A Little Blue Heron sizing up a cherub statue …who can stand still longer?
The Little Blue Heron blinked.
A wider view of the Long White Bridge, the cherub reflecting underneath.
November 2020, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Charleston, SC
I returned to the Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens on Monday to find the lattice work being attached.
Installation had been completed about three quarters of the way across on the front side of the bridge.
Two workmen were lining up and attaching supports for the next section of lattice.
The Cherub will be more difficult to photograph through the bridge when the other side of lattice is added.
This is a view from the back side of the bridge with three Alligators in the water in the lower right.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 21, 2020
My other photos of the Long White Bridge
Obvious progress on repairs to the Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has been slow. These images are from November 6th, the last time I had enough light when I passed by to capture some images.
Update 3A: Long White Bridge, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Update 3B: Long White Bridge, Supervisor
These views of the bridge under construction were taken from the lawn gazebo.
The tree that fell and destroyed the bridge was on the far side of the left end. Somehow the cherub statue was spared.
The gazebo is metal, recently re-painted gaging by the brightness of the white.
A few late blooming azaleas provide a bit of color under the Spanish Moss draped Crepe Myrtle.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 6, 2020
My other photos of the Long White Bridge
Obvious progress on repairs to the Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has been slow. These images are from November 6th, the last time I had enough light when I passed by to capture some images.
Yesterday’s post: Update 3A: Long White Bridge, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
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A Little Blue Heron flew onto the bridge and seemed to have a proprietary air, at the least a stake in how the job is proceeding.
The heron wasn’t in any hurry; I was able to change lenses and get to the other side of the bridge.
What’s up there?
I moved along to take some images of the gazebo and was surprised the Little Blue Heron was still on the bridge.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 6, 2020
My other photos of the Long White Bridge
At the end of an afternoon walk around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens I passed the river side of the Plantation House. The dropping sun played with the Spanish Moss.
The top of the cupola was pierced by a jet’s contrail; the rooster didn’t seem to mind.
Obvious progress on repairs to the Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has been slow. These images are from November 6th, the last time I had enough light when I passed by to capture some images.
The supports for the bridge sides have been added, and painted white.
Late blooming Azaleas give a hint of one of the sought after views of the bridge, especially with brides and recently wed couples posed in the middle. You’ll have to imagine the criss-crossed bridge sides in place for now.
Unfortunately those Azaleas were only blooming on the side away from the pond and there was no pink water reflection to be had.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 6, 2020
The Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens which was severely damaged by a falling maple tree on July 7, 2020.
My other photos of the Long White Bridge
The house at Magnolia Plantation with late afternoon sun shining through the Spanish Moss.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Charleston, SC
September 22, 2020
Progress is being made on repairs to the Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens which was severely damaged by a falling maple tree on July 7.
Some of the safety barricades that were in place on my last Update have been re-positioned which allowed a closer look when I was there on August 20.
A garden cherub is supervising the whole process, but couldn’t tell me what this yellow thing is.
The maple tree that fell was at the far left, on the other side of the bridge. That end of the bridge sustained the most damage, but cracking of the fascia and decking, along with the support framing went the length of the structure, leading to a major overhaul.
The view through the gazebo is not as dramatic without the white bridge; a few long blooming Azaleas spiff up the lawn. I look forward to taking a similar shot when the repairs are complete.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
August 20, 2020
My other photos of the Long White Bridge
Yesterday I went to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for the first time since the Long White Bridge was damaged on July 7.
In an email update today Magnolia said that “during an inspection on Thursday morning, July 8 that the hard realities were revealed.”
“Decking boards were pulled up. Upright posts with railing and lattice detail were analyzed. Copper sheeting for waterproofing under the deck and 100 years of assorted hardware, straps and layers of wood structure were exposed. On that brilliant morning, the bridge showed every one of its 180 years of age.”
Two South Carolina companies have joined forces to recreate the bridge: one that specialize in old growth wide planks and slabs, including recovery of old growth sinker cypress and heart pine and another that custom mills lumber products.
A Little Blue Heron, just visible in the lower left corner, had the best view of the exposed bridge structure.
Access to the immediate area of the bridge is restricted for safety, limiting what you can see. Enlarge this close up for more detail on the condition and how the bridge was put together in the 1840s.
Amazingly, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens reports that no one heard or saw the tree that landed on the bridge come down.
“At 6:00 PM, the bridge was whole. At 8:00 PM, more than forty percent of the railing was in pieces and the structure was torqued in both the vertical and horizontal planes.”
View from the back side of the bridge, with a temporary structure for worker access. Remember, there are Alligators in this water!
The next image is a similar view that I took in March.
This small replica of the bridge was the centerpiece of a display at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington DC for their 2019 Gardens Across America exhibit.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 30, 2020
Quotes from Magnolia Plantation & Gardens public email and Facebook page, July 31, 2020
My other photos of the Long White Bridge
I’ve taken hundreds of pictures of the Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens over the last five years. Even when there isn’t anything extra going on, like blooming azaleas, a Great Blue Heron hunting, or a perfect reflection–it just calls out to be photographed. I took this image the last time I was there, July 3rd.
On Tuesday this week a large tree on the left end of the bridge came down on the bridge. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but there was extensive damage to the structure. The bridge dates to the 1840s and plans are underway to rebuild promptly and exactly as it was.
My other photos of the Long White Bridge
