Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Creeping Fig

John and I visited Charleston, South Carolina about nine years ago for our tenth anniversary. We both fell in love with the city instantly and have returned several times for family trips as well as anniversaries. The charm of this city puts a spell on us every time.

One of my favorite things to do in Charleston is to walk the streets taking a peek through the iron gates into the hidden gardens. Although the view is limited due to the high garden walls, one can always get a little glimpse of the beauty beyond the gates. I have always wished to go back one day for a garden tour in that lovely city.

One of my goals for my own garden is to create some of the old Southern charm that is captured so well in the gardens of Charleston. Fortunately, I was able to incorporate some of that charm into my own landscaping when an addition to my house created a little alcove with French doors leading to my patio. The addition created a wall that is visible from my kitchen window. A feature that could be cold and unattractive proved to be the perfect place to add some Charleston charm.




I decided to add some creeping fig to climb the wall giving interest and beauty to the bare brick. A neighbor informed me that creeping fig would never survive our winters, however, I planted my three tiny plants anyway. Look at them now! After several cold winters, the fig is still growing by leaps and bounds. Even though it starts looking a little ragged near the end of the winter season, it perks right up in the spring. I guess the alcove provides just enough protection from winter's bite. That just goes to prove that sometimes it pays to ignore the advice of another and plant what you love and just wait and see what happens.

13 comments:

Rebecca said...

OH, I SO agree about Charleston's charm! I've only been able to visit it once. We spent the entire time on foot - but I couldn't get enough of strolling up and down streets and alleys, walking through cemeteries, and peeking through iron gates, too!

Congratulations on a fine growth of those creeping fig! What a beautiful way to honor/remember Charleston!

Love Being A Nonny said...

I could have written this post word for word. LOVE Charleston!

tina said...

It is beautiful! I can surely see the Charleston influence here too. Such a charming garden style.

sweetbay said...

I would love to take a garden tour of Charleston too. It's such a beautiful city.

Glenda said...

Beautiful, Carla! I don't think I've ever seen creeping fig, but it's so pretty against the brick wall. I have English ivy, which seems to be taking over the porch and chimney. I like the vine-covered look, however.

Hope you are doing well and are having a good week

Paula@SweetPea said...

I've only been to Charleston once and I'd go back again in a heart beat. I don't know much about Creeping Fig, but yours sure is pretty.

Allison said...

I would love to see a picture of that little alcove with French doors, Carla! Any hopes for seeing a bit of your own southern gardens? :)

From the Kitchen said...

Carla: I recommend "Mrs. Whaley's Charleston Garden". It's a delightful book written by Mrs. Whaley, of course! She was the grand dame of gardening in Charleston and her garden was wonderful. I checked and the book is available on Amazon. Your library might have it. If not they could borrow it for you. I have a copy that I love to pull out on a winter's day!

Best,
Bonnie

Randy said...

Carla,
Jamie and I were originally going to plant creeping fig on our garden wall. It died down to the ground in the winter, but it came back. My sister lives in Pensacola and she planted a single plant on her wall and it now covers three sides of home. Every now and then her husband just gives it a trim with the weedeater. I love the look.

Anonymous said...

The more I read about the South, the more I want to visit! :)
Your creeping fig is beautiful - and I couldn't agree more with your gardening advice, Carla. I planted some delphinium and foxglove here at 10,000 feet above sea level & my fingers are crossed that this little micro-climate we live in will be just fine for them! I also enjoyed reading your thoughts on blogging over at my blog - thank you!

Wishing you a very happy afternoon,
Zuzu

Blessed Serendipity said...

I always love anything growing up a brick wall. I think it's pretty and romantic. Enjoy your view!

-Danielle

Joan Elizabeth said...

You have much more success than I do. It has certainly established well.

penny said...

That is excellent advice, Carla. You never unless you try. You planted a hardy fig with a lot of spunk.

Thank you for following my new blog, Carla.