I’ve been on this corner at the back of the old rice field when the Nature Train was passing and heard the tour guide point out this Redwood Tree as they pass.
They either didn’t say, or I’ve never paid enough attention, why this single Redwood happens to be right here.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
From a distance I thought these white blossoms were dogwood.
As much as I like dogwood, I was happily surprised as I got closer to find that it was a Tung Oil tree.
How could you not love these gorgeous blossoms? Although some of the shine came off when I discovered it is non-native and invasive in the gulf coast states where it was grown as a cash crop in the early 1900s.
These blossoms will produce fruits with seeds that are the source of tung oil (tungoil). The oil is used for manufacturing varnishes and paints, and as a waterproofing agent for linoleum and oilcloth. Unfortunately, all parts of the plant are toxic to livestock and humans.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 12, 2023
In early May I went on a combo boat – hiking trip with fifteen enthusiastic adventurers into the Congaree National Park, about 18 miles southeast of Columbia, the SC state capital.
After traveling up the winding Congaree River from the Bates Bridge Landing we went into the forest to see some amazingly large, and old, trees.
Very big trees!
Photography in the forest that shows the relative size is hampered by–the forest.
We ate our lunch with a couple of the biggest, including this one.
Much of the forest floor was muddy, and slippery. And yes I fell. Holding my camera high
From the park website (nps.gov/cong/index.htm)
Congaree National Park has the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States
May 4, 2022
A sundial stands in the gardens at Middleton Place, backed by the massive 1000 year old Live Oak, the rice field pond, and the Ashley River.
November 12, 2021
Thought to be near 1000 years old, this massive Live Oak overlooks an old rice field impoundment at Middleton Place. Imagine what it has witnessed.
A sundial placed near the massive tree marks time in a different way.
I don’t know what these trees are, but spotted several in full bloom this week at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
A couple of the trees are quite large, this next shot was over my head.
Up close the blooms are quite delicate
and have quite a full center.
I walked by this stump recently when it was nicely lit by the late afternoon sun. I was reminded of a previous post, A Waiting Stage, and took a few images.
It was almost exactly a year later, and the biggest difference in the scene is more green moss now on the trunk. I also got a different angle with Palmetto fronds in the background.
There was still no wildlife taking advantage of the stage but I still think it is an attractive spot and will continue to keep my eye on it.
I pass this tree stump often on my walks around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Someday there is going to be something sitting on it for me to photograph, well maybe.
In the meantime I’ll make do with the stump. It reminded me of a waiting stage on this day with the sun giving it a full spotlight.
Nature provided some lovely decorations, including a single blade of grass, looking something like a candle.
I love these old trees and the twisted branches that hang in the water.
I often pass this line of Live Oak trees when visiting Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and have taken more than a few photographs, none of which really convey the feel of standing under the old trees.
I love the twisted branches, Spanish Moss, and all that green. Last week I stopped as I passed by to soak in the atmosphere and took a few more images.
July 12, 2019
