First Galanthus!

"I would like to grow every snowdrop I ever heard of. Although I started many years ago to make as complete a collection as possible, I still have only the common sorts, for many are rare and very hard to come by - and difficult to establish as well."

—Elizabeth Lawrence
A Rock Garden in the South

Today I have had the opportunity to stumble across a mass of Galanthus sp., common name Snowdrop, just starting to flower. Being so tiny, at a mere 3" tall, they could be easy to miss. I am excited to see such a delicate flower emerge after our latest freezing temperatures. Also flowering in the garden are Crocus, Erica carnea, and Chaenomeles speciosa. I can't wait to see what will come next!

Until then,

Katie

Osmanthus fragrans is blooming!

"There are a number of fine evergreens that flower in the mid-south in winter, but the sweet Olive, Osmanthus fragrans, is outstanding. This is a very large but slow-growing shrub that should be planted only where there is space for it to develop to its full size... The sweet olive begins to bloom in September, and from then on through the winter the small white flowers perfume the air on warm days."

—Elizabeth Lawrence

A Garden of One's Own

Early today as I raced through the garden, I was stopped by the wonderful fragrance of the Osmanthus fragrans, Fragrant Tea Olive, that Elizabeth Lawrence planted many years ago. It is a sign that fall is on the way and a refreshing scent that truly stops you in your tracks. I am anxious for the other signs of fall - here in the garden, Aster tataricus, is preparing to bloom and yellow sparks are in full glory on the Goldenrod. The Camellia sinensis, commonly known as Tea, has also started to flower right by the front door! It is exciting to be enjoying so many of Elizabeth Lawrence's plants today that were planted so many years ago.

Welcome to the Elizabeth Lawrence Blog

This is the gate to my garden. I invite you to enter in; not only into my garden, but into the world of gardens—a world as old as the history of man, and as new as the latest contribution of science; a world of mystery, adventure and romance; a world of poetry and philosophy; a world of beauty; and a world of work.

— Elizabeth Lawrence, The Charlotte Observer

August 11, 1957

Welcome to our first blog from the historic Elizabeth Lawrence Garden in Charlotte, NC. Elizabeth Lawrence (1904-1985), was the first female to graduate from the landscape architecture program from NC State University and became a successful southern garden writer. Miss Lawrence truly devoted her life to gardening, trialing plant material and journaling her experiences every day, allowing her to become one of the prominent garden writers in literary history. In 2008, The Wing Haven Foundation purchased the property to work in conjunction with The Garden Conservancy to continue Miss Lawrence's legacy.

The Garden Conservancy plays a vital role in preserving and promoting not only the Elizabeth Lawrence Garden, but many gardens through out the U.S. It is through their fellowship program that I am able to participate in this historic garden as the recipient of the 2009 Marco Polo Stufano Fellowship. I am delighted to be a part of this young public garden that was started 60 years ago by Miss Lawrence. I look forward to posting many facets and pictures of the Elizabeth Lawrence Garden over the next nine months, including plants and quotes of Elizabeth Lawrence, gardening in winter, and other dynamics I encounter over the next several months.

Until next time,

Katie Mullen