Capers-Motte House Garden

About

This three-and-a-half-storied Georgian, stucco-over-brick dwelling was constructed circa 1750. Upon entering this garden— large by Charleston standards, divided into four garden rooms by tall podocarpus hedges—four neatly trimmed hollies stand guard. The first garden room has a walkway with four stone urns planted with large bird’s nest ferns facing the Beckett boxwood edged lawn panel that is surrounded by various camellias, nandinas, and salvias. A Gothic-style kitchen house occupies the north side. In the enclosed area to the east is an entertainment/dining terrace with a fountain background including hydrangeas in both standard and shrub forms. Throughout the garden the owner has many terra cotta containers overflowing with succulents and exotic plantings. The second small demi-lune shaped garden contains another fountain which is enclosed by mature camellias in all shapes, sizes and colors. An oval pool surrounded by old Charleston bricks is the centerpiece of the largest garden room, and is anchored with four mature Japanese maples. At the west end of the terrace is a pergola covered with wisteria and sheltering a seating area from which the garden can be appreciated. On either side of the terrace are beds of perennials, including Farfugium, azaleas, and ferns. Two original Gothic-style privies are reminders of the past. In the fourth garden, large barn doors can open onto Ford’s Court and Meeting Street. Brick walls enclose this area, making it a perfect protected area for citrus. The landscape architect of this property was Jan Frazee of Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

This garden is a part of the Saturday, May 31 Behind the Garden Gate - Charleston Open Day (Historic District). For more information and tickets about this event, please click here.