1

Sowing Seeds of Knowledge

Reaps Conservation with

Beauty

Environmental Edition, Mary Lovings, Editor

Landscape Design Edition, Dr. John Barnett, Editor

Horticulture Edition, Gail Berthe, Editor

Volume III, Issue Number 12 Landscape Design Edition April, 2017

The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.

Beautification … Conservation … Education

COMMENTS FROM THE EDITOR

Well, the past two years have gone by us way too soon! It has been a pleasure and joy to be the

editor for Landscape Design Newsletter. I have enjoyed working with Gail Berthe and Mary

Lovings in setting our goals, newsletter template, and complimenting each other on our individual

newsletters on environmental, horticulture and landscape design studies.

This issue of Landscape Design is my last newsletter as I pursue a very different avenue with Garden Club of

Georgia. As most all of you know by now, I have been honored by being nominated as the Laurel District

Director for 2017 – 2019. I am so privileged to lead Laurels of Light with my co-director, Marie Purser. If

you didn’t know, I will be the very FIRST male District Director in Laurel District, and, as far as we know, in

the state of Georgia (Garden Club of Georgia). I would like to thank the nominating committee for having the

confidence in me to lead Laurel District. I covet your prayers always, but especially during the next

administration.

I do not know who the next Landscape Design editor will be but I wish the best for the editor. I ask you to

please be as supportive and complimentary to the next editor as you have been to this editor. I know you will!

I have appreciated the contact that you have given this editor during the past administration.

We have ‘traveled’ from North Georgia, East and West and South Georgia with many gardens and mansions

that we have ‘visited’ in Landscape Design Newsletter. This editor hopes that you have learned a lot about

places to visit, as well as landscape in gardens and maybe you have incorporated some of these ideas in your

own garden.

This editor looks farward to reading our newsletters during the 2017 – 2019 administration. This editor

always would like to wish each of you the very best in your individual families, gardens and garden clubs

across our state.

This editor thought it would be a nice finale to ‘visit’ other Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites in this final

2015 – 2017 newsletter. We can’t ‘visit’ all of the ones left due to space but we will ‘visit’ as many as we

can. Have fun and let’s landscape our gardens with designs we have seen.

May God richly bless you always.

Dr. John Barnett, Landscape Design Editor

2

This pretty park west of Augusta, A. H. Stephens State Park and Historic Home, is best known for its

equestrian facilities, Confederate museum and lakeside group camp. Horseback riders can explore 21 miles of

trails and stay overnight in their own campground. Overnight guests can choose from lakeside cottages or a

modern campground, while large groups can enjoy privacy in the park’s group camp or pioneer campground.

Historic Home and Monument Historic Home Exterior Historic Home and Gravesite

Historic Home and Museum

Chief Vann House Historic Site and Gardens: During the 1790s, James Vann became a Cherokee Indian leader

and wealthy businessman. He established the largest and most prosperous plantation in the Cherokee Nation,

covering 1,000 acres of what is now Murray County. In 1804 he completed construction of a beautiful 2 ½-story

brick home that was the most elegant in the Cherokee Nation. After Vann was murdered in 1809, his son Joseph

inherited the mansion and plantation. Joseph was also a Cherokee leader and became even more wealthy than his

father. In the 1830s almost the entire Cherokee Nation was forced west by state and federal troops on the infamous

Trail of Tears. The Vann family lost their elegant home, rebuilding in the Cherokee Territory of Oklahoma. Today

the Vann House survives as Georgia’s best-preserved historic Cherokee Indian home.

Historic Home Exterior Outdoor Amphitheater Students enjoy Learning Old Ways

Cabin Ruins

3

This is the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia's coast. From 1721 until 1736, Fort King George was

the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. A cypress blockhouse, barracks and palisaded

earthen fort were constructed in 1721 by scoutmen led by Colonel John “Tuscarora Jack” Barnwell. For the

next seven years, His Majesty’s Independent Company garrisoned the fort. They endured incredible hardships

from disease, threats of Spanish and Indian attacks, and the harsh, unfamiliar coastal environment. After the

fort was abandoned, General James Oglethorpe brought Scottish Highlanders to the site in 1736. The

settlement, called Darien, eventually became a foremost export center of lumber until 1925.

