The Swan Lake Iris Gardens, a step into an enchanted world.

While living in South Carolina, one of my favorite things was to find the hidden gems that the towns little towns held. And when work had me located in Sumter, I found one of those gems: the Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter South Carolina. The Swan Lake Iris Gardens are located in the middle of Sumter South Carolina, and with the exception of the Shaw AFB Airshow, it is the biggest attraction in the town. At first, I did not think I would love it as much as I did, but quickly I found myself going there after work almost every night; being at swan lake was a calming, practically enchanted feeling. So what is the Swan Lake Iris Gardens? It is a vast, 150 acre, lake and iris garden; it is full of every variation of swan and iris that you could imagine. It has also been labeled as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the USA. But the story of the gardens is even better: In 1927, Hamilton Bland, a local businessman, bought the north end of what is now Swan Lake Iris Gardens and planned to turn it into a garden and private retreat. He planted dozens of Iris,’ but they failed to grow, after consulting professionals he was advised that he should abandon his plans. So he had his groundskeeper dig up all the blubs and throw them in the swamp. That next spring they bloomed, in what Southern Living magazine called a “lovely mistake” that started the swan lake iris gardens. Over the next 30 years, the gardens grow to 150 acres as more families bought land, and added to the gardens, and finally, in 1949 the gardens were deeded over to the city, and this is a free city park to visit. I love the Swan Lake Iris Gardens because it was a hidden gem, just outside of the Columbia metro area you would never find this unless a local told you about it. Add to the location the fact is free makes this a rare find in terms of must-see locations in South Carolina. Personally, my favorite part was just the enchanted atmosphere. I was on call in Sumter, so I spent hours at the gardens walking the paths and trails and even blogging from the benches. I loved hearing the trickling of the water or seeing the flowers in bloom everywhere, and the ducks and swans made this a location I can’t wait to share with my future family when we go on a vacation to the south. Enjoy some pictures of Swan Lake Iris Gardens: