Reflecting, it was the diversity of the Carolinas that most appealed to me. From sandy beaches to stunning mountains, this was a place where you could experience it all within easy driving distances. I had lunch with a few garden folks at a small eatery on Franklin Street. The place was lively and filled with all sorts of people. Mud pies all around for dessert.
Food is good here too.
Magnolia Gardens in the spring draws people from all over the world. Built more than 300 years ago by Thomas Drayton, who came to Charleston from Barbados, it's the country's oldest garden. Inc. Like it or not, soil a.k.a. dirt is the first consideration for a good garden. Shelter is important too, but you'll never get the trees and shrubs to grow and provide the shelter if you don't improve the soil first. Soils vary in the Carolinas.