The Low Country of South Carolina, along the Atlantic coast, was once teemed with rice plantations. With the advent of the Civil War and the emancipation of slave labor, the way of life for the gentlemen farmers ended. Five of these former plantations now form the beautiful Brookgreen Gardens in Myrtle Beach.
Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington became enamored of the low country when they visited there in 1929. They soon purchased acreage with the intention of building a winter home but then enlarged the idea to include a showcase for sculptures and a refuge for native animals.
Archer Huntington was the son of one of the “Big Four” of railroad fame: Stanford, Hopkins, Crocker and Huntington. With a wealthy family background, Archer was able to engage in philanthropy and was a benefactor for many endeavors.
Anna Hyatt Huntington was herself an accomplished sculptress whose family background was in the scientific fields. When she and Archer bought the South Carolina property, she envisioned a large sculpture garden there. In 1931, the Huntingtons formed a non-profit institution known as Brookgreen Gardens and the dream became a reality.
The Sculpture Collection
Anna Hyatt Huntington’s works form the basis for the art found around the grounds. She was already a renowned sculptor when she married Archer and her works are found throughout the United States. Most famous is her depiction of Joan of Arc in New York City.
At Brookgreen Gardens, Anna’s works predominate but there are many other sculptors represented. Many of the larger works are featured with water fountains, courtyards, and within gardens. Trails wind through fields and visitors are often surprised by a discovery when rounding a hedgerow or wall. Many of the pieces depict Greek or Roman myths and Diana, the huntress, seems to be a favorite. One of the intriguing features is a group featuring the gods as children.
Excursions Around the Grounds
Plantation life once dominated in the low country of South Carolina but the large homes, slave quarters and outbuildings have all but disappeared. The rice fields are overgrown with trees and native plants. In order to get a feel for the history of the area, Brookgreen Gardens offers several options.
One is a creek cruise on a pontoon boat that takes visitors on the Waccamaw River and creeks where the former rice fields and the Oaks Plantation once stood. Alligators, birds, crabs, and river life may be spotted. A naturalist describes the surroundings and tells the history of the place.
Another option is an all-terrain vehicle tour that drives over the fields to the plantation ruins. A guide accompanies the group in discovering the relics of the past and learning about rice growing.
For those who prefer to explore on their own, several self-guided walking tours are offered. A map leads to archeological ruins and the family cemetery. There are several seasonal tours as well, exploring the gardens when various plants are in bloom.
Of Special Interest
Brookgreen Gardens are beautiful at every season of the year but especially in the month of December when the Nights of a Thousand Candles light the sculptures and paths with sparkling lights.
Year-round a zoo featuring animals of the low country is available for visitation. Nearby is a butterfly house where tours are arranged every half hour and the transformation from chrysalis to adult butterfly can be observed.
Children are warmly welcomed to Brookgreen Gardens and there is a discovery room especially for them. There is also a young people’s guide featuring clues to discover and learn about what can found on the grounds.
A free shuttle bus operates between the Welcome Center where an introductory film is shown, the zoo and the Low Country Exhibit Center. Food is available at snack bars and in restaurants on the property.
An admission fee is charged with additional costs for the butterfly house, the creek excursion or guided treks. Brookgreen Gardens has more than enough things to do for a daylong visit. It is a National Historic Landmark and operated as a self-supported, non-profit institution.
Source: Brochure of Brookgreen Gardens
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
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