Garden at James Brown House

James Brown, a carpenter, built this three-story wooden single house and a brick kitchen house after he purchased the property in 1768. The focus of the garden is two-fold: heritage roses and edibles. There are a number of Noisette roses (the circa-1800 original was in Josephine’s garden at Malmaison, where Redouté painted it) and a variety of edibles, including herbs, citrus, and fruit trees. 

There was no archaeological evidence of early gardens on the site, so the design was planned by D. Berryman of Botany Bay Landscaping in 1995 to be compatible with the pre-Revolutionary War house but also to be relatively relaxed. The bricks used were made for the original house construction in 1768. The boxwoods were planted about 1940 and are from the Mt. Vernon nurseries, descended from George Washington’s plants. 

The three-tiered fountain is surrounded by what is thought to be the only puzzle maze on the peninsula. The joggling board and standing screen on the piazza are traditional Charleston accessories. The iron benches, walkway gate, and accessories were made by Rick Avrett, a local ironsmith. The seasonal plantings in urns and pots add color to this manicured garden environment.

Open Days 2023: Saturday, June 3
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.