Orton Plantation Gardens 2005 Blooming Season

Orton Plantation Gardens 2005 Blooming Season

by Monica Celinski

Orton Plantation Gardens, located halfway between Wilmington and Southport, NC, is now in full bloom. Orton Plantation Gardens consists of 20 acres of Orton Gardens beautiful gardens, which includes formal beds with both annual and perennial flowers and winding walking paths lined with beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers. Just some of the many trees, shrubs and flowers that you will now find in bloom at Orton Plantation Gardens include Magnolia trees, Crepe Myrtles, Hydrangeas, Oleanders, Camellias, Rhododendrons, Banana Shrubs, Azaleas, Pansies, Tulips and a wide variety of other summer annuals.

Orton House, originally built in 1725 by Roger Moore, is located on the grounds but is not open to the public. The gardens at Orton Plantation were begun in 1910 by James and Luola Sprunt. The first Camellias, Azaleas, Banana Shrub, Rhododendrons and many others were planted at this time. In 1930 their son James Laurence Sprunt and his wife Annie Gray Sprunt began enlarging the gardens to their current size.

While visiting Orton Plantation Gardens you can also explore the 1915 Luola’s Chapel. This beautiful old chapel, which seats 125 people, has been well preserved and is available for weddings. There is also a small colonial cemetery that includes the tomb of Roger Moore and ancestors.

Orton Plantation Gardens is open seasonally and is located at 9149 Orton Rd. S.E. in Winnabow, North Carolina. Please call 910-371-6851 for current admission fees.