Columbia -- Elizabeth and E. Robertson Kibler Garden

This ¾ acre property was built in 1939 and had three separate owners before the current owners purchased the home and established the garden in 2004. When the current owners purchased the property, the design of the garden was formal and traditional. There was no foundation planning so they planted all of the existing hedges, boxwoods, and foundation shrubs. There were originally Asiatic jasmine, trumpet vine, and Virginia creeper scattered across the property, but the they avoided cutting these off of the pine tree in the perennial bed after arborists informed them of their integral role in supporting the tree. They built and installed all the hardscape across sixteen months, having to first clear the property around the house. George Betsill designed the landscaping and hardscaping while Robert Kennedy designed the architectural additions to the home. Ruth Lacie was responsible for the design of the perennial beds.

The main architectural features are the flagstone terrace with outdoor seating, a brick covered fireplace, a toolshed constructed of repurposed brick, and the brick walkway shaded by trees and lined with copper outdoor lighting. Flagstone stepping stone paths connect each structure on the property. During renovation, the current owners used old bricks that matched the original bricks used for the home to construct the toolshed and extension to the house. A gate next to the shed is surrounded by trained tea olive. The main garden (Nanny's Garden) and seating area includes teak outdoor furniture, a concrete birdbath made by the owner's grandfather for his wife, and black wooden double doors that match the entry door. The perennial bed near the greenhouse features hydrangeas, hostas, and lenten roses. A variety of camellias, including a tall Sasanqua with pink buds, remain from the original owner's plantings. There is an extensive use of boxwood for foundation planting and edging. There are several roses trained on trellises and metal obelisks along the house exterior walls. The large oak on the property was removed in 2020.

Persons associated with the garden include: Mr. And Mrs. Richard Shafto (former owners, 1939 – 1960); Mr. And Mrs. George Dial (former owners, 1960 – 1974); Mr. And Mrs. Dan Hollin (former owners, 1974 – 2004); E. Robertson Kibler (owner, 2004 – present); George Betsill (landscape architect, 2004 – 2017); Ruth Lacey (landscaper and garden designer, 2004 – 2015) Elizabeth Kibler (owner, 2004 – present).