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.