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.
Once again, we have it all here. If you don't inherit good soil, you'll have to purchase it or create it by adding organic material until it is rich and loamy. Regardless of the soil on your property, be sure to amend it yearly with organic matter such as compost and soil conditioner. In cold areas, garden beds should be mulched for winter. Every spring top dress your beds with pine needles or some other organic mulch.