Swan Lake Iris Gardens, a refreshing daytrip

Families pack a picnic and bags of stale bread. Gardeners take their cameras and journals. Birders and butterfly watchers stow binoculars, field guides, and note pads. Photographers bring cameras, tripods, and filters. There is something of interest for everyone at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. A daytrip to the gardens is just 40 minutes east of Columbia via Sumter Highway.

The public gardens maintained and operated by the City of Sumter cover over 150 acres. The cypress swamplike forested area was at one time owned by two separate families, who designed and developed the natural beauty as a private sanctuary.

Swan Lake is black water due to the tannic acid from the roots and knees of bald cypress growing in and around the lake. The acidic moist soil surrounding the lake is ideal for growing Japanese iris, Iris endata, and over 120 varieties are displayed. The tall sturdy stemmed beardless irises are planted in wide drifts. Large single and double flowers in shades of white, purple, violet, mauve, and blue burst into color in May and June.

120 varieties of Japanese iris grow at Swan Lake. While irises dominate the floral landscape in spring, the gardens offer a yearlong procession of plant and animal interest. Perennials emerge as irises decline and splash color along the pathways and in three theme gardens.

A butterfly garden demonstrates host and nectar plants. A sensory garden designed for the visually- impaired includes Braille signage. A chocolate lover's garden grows flowers, herbs, and vegetables with chocolate names, colors, and/or scent.

Trees structure the garden and inform visitors of their attributes through an electronic talking tree walk. Carousel- shaped Magnolia grandiflora bloom with dinner plate- sized flowers. Spanish moss hangs from feathery- leaved branches of bald cypress whose gnarled knees create sculpture for the imagination. A circular camellia garden flowers in late fall and winter.

The gardens provide habitat for a large animal population. Eight species of swans from around the world call the place home. Canada geese welcome visitors. Muscovies, mallards, and wood ducks mingle with the swans. Visitors are permitted to feed the waterfowl small pieces of bread. Anhingas, great egrets, blue herons, and kingfishers are visible along the boardwalk. Songbirds nest and feed throughout the gardens.

Magnolia grandiflora blossom is magnificent. From the initial greeting by geese to the farewell by fireflies, a day in the gardens refreshes one's connection to the natural world. The gardens are free and open daily from 7:30 am until dusk. Amenities on site include restrooms, picnic tables and shelters, gazebo, visitor center, and tennis courts. Pets and bicycles are not permitted on the grounds.

For a directional map visit www.sumtersc. com/VisitingUs/Swan- Lake.aspx.

Japanese iris, Iris endata grow in drifts along the moist shoreline of Swan Lake. Talking Tree Walk Trail The Chocolate Garden Black Australian Swans Chocolate Sunflowers Twin turtles Cypress knees trigger the imagination.