Natchez: Patio Paradise

Southern Gardening continues our late fall tour of the gorgeous landscapes and gardens of Natchez. Today we’re visiting our new friend Jerry and his terrific walled garden retreat. One of the things I like about period landscapes is the attention to detail, from the boxwood parterres around the classic cistern, to creeping fig covered walls which needs to be manicured to keep it flat to the wall. Entering through the iron gate we find a garden room perfect for sitting in the shade under the Drake elm and the interest the exfoliating bark creates. Moving on we enter the gardens sun room with its gorgeous blue slate. Plants in terracotta containers add color and interest. I especially like the featured fountain in the shade of the beautiful live oak with the soothing splashing sounds. The elephant ears add great course texture and there are goldfish enjoying the cool, shady water. Ascending the wrap around stairs covered in confederate jasmine provides a view of the entire garden sun room. A feature that is really impressive are the multiple castings of the faces of the Greek deities Penelope and Pan. Placed in various places in the walls and entrance gates, this creates a unifying feature throughout the garden. As we leave through the back gate we come upon another cistern surrounded by large ballast stones using mondograss edgings around each stone. I hope you’ve enjoyed our visit to the landscape rooms of Jerry’s walled garden. I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman and I’ll see you next time on Southern Gardening.