Natchez: Greenlea B&B

Mississippi has a rich architectural and landscape history, and we’re in Natchez, enjoying some of its fine gardens. Today we’re at Greenlea Bed and Breakfast, which dates back to 1795. This property has a lovely walled courtyard, which you enter by taking the curved brick path by a row of namesake Natchez crape myrtle. The closely sheared Foster Holly hedge creates the perfect background to show off the exfoliating outer and dark cinnamon inner bark. We’re used to seeing liriope in the landscape but not like this. Underneath the crape myrtles is Evergreen Giant liriope, which can reach up to two feet tall. This large clumping perennial is well used as an edging along the curving brick pathway. In early summer through fall, it’s accented with spikes of purple blooms. Growing in large containers are Mississippi Medallion winner Blue Daze evovulus, more Evergreen Giant liriope and Butterfly pink pentas. One of my favorite scenes surrounds the fountain constructed from the top of the original cistern and is framed by a nice boxwood parterre. I really like the garden art, featuring the family of quail scurrying along the boxwood parterre. In front, Cora vinca creates a carpet of bright cheerful color while Serena Angelonia, adds height and more color. Growing a basket on the wall behind the fountain is a stunning red bougainvillea that rambles down into the planting bed. There is so much to see in these historic gardens, I can’t wait to visit again in the future. I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman and I’ll see you next time on Southern Gardening.