Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary

I have visited the Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary twice so far this past winter, and have been delighted both times. The gardens are enclosed within a red brick wall and within these walls one really feels like they have escaped somewhere.  The sounds of nature, of birds chirping, the movement of chipmunks and squirrels, and the sounds of trickling water all take over here.  All the better on a cool and sunny day in the winter, when the coming and going of sunshine provides moments of warmth.

rendered plan by Allison Merriman

 The site is planned as a series of formal gardens with axial relationships to one another.  Yet, when one walks within, these axes are not always apparent.  This is due largely to the nature of the height of the plantings which help obscure the brick walkways ahead.  Many of the plantings are untrimmed, contrasting with the clipped hedges in the herb garden pictured above.  Also, the walkways are narrow, most being wide enough for just one person, and there are many turns and curves, adding an element of surprise.  All this results in a series of ‘discoveries,’ as one journeys through the gardens.  There do exist a series of picturesque vistas from which you can see the spaces towards which you are walking, however, the element of surprise also exists here; this being more in tune with nature itself. 

The home and gardens belonged to Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson, who moved into the newly constructed house upon being married.   At the time that the gardens were being made in 1927, materials that were readily available were used, both native and those found beyond the southeast.  Now, the Wing Haven Foundation, which has owned the property since 1970, has put more of a focus on the use of native plants. There remain quite a variety of trees, plants, flowers, and herbs here that form these lovely gardens, which include woodlands on their north end. 

There are also many other delightful elements throughout the garden such as statuary, a sundial in the herb garden, a pergola, and benches.  The ones pictures below, past the iron gate, were referred to by the Clarkson’s as their “laughing benches” as they would sit here to enjoy watching birds flying and chipmunks running about.   

Elizabeth Clarkson had an eye for good design that extended beyond gardening.  While they were engaged, Elizabeth sent her ideas for the design of the house to Edwin, which he incorporated.  These included large windows that would look out into their gardens, and a raised brick terrace off the living room for bringing her piano outdoors and entertaining.  She also eventually designed the iron gates in the herb garden, incorporating the Clarkson “C” into their design.

During a time when Elizabeth had fallen ill and was bedridden, she turned her attention to the birds that she sighted in her gardens.  She began to spend time outside on her cot, observing their behavior and educating herself on the various species.  Her gardening interests expanded during this time to incorporate features that would attract more birds.  This included various berries for birds to feed on, and trees whose buds attracted a variety of species.  To this day, the gardens are replete with features that attract birds and provide for their food, nesting, and water.

Elizabeth often looked for ways to bring the outdoors inside her home and this eventually came to include the birds in the garden as well.  Opposite her bed, she placed mirrors from which she could view both the gardens and the birds that were attracted to the feeder she placed outside her bedroom window.  There had even been a time when the Clarksons were known to have bluebirds living openly within their very home.  

Throughout the gardens one finds various quotations, poems, and prayers carved into plaques on the ground.  These quotes had been collected over time by Elizabeth, from her varied readings, and eventually found their way into her gardens.  One such quote is found upon exiting the gardens: 

Life, believe, is not a dream

So dark as sages say;

Oft a little morning rain

Foretells a pleasant day.

-Charlotte Bronte

Indeed the above and several other quotes throughout the gardens show how the Clarksons saw their gardens as a place of escape and a source of inspiration.  Having only seen the gardens in winter, I leave with the anticipation of seeing them in full bloom and further appreciating the design left to us by Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson, tucked into a picturesque neighborhood in Charlotte.

Sources

Kratt, Mary Norton.  A Bird in the House: The Story of Wing Haven Garden. Charlotte: Wing Haven Foundation, 1991.

“Visitor’s Guide to Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary.” Wing Haven Gardens. Web.7 March 2012.
<http://www.winghavengardens.com/PDF/WHVisitors-Guide2011.pdf>

Things I like around my neighborhood in Charlotte. Part III

Little Sugar Creek Greenway:
view from the balustade

The many opportunities available to enjoy the outdoors all year round.  As mentioned earlier, three parks/greenways lay within 3 miles of my home, each having their own character and life.  I can appreciate the unique qualities and opportunities for outdoor activities presented by each one.  My two favorite, are Little Sugar Creek Greenway and Freedom Park.  

Little Sugar Creek Greenway: view around fountain

Little Sugar Creek Greeway: view from lower level

Instead of being one big homogeneous stretch of space that doesn’t encourage much movement, Little Sugar Creek Greenway invites one to venture through it.  A walk through here, and one will find a café, a fountain, a modern sculpture, various seating incorporated into the design, a clock tower, various plantings, and a lower level with a stream. Wrapping around the greenway is a traditional simplified balustrade giving it touch of elegance.  A view of the cityscape of Uptown Charlotte marks the north end of the greenway, and a clock tower marks the south end.  My local Trader Joes is located at the nearby Metropolitan, and I enjoy taking advantage of combining these two activities in one outing.  I often find myself here with a good book, or simply to go for a jog.  

Freedom Park

Freedom Park: amphitheater in the distance

Freedom Park is also fit for a variety of activities from the solitary and quiet to sports, running, bicycling, concerts, and weddings.  With a running trail, amphitheater landscaping, a bandshell, a lake with a fountain, rentable pavilions, and much greenery surrounding it all, there is much that takes place within this park.  I like coming here on a nice day to simply enjoy nature, and sometimes do plein air painting.  I enjoy being a part of all the activity of families, couples, friends, and individuals coming together from surrounding neighborhoods and enlivening the space with their own way of appreciating the park. 

Well designed public outdoor spaces, such as Little Sugar Creek Greenway and Freedom Park here in Charlotte, add much to the quality of life in any given city.  They slow down the all too often rushed pace of life.  They bring people together, and within them, one is encouraged to linger and appreciate the outdoors however one may choose to, in a safe and welcoming environment.