In most every early American plantation there were lavish gardens that were adjacent to the main house. Mary Laura (Springs) Davidson had English Boxwoods planted just west of the mansion house that have survived to this day.

Currently the Rural Hill staff is in the process of restoring them to their original splendor. We invite you to join us for our annual workshop and seminar, in which you can help us restore the boxwoods.

A seminar in February 2006 was held at Rural Hill to begin the restoration of the English Boxwoods. Professor Elizabeth Harris of Central Piedmont College was the guest speaker and she instructed those in attendance on the proper method of pruning and caring of the boxwoods.

Vegetation Throughout
Different members of each generation of the Davidson family planted a variety of trees, plants, and flowers.

Throughout the grounds visitors can find magnolias, elms, pines, fruit trees, and dogwoods which appear all over the property and throughout the wooded areas.

Each spring volunteers replant the vegetable gardens which once provided delicious fresh produce for the Davidson family. 

Local & North Carolina Plantation & Botanical Gardens 
Other early plantation and botanical gardens in the North Carolina region:

Rosedale Plantation, Charlotte

Cedar Grove Plantation (privately owned), Huntersville
(No website Available)

Latta Plantation, Huntersville

White Oak Plantation (privately owned), Charlotte

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Gastonia

Biltmore House, Asheville

Bethabara Historic Site, Winston Salem

Old Salem Gardens and Orchards, Winston Salem

Reynolda Gardens, Winston Salem

Murray House, Kenansville

Buckner Hill Plantation, Faison

Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham

Orton Plantation Gardens, Winnabow (just south of Wilmington)

Tryon Palace, New Bern