McGraw Garden

MCGRAW GARDEN

A serene and ordered vista greets the eye as one approaches the Japanese-inspired gardens at the McGraw family home at the Governor’s Club. At the entrance, three large rocks lie next to a driveway sweeping down to the main house. To the right ginkgo tree, an example of a species often called “living fossils” because they are among the oldest living deciduous trees. 

Alongside the home, a Japanese maple stands guard over large stones, dry water beds, and low plantings of liriopes and grasses. Beyond, another triad of stones emerges. A classic formation in Japanese gardens, the three stones symbolize the dynamic relationship between heaven, earth and humankind and their spiritual connection to each other.

The McGraw’s, whose business required a long-time presence in Japan, brought in much of the material to create the marriage of stones, plants, and gravel-lined dry creek beds forming the gardens. 

As with all Japanese gardens, the key elements are rocks, water and wood. Stone provides the ‘bones’ of the landscape; water (often represented by dry creek beds) the lifegiving force; plants and wood, the tapestry of the four seasons. Alongside the home, a 12-foot weeping larch shelters a pathway lined with podocarpus and deodar cedar leading to the back of the house. There, a spectacular view of the Governor’s Club golf course and beyond unfolds before a seating arrangement overlooking the green below. A dogwood tree shades a second seating arrangement bordered by varied grasses, rocks and winding dry creek beds. A huge flat rock provides a natural seat overlooking the green below and also the beginning of the Piedmont, the low-lying region that stretches from the foothills to the Atlantic coastal plain.

Interesting rock formations discovered on the grounds inspired the creation of a Japanese garden. Calming and serene, family members say that the view of the garden is a great stress reliever. 

Look for: 

• Japanese Black Pine – Pinus thunbergii 

• Autumn Gold Ginkgo – Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’

• Weeping Japanese Larch – Larix kaempferi ‘Pendula’ 

• Catawba Rhododendron - Rhododendron catawbiense ‘Roseum Elegans’

SUMMARY

A serene vista greets the eye as one approaches the Japanese-inspired gardens at the McGraw family home at Governor’s Club.  The design reflects the traditional Asian elements of stone, water and wood. Stone triads representing heaven, earth and humankind symbolize the dynamic relationship between the three. The back yard offers a spectacular view of the Governor’s Club’s golf course and beyond. A low wall borders several seating arrangements placed to enjoy the view. Notable plantings include a ginkgo tree, a weeping larch and even an alpine garden.