Inspiration from The Charming Gardens of Charleston: A Style Guide for the Garden Lover

Charleston, South Carolina is known for its beautiful architecture, historic neighborhoods, and its abundance of charming gardens, of course. It is no wonder it has been named the “city set in a garden.” Characterized by iron gates, brick walls and pathways, and lush blooms, Charleston’s gardens are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. With the combination of classical statuary, garden fountains, ornate planters, and blooming flowers, a true sense of serenity can be found among the secret paths and rooms of these magnificent gardens. These gardens have long been an inspiration for Kenneth Lynch & Sons products. Join us in exploring the detailed elements of Charleston’s finest gardens... inspiration awaits!

Classical Statuary

The rich history of Charleston lends itself to beautiful homes and mansions, built in the Georgian and Greek Revival styles of the 1800’s. This classical architecture makes a perfect setting for romantic classical statuary. Often nestled among rose bushes or greenery, statuary in Charleston’s gardens creates a sense of peace and companionship, even if strolling through a garden alone. 

We love how unique each piece of statuary can be, from their expressive body language to the emotion in their faces. Statuary undoubtedly adds life to a garden space, each with its own story waiting to be told. Some of the most loved pieces from our own statuary of the Estate Elements Collection include Four Seasons Statues, La Brezza, and Growing Things.

Photo credits of Charleston Gardens. Top left: Statue with flowers by CHS Bucketlist. Bottom left: Statue in garden by Antique Art Garden. Right: Statue at Middleton Place in Charleston by Melissa Lester.

Kenneth Lynch & Sons products pictured above, left to right: Four Seasons Statue, La Brezza, Growing Things.

Soothing Fountains

A key element of any classical garden is the gentle trickle of an intricate fountain. Many of Charleston’s gardens position their fountains as a central focal point along their brick paths, a perfect opportunity to stop and admire the peaceful setting during a stroll through the garden. The detailing of the fountains is often elaborate, adding to the sensory experience of these beautiful pieces. 

Kenneth Lynch & Sons has long been an expert in fountain design. One of our most popular designs is the Classical Tiered Fountain, perfectly proportioned for a beautiful waterfall effect and often paired with a Pineapple Finial to symbolize a sign of welcome, a popular symbol found around Charleston homes. The Dancing Girl Fountain is one that adds a delicate, innocent touch, while the Rosette Wall Fountain is a favorite for its customization options and space-saving design for smaller garden settings.

Photo credits of Charleston Gardens. Left: Fountain at Calhoun Mansion by Kyra Quenan. Top right: Fountain in garden by Susie of Return to Sunday Supper. Bottom right: Urn fountain by Handsome Properties.

Kenneth Lynch & Sons products pictured above, left to right: Classical Tiered Fountain, Dancing Girl Fountain, Rosette Wall Fountain.

Armillary Sundials

While armillary sundials have been around for thousands of years, originally created to track time from sunrise to sunset, they remain a beautiful design element in sophisticated gardens today. The symmetry and classicism of Charleston’s gardens are a perfect setting for these dramatic pieces. 

Kenneth Lynch & Sons’ armillary sundials are composed of interlocking metal rings that form a spherical framework, containing the most essential rings: the horizon, equatorial, and prime vertical. Our most popular design, the Armillary Sundial is available in three sizes, decorated with roman numerals and signs of the zodiac. We also offer horizontal sundials, which are flat, and hemispherical sundials, which give the illusion of half of a sphere. Sundials are a beautiful addition to any garden, large or small.

Photo credits of Charleston Gardens. Top left: CHS Bucketlist. Bottom right: Beau Clowney Architects. Right: Mary Jacke. 

Kenneth Lynch & Sons products pictured above, left to right: Armillary Sundial - medium, Hare and Tortoise Sundial, Armillary Sundial - large.

Planters & Urns

Perfect for the historical garden, planters and urns are essential to help highlight the beautiful flowers and colorful blooms of the seasons. They are an essential part of creating dimension in an outdoor space, and their variety of shape and styles can act as a piece of art in itself or simply a subtle, but functional garden element. 

Our own collection of urns and planters come in a variety of styles, shapes, materials, and sizes for any space. The beauty of these pieces is their simple integration to the garden that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. View our variety of planters in our Estate Elements Collection.    

Photo credits of Charleston Gardens. Left: Tara Tatum Chapman, Top right: Jennifer Broome, Bottom right: Potted Pleasures.

Kenneth Lynch & Sons products pictured above, left to right: Lead Cherub Urn, Rectangular Lion Planter, and Linen Fold Planter.

Garden Seating

With the beauty of Charleston gardens, it is perhaps just as important to have a place to sit and enjoy the statuary, fountains, and greenery. One can find intricate benches along the walls of a garden room, or lounge chairs and outdoor dining tables in private home settings in Charleston. Whether you prefer a quiet bench to sit and reflect, or a dining area to entertain, it’s a worthwhile investment for your own garden, and likely your best seat in the house! 

Kenneth Lynch & Sons offers many options in our Florentine Classics collection of timeless outdoor furniture. The product line is exceptional in the industry in its variety of styles, details, and finishes that add a personal touch to make your garden your own personal paradise. 

Photo credits of Charleston Gardens. Top left: Beau Clowney Architects, Bottom left: Lois Lane Properties, Right: Mary of Home Is Where The Boat Is.

  Kenneth Lynch & Sons products pictured above, left to right: Florentine Classics Star and Dolphin Chairs, Florentine Classics Neoclassical Grand Chairs, and Star and Dolphin Chairs.

We’d love to see your southern garden! Tag your photos to be featured @klynchandsons.

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Photo by the Historic Charleston Foundation.