Emily Whaley's garden, the most visited private garden in America, is the quintessential Charleston garden.

Mrs. Emily Whaley (1911-1998) and her husband, Ben Scott Whaley (1909-1987), bought the circa 1754 Charleston Single House in 1938 and raised three daughters there. In 1942, Mrs. Whaley commissioned Landscape Architect Loutrel W. Briggs (1893-1977) to design a plan for their 30 x 110 foot plot behind their Pre-Revolutionary home on Church Street. Mrs. Whaley’s legacy is felt in the open garden rooms and her ever-lasting memoir, Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden.

It is our treat to show you the garden as it has continuously evolved in keeping with Mrs. Whaley's classic garden principles. It is a place to invite your soul for a visit. Gardens, above all else, are for sharing.

The garden is open to the public by happenstance or most Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons for a donation of $10 per person. Please submit your donation through the front door mail slot at 58 Church Street. Mrs. Whaley’s garden is also available by appointment.