The Evolution of Charleston Gardens; Food for Thought Lecture

Join Charleston native, historian, and acclaimed author Louisa Pringle Cameron for an illuminating journey through the history and evolution of Charleston’s iconic gardens. For decades, Cameron has documented the city’s landscapes, from hidden courtyard gardens and formal urban retreats to grand estates shaped by centuries of horticultural tradition. Her extensive research, publications, and unparalleled photographic archive have made her one of Charleston’s most respected voices on garden history and preservation.

In this richly illustrated lecture, Cameron will explore how Charleston’s gardens have been shaped by climate, culture, architecture, and changing tastes—from early colonial kitchen plots and Victorian parterres to twentieth-century revival styles and the diverse garden expressions seen today. Drawing from her celebrated books and decades of firsthand study, she will highlight the designers, homeowners, plants, and artistic influences that have contributed to Charleston’s botanical charm.

Attendees will be inspired by striking images from Cameron’s personal collection, offering a rare look behind Charleston’s…