GARDEN A DAY

The Beaufort Garden Club will celebrate National Garden Week with its 17th Annual Garden a Day event. This weeklong event, from Monday June 6 to Friday, June 10, has become an anticipated tradition. Five homeowners will open their gardens to the residents of Beaufort and visitors. These gardens, rarely offered for public view, are some of the loveliest examples of Southern landscaping.

Several offer impressive collections of statuary, some breathtaking waterfront views, and still others have rare specimens of shrubs, trees and flowers, all artfully arranged to reflect each homeowner’s unique concept of garden design.

Some homeowners take a hands-on approach and have personally selected and planted the flora; others have commissioned garden experts to bring reality to their visions. Some gardens are young; others are mature.

These are not botanical gardens; you’re not likely to see plant labels and you won’t receive plant lists. These gardens exist to fill your heart with joy, not your mind with facts. However, Master Gardeners from the Lowcountry Master Gardener Association will be there to answer questions. Look for the people in the green aprons.

Gardens will be open from 9:30 a.m. each morning until 12:30 p.m.Light refreshments will be served by The Beaufort Garden Club.

IF YOU GO

• Monday, June 6, Beaufort, 500 Port Republic Street.

• Tuesday, June 7, 137 North Hermitage Road.

• Wednesday, June 8,
76 Dolphin Point Road, Cat Island.

• Thursday, June 9, 1 Hermitage Point.

• Friday, June 10, 608 Hamilton Street.