butterfly

The Bird and Butterfly Garden

Bird & Butterfly Garden near Dupree Place: feeding stations, bird bath, wildlife plants. Gazebo, benches for viewing. Gifted by Edward S. Hallman hon. Walter C. Plunkett, Jr.

A short walk south of Dupree Place parking lot, the Bird and Butterfly Garden has feeding stations, a bird bath, and plants attracting birds and butterflies. A gazebo and benches offer spots to observe. Donated by Edward S. Hallman, it’s dedicated in memory of Walter C. Plunkett, Jr.

Bluebird Houses

Bluebird nest boxes in Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch are part of SC’s Bluebird Trail. Monitored by volunteers.

A short walk south of Dupree Place parking lot, the Bird and Butterfly Garden has feeding stations, a bird bath, and plants attracting birds and butterflies. A gazebo and benches offer spots to observe. Donated by Edward S. Hallman, it’s dedicated in memory of Walter C. Plunkett, Jr.

camelia

Camellia Trail Gardens

Hopelands Gardens, on The American Camellia Trail by ACS, features 80 camellias with 60 varieties. Planted since 1940s by Hope Goddard Iselin.

Hopelands Gardens is part of The American Camellia Trail by the American Camellia Society. Camellias, planted by Hope Goddard Iselin since the 1940s, include 80 plants with 60 varieties and 20 cultivars. The Aiken Camellia Society donated many along Dupree Place. More details are on the Society’s website.

Located adjacent to the walkway near one of the reflecting pools is a sculpted bronze portrait bust of Hope Goddard Iselin, whose home Hopelands became Hopelands Gardens. Nearby is a sculpted bronze portrait bas-relief of James D. McNair, President of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Aiken and first President of the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch. The bust and bas-relief were created by sculptor Maria Kirby-Smith and were given to Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch in memory of James D. McNair by People’s Community Bank of South Carolina, First Citizens Bank and the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch.

Iselin and McNair Sculptures

Near a reflecting pool, a bronze bust of Hope Goddard Iselin and a bas-relief of James D. McNair were donated in his memory.

Adjacent to the walkway near a reflecting pool is a bronze bust of Hope Goddard Iselin, whose home became Hopelands Gardens. Nearby is a bronze bas-relief of James D. McNair, first President of Friends of Hopelands. Sculpted by Maria Kirby-Smith, both were donated in his memory.

The Joan B. Tower Gazebo, which stands on the bank of one lake, is an 18th century Italian design rotunda, the model of which was found in Florida. It is a popular photo setting.

Joan B. Tower Gazebo

Joan B. Tower Gazebo, an 18th-century Italian design inspired by Florida, is a beloved lakeside spot for photography and admiration.

The Joan B. Tower Gazebo, an 18th-century Italian design rotunda, stands by the lake. Its model was found in Florida.

Its elegant structure makes it a favorite spot for photography, attracting visitors who appreciate its historic and aesthetic charm.

The Labyrinth in Hopelands is an octagonal brick path, 45 feet in diameter, with a polished granite center. This spiritual pathway is patterned after a 13th century design at Amiens Cathedral, France, and offers a meditative walk, following the centuries-long tradition of labyrinths.

The Labyrinth

Hopelands’ Labyrinth: octagonal brick path, 45-ft diameter, granite center. Modeled after 13th-century Amiens Cathedral for meditative walks.

The Labyrinth in Hopelands is an octagonal brick path, 45 feet in diameter, with a polished granite center. This spiritual pathway is patterned after a 13th century design at Amiens Cathedral, France, and offers a meditative walk, following the centuries-long tradition of labyrinths.

Oak-Allee

Oak Allée

Oak Allée, designed in 1974 by Robert Marvin, links Hopelands Gardens to Rye Patch, enriching Aiken’s charm with majestic oaks and scenic beauty.

The Oak Allée, created in 1974 by Robert Marvin, connects Hopelands Gardens with Rye Patch, enhancing Aiken’s natural beauty. This picturesque pathway, lined with majestic oaks, welcomes visitors to an inviting journey through lush greenery, a testament to Marvin’s landscape vision.

pet cemetary

Pet Cemetary

Hope Iselin, famed in Thoroughbred racing, adored small animals. Near Hopelands’ pools on Whiskey Road rests her pet cemetery,

Hope Iselin, renowned in Thoroughbred horse racing, cherished small animals. Near Hopelands’ reflecting pools on Whiskey Road lies her pet cemetery, where six beloved dogs find eternal rest, a touching tribute to her enduring love and compassion for animals of all sizes.

Promenade-Overlook

Promenade Overlook – Reflecting Pool

The Promenade Overlook, ideal for weddings, offers panoramic views of Hopelands’ gardens. Reflecting pools and majestic oaks enhance its scenic allure.

A frequent setting for weddings, the Promenade Overlook is a site from which to view the expanse of the Gardens – the large Oaks and huge Magnolias. The reflecting pools, which lead to the Overlook, were built on the foundation of the Hopelands’ residence. These areas were designed by SC landscape architect Robert Marvin.

Sand Patios

Sand Patios

Sand patios from Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame to reflecting pools, shaded by majestic Oak and Deodar Cedar, offer outdoor picnic spots in serene Hopelands Gardens.

Sand patios, extending from the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum to the reflecting pools, lie beneath the shade of a majestic Oak and Deodar Cedar. Outdoor tables and chairs invite visitors to enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the serene beauty of Hopelands Gardens.

Water Rill

Water Rill

Water rill from serpentine wall on Whiskey Road flows under wooden bridge to Wetlands, designed by Robert Marvin in 1974, enriches Hopelands Gardens.

A water rill, originating near the serpentine wall on Whiskey Road, flows under a wooden bridge towards the Wetlands, as envisioned by landscape architect Robert Marvin in 1974. This tranquil feature adds to the scenic allure of Hopelands Gardens, enriching the visitor’s experience with its soothing presence.

Wetlands

Wetlands

Wetlands near Hopelands filter street runoff in a pond, supplying garden lakes. Home to turtles, fish, Irises, and Bald Cypress, with scenic bridge view.

The Wetlands, nestled between Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch, act as a natural filtration system. They collect and filter street runoff in a pond, supplying water to the gardens’ lakes. Home to turtles, fish, Irises, and Bald Cypress, a wooden bridge offers a scenic view.