Open Days (formerly Behind the Garden Gate) ala carte - Enchanted Walled Garden

Enchanting Walled Garden

Part of Open Days 2026 - purchase à la carte

Saturday, May 30, 10 am to 3 pm

In 2022, well-known Charleston landscape architect Sheila Wertimer designed garden rooms to encircle rarely allowed new construction in the Historic District. Dedicated gardeners themselves, the husband-and-wife team has taken advantage of the loggias, terraces, and the high walls around the property, which were formerly the exterior of a warehouse, to create various vignettes for the enjoyment of their paradise.

Boxwood-edged beds of Liriope anchor the iron gate entrance, which opens onto an urn spilling with seasonal plants above a gravel path and borders of camellias, boxwood globes, holly ferns, and papyrus, the husband’s favorite.

The first large garden room, frequently used for entertaining and dining, contains a fountain, bluestone terrace, and pool, each area flowing seamlessly together among a dahoon holly allee, crepe myrtles, and beds of holly fern, Liriope, mahonia, and African iris. A jasmine-covered Belgian fence provides a background for two stone 19th-century female sphinxes guarding the pool.

From the south loggia, a stone and gravel path passes large boxwood globes in urns and sasanquas and opens into the next garden, a potager, where fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers abound. This four-quadrant parterre separated by gravel walks holds potted lemons and limes and a center of herbs with a carved stone obelisk covered by blue Cape plumbago.

Two Belgian fences with confederate jasmine climb the southern wall. Tucked in the corner is a delightful sitting area to enjoy the garden and a cup of tea or a drink. A massive live oak tree, with its own cut- out space in the wall, completes the scene and provides shade for the motor court.

To purchase tickets to all six participating gardens as a bundle, please click here.

Please note: Garden Conservancy membership credits cannot be used for this event.

Price: $15

There is no CHS member discount for à la carte purchases.

Please note that registrations are non-refundable. We appreciate your understanding, as your spot helps us plan and provide the best possible experience for all attendees.

Thank you for supporting our programs and helping us grow together!

Location for various gardens will be emailed to ticket holders before the event.