Scenic USA - South Carolina

Each day Scenic USA presents a new and interesting photo feature from somewhere in the United States. Chosen from a wide variety
of historic sites, city scenes, backcountry byways, points of interest and America's best parklands, this site offers the viewer hundreds
of unique vacation destinations and photographic subjects. Each feature is coupled with a brief explanation. For further detailed
information, links to other sites are provided, but are never to be considered an endorsement.

Edisto Memorial Gardens

Edisto Memorial Gardens - Orangeburg, South Carolina

Photos by Ben Prepelka

     The first few telltale signs of spring in Orangeburg are found in the Edisto Memorial Gardens. Centennial Park Fountain - Edisto Memorial Gardens Even before the trees begin to show their leaves, the azalea, camellia, dogwood, crabapple, wisteria and Japanese Yoshiro cherry trees are decked out in a colorful show of delicate blossoms. Within a month, the gardens' signature rose displays will start to bloom, entertaining over a half million visitors every year. During the Festival of Roses, beginning on the first weekend in May, the gardens feature over 4000 rose plants and represent 75 varieties. A joint effort between the City of Orangeburg and the South Carolina Rose Society and Garden Club, some of these garden displays are covered in beds of Noisette roses, the only rose that can trace its origin to the western world.
     Developed in the 1920s, Centennial Park Fountain - Edisto Memorial Gardens a small five acre park featured azalea plantings and a playground. Today's garden park covers 175 acres and honors war veterans of America's major wars. Various pieces of sculpture are placed throughout the park, with a simple state tree (sabal palmetto) sculpture placed in the center of the Centennial Park fountain. Now expanded to include a boardwalk along the Edisto River, the garden park is free to all visitors and is open from dawn until dusk.

    Area Map
    Orangeburg Walking Tour