Garden at James Petigru Law Office

James Petrigru, a famous jurist and attorney general of South Carolina, constructed in 1849 this Neoclassical house/law office designed by noted architect Edward B. White. According to an 1850’s plat, Petigru’s walled garden stood opposite the house. 

Today the walled garden is between the house and kitchen house. The owners recently enlisted Charleston landscape architect Sheila Wertimer to create an enclosed courtyard garden that reminded the wife of her early years in France—boxwood, gravel paths, and formality combined with relaxation. The entry is lined with five standard dahoon hollies standing guard as one proceeds to the interior courtyard. Four boxwood-edged beds enclose variegated Aztec grass with vertical interest provided by tuteurs overflowing with confederate jasmine, sometimes called star jasmine. The parterres encircle a bed of foxgloves and a bronze sculpture by Tolla Inbar. 

To the right of the parterres is an enchanting shaded dining area with a pergola entwined with wisteria. Near the kitchen house is a reflecting pool which acts as a lap pool with different palm cultivars providing greenery. Throughout the garden are several seating areas allowing one to enjoy different vistas and the vintage crape myrtle tree that plays a leading role in the garden. This inviting garden can also be seen from the elegant loggia constructed adjacent to a harmonious contemporary kitchen addition. 

Open Days 2021: Saturday, May 29
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission: This Open Day requires preregistration through our partners at SpoletoUSA. Visit spoletousa.org/events/behind-the-garden-gate/ for more information.