Shelter Gardens

This is from a Shelter Insurance web page:

Arguably the most well-known feature of Shelter's corporate office is Shelter Insurance Gardens. Just beyond the beautiful stone-and-wrought-iron gates are five acres containing over 300 varieties of trees and shrubs and more than 15,000 annuals and perennials. The gardens are open to the public daily between 8 a.m. and dusk (except Christmas Day, when the gardens are closed).

I have been visiting this Columbia attraction for years and have included here pictures from the last three years.  As we head into winter this is a reminder of warm times, and beautiful flowers, to come.   This is a must see and a wonderful place to picnic, or just relax.  All four of my kids have made frequent trips to the Shelter Insurance compound to visit the garden, sit by the water fountain at night, or enjoy the summer concerts. 

Make sure to check out my other story about the wonderful fountains that Shelter Insurance also maintains.

Entryway into the gardens.

Pathways.

Elephant Ears

 Flowers

The school house pictures:

I am very thankful that Shelter Insurance has made a decision to keep the gardens open.  This along with the fountain, which was mentioned in another  story I referred to earlier, make them a good corporate neighbor to  have in our community.

Make sure to visit.  How can you loose with beautiful scenery in this Columbia landmark that is free and open to the public?