Brookgreen Gardens and Sculptures of Anna Hyatt Huntington

The Vision of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington

Brookgreen gardens was a vision shared by the sculptor, Anna Hyatt Huntington, and her husband Archer M. Huntington. Anna was a well respected artist, Archer a wealthy industrialist, scholar and philanthropist. Their vision was to establish a lush and beautiful setting to showcase Anna's life sized sculptures. In 1930, Brookgreen was purchased as part of a 6,600 acre tract of land that included three rice plantations with a house on the Waccamaw River and another on the beach.

Although it was a hunting preserve when they purchased it, the Huntingtons reserved the land for the preservation and study of wildlife and plants. Together they designed the extensive gardens and natural areas including many quiet pools and fountains to showcase the sculptures. At the same time, construction of their winter residence, Atalaya was in progress. Through the vision and planning of the Huntingtons, Brookgreen gardens has evolved to include beautiful gardens, reflecting pools, nature trails and a low country zoo.

Today Brookgreen Gardens shows 1,400 works by over 350 American sculptors from the early nineteenth century to the present.

Visitors to Brookgreen are welcomed by a fountain and floral display surrounding the cast aluminum sculpture of Anna Hyatt Huntington's Fighting Stallions.

Visitors have the option of walking some of the nature trails, taking time for a picnic lunch in one of the out of the way picnic areas, or going in to see the formal gardens and sculptures. Although many of Anna Hyatt Huntington's sculptures are found throughout the park, there are also sculptures by many other American artists.

Stop at the Welcome center to see a display of currently blooming plants, to get more information about the park and to find out about guided tours and trams.

Pictured below is the Diana Pool with Anna Hyatt Huntington's sculpture Diana of the Chase at its center. This is often a meeting place for guided tours, but even if you decided to do a self guided tour, be sure to stop for a moment to enjoy the sculpture of Diana and the beautiful reflections in the mirror-like pool.

Spreading branches of ancient live oak line a walkway through the gardens. These oaks were part of the original rice plantation, probably framing a road leading to the house and formal gardens. Now they lead visitors deeper into the gardens on a pleasantly shaded walk.

There's something blooming in every season at Brookgreen Gardens. Sculptures are permanent, and because of careful planning, there is something blooming during every season. Check the Brookgreen Gardens website for a list of seasonal blooming plants.

Iceland poppies in bloom

Even in late winter and early spring, you will find such vibrant blooms and Iceland poppies in their palette of sherbet colors. The translucent blooms attract water color artists who sometimes set up easels off the garden paths.

Camillias in every color brighten shady spots around the gardens in the fall and winter. These amazingly fragile looking blossoms seem to like cool weather.

Butterfly gardens in sunny spots near fountains and pools attract many colorful visitors. Amateur photographers are sure to get some good photos of one of the many different species that come to visit the bright flowers.

Magnolias in bloom are vibrant against the blue sky. There are many flowering trees in the park including dogwood, flowering cherry, star magnolia, southern magnolia and crepe myrtle. A quick check of Brookgreen Gardens' website will list what is likely to be blooming each season.

The children's garden is a whimsical collection of animals with their young, baby animals frolicking together and fairy tale arbors and walks. Children and adults will laugh at the names of some of the sculptures, like the larger than life bronze pig by Sandy Scott entitled "Eat More Beef."

Brookgreen Gardens are a joy to visit at any season. The diverse offerings of the Gardens include 1400 sculptures, uncountable flowers, trees and other plants that are selected to provide blooms a year around. There is also a low country zoo and, for those interested in low country history, a boat ride on the Waccamaw River. Tickets to the garden include a 7 day pass to give visitors time to explore each nook and cranny at a leisurely pace.

The photographs above are only a very small taste of what the gardens have to offer, but I hope you've enjoyed my selections and that you'll visit these lovely gardens in person someday.

Please be sure to visit my article, Atalaya - The Amazing Winter Retreat of Anna Hyatt Huntington. Atalaya is located across the highway from Brookgreen Gardens within the bounds of Huntington Beach State Park. It is well worth the time to visit as it will give a deeper insight into the lives of two amazing people, Archer M. Huntington and Anna Hyatt Huntington.

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Copyright 2011©Stephanie Henkel