There’s no better place to enjoy this grand floral show than Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee.
Beautiful Maclay Gardens State Park
I lived in Tallahassee during my college years, and visited Maclay Gardens each spring. It’s just as beautiful as I remembered. Although the last time I visited was 30 years ago, I clearly recall the handsome Maclay home and the lovely decor.
The Maclay house
I enjoy touring homes, and I find it fascinating to observe the objects we choose to live with. I aspire to the philosophy espoused by the Arts & Crafts designer William Morris: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” When I get on a clearing out binge, Eric always teases me and tells me it’s a good thing that he’s useful. The choices we make can be modest, as in Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings home, or more elaborate, as in the Maclay house, but I find the effect of carefully chosen objects to be visually pleasing and soothing.
Simple and elegant living room in the Maclay house
The dining room
The Maclay Estate
In 1923, successful banker Alfred B. Maclay and Louise Fleischman Maclay (of the baking yeast/margarine family) chose the pastoral hills of Tallahassee as the perfect setting for their winter home. Alfred was a man of many talents, and was passionate about landscape design. He began planting azaleas, camellias, dogwoods, and other ornamental plants in 1923, and continued planting until his death in 1944. In 1953, Louise donated the 300-acre estate to the state of Florida.
A beautiful brick walkway, reflection pool, walled garden, and winding pathways are surrounded by hundreds of blooming plants for a brief period in spring. Camellias open the show in January, but the peak is mid-to-late March, when the azaleas, dogwoods, and Japanese magnolias join in.
Japanese Magnolia and Spanish moss
I don’t want to be here in the summer, but springtime in the South truly is exquisite.
Gorgeous pictures. Love the “window” views and that catbird, well that’s just wonderful!! I didn’t even know about this but can see that mid March is when I want to visit. I tend to avoid cities so I’ve never been to Tallahassee for anything other than Whole Foods. Guess I’d better change my ways. You’re doing great at showing me places I should go. Keep it up!!
Thanks, Sherry. I’m with you — we avoid cities unless there’s something that we’re really interested in doing. Maclay Gardens was an add-on after an essential Whole Foods/Trader Joe’s/Publix trip — and it was well worth it.
Oh, what beautiful magnolias and grounds not to mention the
Maclay house. I like the interior with the wood and
aqua (?or green) walls and oriental carpets. It looks like a
peaceful spot. Eric and Laurel you both look fit, healthy, and great.
It is evident that your extensive travels are agreeing with you……
I knew it was a house you would appreciate, Peggy! The colors are beautiful; the walls are almost a soft teal. I think our travels are agreeing with us, but I tell you what, I need to get more exercise. It’s amazing how much less you move when living in a very small space, even though we walk, bike, or kayak every day.
Everything will work out Laurel, you look great. But, I hear you, just keep on walking and biking…. a trailer is definitely a small space. Thank goodness you guys get out everyday and work off the delicious
food you cook.
I think I need to get back out west where there are some mountains to hike. And that afternoon break yesterday for chocolate mousse didn’t help — a lot of good THAT bike ride did!
You guys find the most interesting places! And, of course, the photography is great! Love the tulip trees and dogwoods and azaleas and….
You also find great places, Loretta! I think we have similar taste in places to explore. ;-)
How wonderful. I love azaleas….well, I love flowers in general. I got excited today seeing tufts of flowers growing out of the red rocks in Canyonlands.
I’m a purger. Sounds like our hubbies don’t have to worry about living with hoarders.
How’s the traveling going? How far west have you made it?
No, I’m definitely not a hoarder! Pretty much the opposite. We finally left Florida a week ago, and today arrived at Bayou Segnette; spending a few days here to explore, including the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans tomorrow. One of these days I’ll get caught up on the blog — I hope!
Gorgeous, Beautiful and more blooms than the ones I visited recently. Since both of you have cameras it’s difficult to whom credit is given to those wonderful pictures.
William Morris philosophy really applies to our little homes. I never missed what I have in our big house, and life is so simple and easy now.
Life is definitely simpler — I think — but it does take a ruthless approach to clutter when living in such a small space! So, how’s your spring closet purging going? Made room yet for that new wardrobe?
What a beautiful garden and house! Spring is such a nice time to see gardens in the south. All the flowering trees and bushes are wonderful. Thanks for sharing this special garden:)
Glad you enjoyed it, Pam — it’s a small house and gardens in the realm of public gardens, but it’s exquisite, particularly in spring.
These gardens are exquisite. I had forgotten how beautiful spring can be in this part of the country. We are heading to DC in the next few weeks and are sorry to be missing the cherry blossoms, although we have seen some along the way. Enjoy your time in LA! :)
It is so lush and gorgeous, isn’t it? I know you’re enjoying spring in your travels up the east coast, LuAnn. I’m looking forward to spring in Savannah and Charleston next year! Too bad it’s impossible to also catch the cherry blossoms in D.C., but it’s not worth rushing the journey.