Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden

A small town girl makes it big in downtown Charleston, SC without becoming part of the sophisticated establishment. She is refreshing and free in her opinions and plantings. From simple potted plants to ancient camellias and restful blue hues, Emily gives anyone a sense of peace in her garden. She relates the destruction of three feet of saltwater from Hugo in her garden and how nature bounced back with tender care. Enjoyment in her 80's is contagious for all ages. As I walk the sidewalks in April and see the lavender blossoms from wysteria, I think of young at heart Mrs. Whaley.

While reading this book, I felt as if I was sitting in a backyard garden on a lovely iron park bench with a glass of lemonade in hand, visiting with Emily Whaley herself. Opinionated, honest and full of Southern charm, Emily is a woman of character who has been blessed with the gift of gardening and a heritage of living right. When I first began reading, I expected gardening tips and descriptions of prolific gardens, which I was given. Yet delightfully surprising was having the lessons she had learned in her life unpretentiously and often humorously passed down to me by way of uncluttered recollections. She taught me to "find my own charms" in life and to "compete only with myself" to name so very few. This is one book I will certainly re-read the pages of often throughout my life.

Mr. Whaley has a wonderful way of drawing you into her stories about learning from her family and friends how important gardens and gardening is to life in South Carolina. You feel as if you are sitting at her knee listening to her tell her stories, rather than reading a book.I have been to her garden and met her and she truly is a marvel. A true South Carolina gardener and gentlewoman.

Mrs. Waverly lets you walk not only through her relaxing back yard full of wonderful plants and landscaping ideas, but she also transports you back in time to the wonderful gardens of her past. If you appreciate the fact that nature transcends time, you'll love this book!

A charming book for those who love gardening. It is also a chance to get to know a wonderful lady. Reading the book is like being given a tour of not only Mrs. Whaley's garden but a tour of the Charleston area.