Plantation Tour
by: Gail Lang

The approach to the entrance is itself part of your journey. The road leading to the entrance, Ashley River Road (Hwy 61), is lined with large oaks. Their magnificent branches form canopies over the road. Entering the gate you sense the endless sweep of time. Even before you discover Magnolia's history, you are overwhelmed by the beauty that surrounds you.

Glancing to the right as you drive in, you pause momentarily, and admire the beckoning, quiet beauty of the swamp, a place that must be seen before you leave. But for the moment you will continue on to see what lies beyond.

As you slowly drive down the oak-lined road, the home and gardens come into view. The vast maze of bushes to the left arouses your curiosity. What lies within the horticultural maze? Can you find your way back out without cheating and crawling on your belly like the child just creeping under the bushes on the outer edge? It appears to be too much of a challenge for him to wander the maze properly. Or perhaps, it is just the childish excitement of wanting to get out and hurry to the next adventure, to go play in the natural playground, or to return to the animals. It is hard to tell what lies within his young mind; but one thing is sure, the twinkle in his eyes and his huge grin give away the thrill and excitement he finds in nature.

Continuing on you pass by the front of the house. Nestled in the trees, it has all the characteristics and charm of an old Southern home that has a unique history to share. Daily guided tours offer a chance to let your imagination make you part of that history. Guides take you room to room telling the family's story. History seems to come to life as you stroll through this magnificent home.

Anxiously, you continue on and park in one of the natural lots hidden among the trees.

Now, for just a bit of fun. Whether old or young, a quick stroll through the petting zoo is a must. The animals are the living treasures of this land. Each has a name and is lovingly tended. Fortified with a handful of corn, you take the opportunity before you.

The animals vary from time to time. You may see a few kept in the cages, but this is only for their protection as those may be sick, injured or recently with young. The other animals roam freely around you. Carefully kneeling beside a small doe, you reach out and caress its soft fur as it gently nibbles the food from your hand. A moment such as this, so close to such an elusive gentle beast of nature, should be cherished. Be careful though! Those billy goats aren't far behind. If you don't keep a watchful eye for those rascals, they'll not only steal the corn from your hands, but try to eat the clothes right off your body!

Eventually you move on. There is still so much to see.

An excellent way to begin from here, if this is your first visit, is to take the nature train. Two nature trains provide a 45 minute, 4-mile narrated ride through the plantation's 500 acres, noting the flora, fauna and history as you journey.

The gardens deserve your full admiration. Once you begin your journey into its depths, be prepared to spend hours. The trails wind round and round, each new corner bringing an unexpected surprise. To truly experience its romance, come with your loved one and stroll hand in hand through the gardens. You'll find statues hidden throughout the gardens, each set quietly in the trees. Benches nestled among the plantings give you places to sit, rest and admire the unbelievable beauty. Lost in the romance of these quiet moments, you steal a quiet, soft kiss. You cannot help but give in for just a moment. The beauty and romance is too captivating. This is not a place to hurry through. Stroll leisurely, take time to admire each plant, each flower, each statue — all that together create a memory for years to come.