Poyas-Mordecai House Garden

This imposing three-and-a-half-story stuccoed brick single house on a high basement was constructed by Dr. John Poyas in the last years (1796-1800) of the eighteenth century. The current owners recently enlisted landscape architect Sheila Wertimer to renovate the formal parterre garden she previously designed for former owners, to also create other gardens and a pool pavilion garden. 

Upon entering the piazza one has a wonderful view of the formal parterre garden with its brick and gravel walkways. The parterres are edged in boxwood with three major ones containing citrus trees in terra cotta pots and a specimen pineapple guava standard in the center. The lemon trees are underplanted with ‘Big Blue’ liriope and seasonal plantings under the guava tree. Four palmettos are in each corner with five crape myrtles and a podocarpus hedge to the south and sasanquas and roses in beds. Two small gates open onto Eagleston hollies on either side of the Italian travertine marble platform surrounding the pool. Four palmettos anchor each side of the pool with the north side fence boasting a thornless Peggy Martin pink climbing rose. Underneath the palmettos are hardy lomandra grasses. An elegant pavilion for dining and entertaining completes the setting. 

In front of the kitchen house is an inviting pergola covered with confederate jasmine. A border of farfugium and ‘Soft Caress’ mahonia adjoin the house. The long gravel drive is bordered by podocarpus hedges and a ribbon of Asiatic jasmine and an impressive colonial-style entrance gate. This expansive and varied garden provides many hours of leisure and pleasure for the family.

Open Days 2021: Saturday, June 5
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.