Swan Lake ~ Iris Garden, Sumter, South Carolina

While visiting our friends in Sumter, SC we went to Swan Lake Iris Gardens. We were lucky enough to be there while the iris were in bloom.  According to the history of the place the iris bulbs were dumped in the swamp after failing to grow in another location. The following spring they bloomed, creating an accidental garden. Now the park is considered one of the finer botanical gardens in the nation.

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The park is home to eight different species of swans.  My favorite was the black swan.

You can take a walk on raised walkways through the swamp. 

A talking tree....really.
You push a button and he talks, telling you about the history of the trees in the area.
Fortunately he doesn't wave his limbs or throw things at you like the trees in Wizard of Oz.

'til next time...