Governor and Mrs. Mark Sanford and the SC Governor's Mansion Foundation & Commission Host Garden Celebration

Autumn in the Gardens
COLUMBIA, SC – September 25, 2008 – Governor and Mrs. Mark Sanford and the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion Commission and Foundation are hosting a special evening event, Autumn in the Gardens, to celebrate the restoration of the Caldwell-Boylston gardens on Friday, October 17th at the Mansion
complex.

The evening will begin with hors d’oeuvres and music in the gardens followed by a buffet dinner on the mall.  The celebration will conclude with dessert in the Mansion.  Attire is coat and tie.  Complimentary valet parking will be provided.  Individual tickets are $100 and are tax deductible. Sponsorship is also available which includes a private reception, priorityseating and signage. 

Mrs. Sanford said, In addition to living in a richly beautiful and historic home, we are surrounded by acres of natural beauty.  This party is the first event we’ve hosted that really showcases all of the treasures on these grounds.  The flow of this evening will highlight the new and the old while raising money to invest in the next phase of the garden enhancements.

The completion of the first phase of the Governor’s Mansion garden enhancement project includes new lighting, benches, fountains, ironwork and plantings in the ‘rooms’ near the Lace House. In the ‘wedding garden’ which has a natural canopy of shade and is ideal for nuptial ceremonies, spotty grass has been tiled in bluestone and is much more functional for events.  

The second phase of the garden restoration will focus on the parterre and adjacent garden rooms, making them more enjoyable for the public, easier to
maintain for staff and therefore less costly to taxpayers.

Proceeds from Autumn in the Garden will benefit The Governor’s Mansion Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to ensure the historical significance and beauty of the home are preserved for future generations. Monies raised are allocated to the acquisition of authentic and appropriate period furniture and fixtures and to the restoration and preservation of the Mansion complex and its holdings.

The enhancement of the Lace House and Caldwell-Boylston Gardens, which are open to the public, has been designed by South Carolina landscape architect
Sheila Wertimer, a member of the Foundation.

The Mansion gardens are open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 am-5 pm. They can be for rented for weddings and special events by calling 803-737-2235.  

For more information about Autumn in the Gardens please contact Nancy Bunch at 803-737-1710.  For media questions, please contact Curry Hagerty at
803-737-4772.