The Yellow Jessamine Garden Club of Dillon met Saturday, May 21, at 8:30 a.m. to travel to Moore Farms Botanical Gardens in Lake City. Eleven members were in attendance.
The entrance begins by driving along green fields on the visitor road. The winding road allows a sneak peek of many sites on the tour, such as the Magnolia Land, swimming pond, and various other paths.
The Visitors Center is a beautiful facility where the MFBC holds meetings and many other events. It was the starting point for the tour.
There was a plant and produce sale, just beyond the Visitors Center, that was open during the whole tour.
Local nurseries and farms were selling produce, plants, and shrubs.
The speaker, Dr. Dave Creech, was introduced by Rebecca Turk, educational director of the gardens.
Dr. Dave Creech is from the SFA Gardens in Nacogdoches, TX. Dr. Creech received his BS in Horticulture in 1970 and was awarded his PhD from Texas A & M University in 1978.
Dr. Creech is semi-retired and is currently the director of the SFA Gardens. Over his career, he has taught a huge number of courses including greenhouse management, landscaping, propagation, and nursery management. He has also acquired many international consultants in Pakistan, Guatemala, Mexico, Israel, China and Nepal. The SFA (Stephen F. Austin) Gardens, where he is currently director, includes 128 acres of on-campus property that is accountable for the growth and activities of five theme gardens. The mission of the gardens is finding, acquiring and collecting species of plants and how the plant reacts to climate change.
Dr. Creech spoke on his research from SFA and how plants and trees are adapting to the change of climate.
The Bald Cypress is one of his examples and SFA is testing nine clones. A faster growth rate and alkalinity have been found in the new generation of these trees.
The Ginkgo Biloba tree is also tested in the SFA Gardens. There are 40 varieties there now; and although these are slow to grow, once they are established, they will be an investment for years ahead.
After our educational segment with Dr. Creech, we were dismissed for lunch. BBQ, slaw, baked mac and cheese and banana pudding were offered, as we were entertained on the grounds by a blue grass band.
After lunch, the walk-through tour of the gardens began.
The Visitors Center faced a large fire tower that was engulfed by plants and hanging displays of beautiful flowers. The walking paths were lined with an array of vivid plants. In the center of the gardens was a large fountain with many flowing plants overlapping.
There were also many gardens along the pathways.
The alluring pecan meadow, formal garden and spring house garden were in full bloom. Several ponds were on the tour as well.
The fishing pond and swimming pond were so peaceful as the water rippled in the wind. Birds and butterflies filled the air throughout our walk.
The Moore Farm Botanical Gardens were such a beauty and inspiration to each of us. We plan to visit again soon!
The Yellow Jessamine Garden Club is a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., South Atlantic Region of National Council, The Garden Club of South Carolina, Inc., and The Coastal District of The Garden Club of South Carolina.
