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This Fancy Charleston Garden Is a Private Oasis in the Heart of the City

By: Felicia Feaster

January 15, 2020

A pair of talented Charleston textile designers have turned a tucked-away downtown garden into a pretty, sophisticated refuge.

You'd never guess this stunning, lush, green oasis is located right off a busy Charleston street frequented by camera-wielding tourists. But homeowners Lynda Panaretos and John Gilkeson have created something special, a place to entertain and even house guests in an adorable outbuilding that makes the space feel like an island resort.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza

A Secret Garden

You'd never guess this stunning, lush, green oasis is located right off a busy Charleston street frequented by camera-wielding tourists. But homeowners and fabric designers Lynda and David Gilkeson have created something special, a place to entertain and even house guests in an adorable outbuilding that makes the space feel like an island resort.

Creeping Jenny, ferns and caladium continue the subtle pink and black theme of this garden where wooden window boxes, gates and fences are painted in a glossy amber paint.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza

View to a Thrill

Creeping Jenny, ferns and caladium continue the subtle pink and black theme of this garden where wooden window boxes, gates and fences are painted in a glossy ebony paint.

An elegant water feature is bookended by perfectly symmetrical urns which create a kind of stage set that frames this charming garden statue.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza

Water World

An elegant water feature is bookended by perfectly symmetrical urns which create a kind of stage set that frames this charming garden statue.

Mandevilla are pretty patio plants that work well in tropical gardens.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza

Pretty in Pink

Mandevilla are pretty patio plants that work well in tropical gardens.