Fort King George Landscape at Fort View of Fort from River

Indian Dwelling

Robert Toombs House Historic Site: A legend in his own time, Robert Toombs was a successful planter and

lawyer who led a turbulent career as state legislator, U.S. Congressman and Senator. “Defend yourselves; the

enemy is at your door...!” thundered Toombs from the Senate floor on January 24, 1860. The following year,

Georgia seceded from the Union and Toombs personified the South by evolving from conservative Unionist to fire-

breathing secessionist. After serving just five months as Confederate Secretary of State, he resigned to serve as

brigadier general in the Army of Northern Virginia. In 1870, as the Reconstruction Era drew to a close in Georgia,

Toombs felt that Georgia should live under a constitution of her own making. His last service to Georgia citizens

was helping create the Constitution of 1877, which was not amended until 1945.

Robert Tooombs House Gardens at the Gazebo View of Gardens from Balcony

Back of House with Landscape

4

A breathtaking avenue sheltered by live oaks and Spanish moss leads to the tabby ruins of Wormsloe, the colonial

estate of Noble Jones (1702–1775). Jones was a humble carpenter who arrived in Georgia in 1733 with James

Oglethorpe and the first group of settlers from England. Wormsloe's tabby ruin is the oldest standing structure in

Savannah. Surviving hunger, plague and warfare in the rugged environment of Georgia, Jones went on to serve the

colony as a doctor, constable, Indian agent, Royal Councilor and surveyor, laying out the towns of Augusta and

New Ebenezer. He also commanded a company of marines charged with defending the Georgia coast from the

Spanish. Jones died at the beginning of the American Revolution, but his descendants sustained Wormsloe until the

state of Georgia acquired most of the plantation in 1973.

Tabby Ruins Oak lined Drive Live Red Cedar

Marsh View

Franklin Delano Roosevelt built the Little White House in 1932 while governor of New York, prior to being

inaugurated as president in 1933. He first came to Warm Springs in 1924 hoping to find a cure for the infantile

paralysis (polio) that had struck him in 1921. Swimming in the 88-degree, buoyant spring waters brought him no

miracle cure, but it did bring improvement.

The Little White House Landscaped with Fountains Trees on the Property

Walk of Flags

5

Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo Island: This small barrier island is a unique destination along Georgia's famed

Colonial Coast. Sapelo Island is rich cultural history, coastal wildlife, and complex beach and dunes systems. The

island is an 11-mile-long island that highlights African-American community of Hog Hammock, Reynolds

Mansion, Nanny Goat Beach, University of Georgia Marine Institute and a restored 1820 lighthouse. The unusual

and lovely Reynolds Mansion features marble sculptures, an ornately decorated Circus Room, murals by Athos

Menaboni, a bowling lane, billiards, library and more. Cabretta Campground is sheltered by live oaks and is just a

short walk to the beach.

Reynolds Mansion Restored Lighhouse Landscape Entrance of Mansion

Island Sunrise

Traveler’s Rest Historic Site: This stagecoach inn and plantation home was built around 1815 by James R. Wyly.

He strategically located it along the newly constructed Unicoi Turnpike, a busy highway over the Appalachian

Mountains. Wyly operated the inn until 1833 when he sold it to his neighbor Devereaux Jarrett, the "richest man in

the Tugaloo Valley." Jarrett continued to operate the inn, but doubled its size to make it the homeplace of his

14,400-acre plantation along the Tugaloo River. Three generations of Jarretts inhabited the site until the state of

Georgia purchased the remaining few acres of the once-vast plantation for $8,000 in 1955. Thanks to both its

architectural significance and its role in the early history of the area, Traveler's Rest was designated a National

Historic Landmark in 1964.

Stagecoach Inn Loomhouse/Diary Landscape Landscape around Out Houses

Landscape of House

6

It is said, "From Stephen C. Foster State Park, let North America’s largest black water swamp’s current drift you

through the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and disconnect you from the modern world on a journey to

encounter primordial wildlife, touch history and see the universe unfold in the dark skies above." This remote park

is a primary entrance to the legendary Okefenokee Swamp—one of Georgia's seven natural wonders. Spanish moss-

laced trees reflect off the black swamp waters, while cypress knees rise upward from the glass-like surface. Here,

paddlers and photographers will enjoy breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Alligators, turtles, raccoons,

black bears, deer, ibis, herons, wood storks, red-cockaded woodpeckers and numerous other creatures make their

homes in the 402,000-acre refuge.

Cabin in the Park Nature Trail in the Park Suwannee River View

Okefenokee Swamp awaitings her visitors and expresses caution with the inhabitants

Smithgall Woods is an angler’s paradise. One of north Georgia’s premier trout streams, Dukes Creek, runs through

this spectacular mountain property and is a favorite for catch and release fishing. To ensure a quality experience, the

number of anglers is limited and fishing is offered only on certain days. As a result, anglers should call ahead for

reservations. Five miles of trails and 18 miles of roads allow hikers and bicyclists to explore hardwoods, streams

and wildlife. Smithgall Woods is also an elegant mountain retreat, perfect for romantic getaways, small weddings

or outings with friends. Six beautifully decorated cottages —Creekside Cottage, Smithgall Cottage, Dover Cottage,

Parkside Cottage, Garden Cottage and Laurel Cottage— provide 17 bedrooms with telephones and television. Some

cottages have porches along the stream, while others have private hot tubs. A 1-mile trail leads from the cottages to

Dukes Creek Falls. Smithgall Woods was acquired by the state in 1994 as a gift-purchase from Charles A.

Smithgall, Jr., a noted conservationist and businessman.

Smithgall Cottage Dukes Creek Landscape around Dover Cottage

Fish Camp Shelter

7

Swan House: The lavish 1928 Swan House at the Atlanta History Center in

Atlanta was built for the Inman family. Designed by famed architect Philip

Shutze, it earned its name for the swan motif found throughout the house. The

landscape around the house is magnificent.

Andalusia Farm: Home of Flannery O’Connor located at 2628 N. Columbia

St./US Hwy 441 in Milledgeville. It is at this farm on Highway 441 North

that her creativity thrived. For more information, visit Andalusia's website,

http://www.andalusiafarm.org.

Plum Orchard Mansion in Cumberland Island was built in 1898 for the

Carnegie family and is part of the Cumberland Island National Seashore. The

best times to visit this Georgian Revival mansion are when volunteer

caretakers are in residence or for the national park’s Lands and Legacies

Tour.

The Wren's Nest in Atlanta belonged to Joel Chandler Harris, author of

“Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings.” This Queen Anne Victorian

home opened as a museum in 1913. Visit on Saturdays to enjoy onsite

storytelling.

Get the royal treatment at Hay House, in Macon, known as the

"Palace of the South." The magnificent Italian Renaissance Revival

Hay House was featured on A&E's America's Castles program. Built

from 1855-1859, this antebellum mansion covers 18,000 square feet,

24 rooms and seven levels, and is designated as a National Historic

Landmark for its innovative architecture and technology.

This editor hopes that you have enjoyed a quick trip through our

state and visiting Historic Mansions, State Parks, and and Historic

Sites. It has been the pleasure of this editor to bring to us just some

of the places in Georgia to visit. There are 47 State Parks and 16

Historic Sites, plus other beautifully landscaped plantations,

mansions and homes in Georgia. Pack your bags! Let’s go traveling!

8

Keep Your Ears Open

LANDSCAPE DESIGN SCHOOL There are plans in the making for another Landscape Design School in Georgia.

Dates will be announced soon. Many have asked about the next Landscape Design

School and be sure that more information will be included in Landscape Design

newsletter as soon as possible.

Objectives of the Landscape Design Study Program

1. Develop a greater sense of appreciation, pride, and knowledge about our private and public

gardens.

2. Become better educated to make changes in our surroundings so that they will be more

beautiful, useful, and convenient, ecologically sound, and easily maintained.

3. Stimulate interest in all phases of landscape design, including community planning that will

affect all of our lives.

4. Develop a contingent of qualified Landscape Design Consultants to serve in such decision-

making areas of public life as providing leadership, educational programs, scholarships, awards,

and promoting better landscape design.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES SCHOOL

The main objective of this school is to help members become

accomplished environmental consultants. The mission statement of the

Environmental Studies Schools is to teach environmental literacy to

cherish, protect and conserve the living earth. The courses teach

participants environmental literacy, appreciation of the natural world,

encourages action for sustainable development and appreciation for the

interrelation of all natural things. Particular emphasis is presently placed

on land conservation, water conservation and air quality. There are also

plans in the making for an Environmental Studies School to be held in

Laurel District during this administration. It is planned for this school

to be held in Rome, GA so keep your ear’s open as more information

will be coming soon.

Sowing Seeds of Knowledge Reaps Conservation with Beauty is a monthly publication of The

Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. Each edition focuses on one of three themes: Environmental Studies,

Landscape Design Studies, and Horticulture Studies.

Environmental Editor: Mary Lovings, marmgl@bellsouth.net

Landscape Design Editor: John Barnett, DrB9565@aol.com

Horticulture Editor: Gail Berthe, gail.berthe@gmail.com