Wednesday, Oct. 20 dawned rainy and foggy – not exactly the perfect weather to tour gardens! Nevertheless, over 140 Plantation Ladies Club members boarded three buses for the short trip to Milledgeville and the home and gardens of landscape designer Charles and his wife, Irene Miller. Even in the misty conditions, the gardens were spectacular, from the entrance graced by over sixty pots of yellow mums, to the numerous stands of bamboo, beds of daisies, salvias, and other assorted plants. As the group made their way through the first of many “garden rooms”, they were met by a roaring fire pit and tables of silver goblets and cups, waiting to be filled with Irene’s secret bloody Mary mix or mimosas. As our gracious hosts greeted us, clouds gave way to sun and tables were prepared for box lunches, provided by Aubri Lanes’ in Milledgeville.

Charles and Irene both had many stories to tell about the history of the 10 acre property and its transformation into the garden wonderland it is today. All of us agreed that our favorite aspect of the gardens was that they were not a perfectly manicured showplace, but rather a charmingly overgrown labor of love, home to several family pets, and a refuge to many species of birds, butterflies, deer, and other wildlife. A wisteria vine which now supports its host pine tree was planted by Irene 25 years ago, and is as big as the pine tree trunk. Another conversation piece was the herb and vegetable garden, which contained over 2,700 plants. Salad, anyone?

After a short business meeting and the introduction of new members, the garden party attendees returned to Reynolds Plantation, replete with memories of time well spent in the company of friends old and new, having marveled at the amazing outdoor space the Millers have created and are so happy to share.