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Natchez: The Towers

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October 13, 2019

As host of Southern Gardening I really enjoy landscapes and gardens all across the state. Today I’m visiting The Towers antebellum mansion in Natchez, MS and its grand back patio. Walking around the house the first feature you see is the ancient live oak. The wide base, short trunk and horizontal branching aids in their strength against storms and long life. This tree provides needed shade for the patio. Along the curving brick half walls are mature and properly maintained crape myrtles. The exposed trunks reveal a gorgeous mixture of beautiful warm colors and have the look of being muscular. The arborvitae in large terra cotta containers is a great idea. Arborvitae is Latin for "tree of life". These shrubs are evergreen and have soft foliage that stays green and will sometimes yellow during the winter months. And a feature I absolutely love is the Spanish moss hanging off and over the branches all around the patio. The owners collect Spanish moss that has blown down and hand drape over the patio branches. The other aspect that can’t be missed are the life-size bronze sculptures such as the massive bull elk. And this mountain lion lounging on the brick wall. There are more life-size sculptures of wildlife situated all across the grounds that achieve a striking visual impact. Visiting The Towers antebellum mansion has been a real treat and tours are available, contact them for details. I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman and I’ll see you next time on Southern Gardening.

Department: CREC-Coastal Research & Ext Center

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