In the low coastal country, including Charleston, spring opens in February with Camellias, Daffodils, and bulbs. German Iris appears at Charleston soon after March 15, Phlox in June. Delphinium and Hollyhock and some others do not thrive in this section. The flowers that are carried over for autumn bloom are hardy Chrysanthemum, with Cosmos, Salvia, Marigolds, and Zinnias, and a few others able under care to resist the summer heat. Frost may come by November 15, but in winter thin ice forms only about three times, with the thermometer at twenty-five degrees. White Camellias sometimes begin to blossom at Christmas time. Such is the climate of this level. In the higher regions of the State climatic conditions are somewhat different and the summer heat is not as extreme. [Illustration: PLATE 112 Azalea, Magnolia, and Camellia bloom "Magnolia Garden," Charleston, S. C. Colonel Drayton Hastie _From a photograph by The Carolina Arts and Crafts, Inc._] [Illustration: PLATE 113 Live oaks, with gray moss suspended from branches "Magnolia Garden," Charleston, S. C. Colonel Drayton Hastie _From a photograph by The Carolina Arts and Crafts, Inc._] [Illustration: PLATE 114 "Preston Garden," Columbia, S. C. _From a photograph by Lyle & Escobar_] [Illustration: PLATE 115 "Preston Garden"] [Illustration: PLATE 116 "Preston Garden," Columbia, S. C. _From photographs by Lyle & Escobar_] X GEORGIA AND FLORIDA Summer gardens, on account of the climate, are not attempted in the States of the far South; but as popular winter and spring resorts the grounds at these seasons about the villas and hotels are adorned with Palms, Roses, and other plants adapted to the climate. Charming spring gardens in formal designs are found in Georgia, where, because of its somewhat cooler climate and better soil, there are a greater number of private estates than in Florida. The former State doubtless suffered more than any other in the Civil War and, consequently, enforced neglect of the old gardens brought ruin to most of them. At present some of the finest places in Georgia are delightfully located outside of the larger towns, and many gardens, some new and others renewed after a half-century of oblivion, adorn the home grounds of those who are so fortunate as to reside here at the most favored seasons. The illustrations of the gardens at Green Court are fair samples of the extensive planting in many places. Spring bulbs begin to open in this lovely spot by the middle of February, Camellias often come in January, German Iris appears the middle of March, Delphiniums in April.