnolia Plantation...

Long Bridge on Big Cypress Lake, Magnolia Plantation...

Magnolia Plantation and its gardens...one of the largest collections of azaleas and camellias in the US...

Ashley River viewed from Magnolia Plantation...

Magnolia Plantation...

Ashley River  viewed from Magnolia Plantation

The Planation House seen from the gardens (from East side-Ashley River)

Beautiful pathways and quaint bridges make getting around the gardens entertaining and practical....

Scenery of Big Cypress Lake, Magnolia Plantation...

Scenery of Big Cypress Lake, Magnolia Plantation...

Scenery of Big Cypress Lake, Magnolia Plantation...

Scenery of Big Cypress Lake, Magnolia Plantation...

Scenery of Big Cypress Lake, Magnolia Plantation...

Scenery of Big Cypress Lake, Magnolia Plantation...

Scenery of Big Cypress Lake, Magnolia Plantation...

Scenery of Big Cypress Lake, Magnolia Plantation...

Magnolia Plantation...

Magnolia Plantation...

Magnolia Plantation...

Cypress Tree and Spanish Moss, Magnolia Plantation

Cypress Tree and Spanish Moss, Magnolia Plantation

Audubon Swamp Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Spanish moss grows from hanging branches of tree...Audubon Swamp Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Spanish-moss draped cypress and gum trees that grow right out of the water...Audubon Swamp Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Audubon Swamp Garden boardwalk trail... at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Spanish-moss draped cypress and gum trees that grow right out of the water...Audubon Swamp Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Audubon Swamp Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Audubon Swamp Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Audubon Swamp Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Audubon Swamp Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Audubon Swamp Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens