View of High Battery, Charleston, South Carolina, Courtesy Historic Charleston Foundation

A Church Street Garden Although Mrs. Emily Whaley passed away shortly after her book, Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden, was published in 1998. Her garden remains one of the highlights of the Festival's Glorious Gardens tours. The garden has been beautifully updated and is now lovingly maintained by her daughter, Marty Whaley Adams Cornwell, a renowned artist and garden writer in her own right. Courtesy Historic Charleston Foundation

Held during the peak of the historic port city’s blooming season, the 63rd Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens offers guests a rare opportunity to visit the private interiors of nearly 150 of the city’s most magnificent colonial and antebellum houses and gardens March 18 – April 17, 2010.

The tour is organized by Historic Charleston Foundation and proceeds support its mission to preserve and protect Charleston’s historic architecture and culture.

View St. Phillip's Steeple, Courtesy Historic Charleston Foundation

“Founded in 1670, Charleston quickly rose to prominence as the colonies’ most significant seaport, importing the finest in 18th and 19th century material culture,” said Leigh Handal, HCF’s Director of Public Programs. “Today the city’s legacy of Continental, European and Asian influences can be found in its alluring architecture, interiors and gardens. Because of this unique heritage, the foundation’s annual house tours and antiques show have attracted the attention of connoisseurs around the world.”
The Festival offers a diverse range of entertaining and educational programs, including exclusive behind-the-scene-tours, educational and entertaining luncheon lectures, harbor cruises, period musical concerts in intimate settings, and wine tastings.

A complete calendar of events and ticket prices can be found at www.historiccharleston.org or by calling 843-722-3405.