CityView Magazine

Discove r Cit yV iewN C.co m's fre s h up d ate d loo k ! | 47 I O U T D O O R S I f it is true that the "Earth laughs in flowers," then the camellia-laden South would surely leave Ralph Waldo Emerson in stitches. When considering the rich colors, showy blooms and long-flowering season of this beautiful, warm-climate shrub, all would cast the camellia as classic fodder for the funny bone, and much more. e camellia is one of the South's most iconic flowering plants, along with other classics such as azaleas, hydrangea, magnolia, dogwood and the rose. ese botanical beauties can be found in gardens and yards throughout the southern states. Fayetteville's love affair with the camellia is evident in both residential and commercial landscaping, punctuating parks, homesites, churches, highways and byways alike. A must-see collection is at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. e two-acre McLaurin Camellia Garden and other sections of the botanical garden provide eye candy for camellia connoisseurs. e McLaurin, made up of some 300 camellias from 190 distinct species, is part of the American Camellia Trail of notable East Coast gardens. Most of the collection was donated in 1997 by Mary McLaurin of Bath and relocated to Fayetteville in 1999. McLaurin was the grower who spent years cultivating and expanding upon her prize-winning collection. When seeking a new home for the camellias aer the death of her husband, Fayetteville was chosen as the lucky benefactor. is stroke of fortune is what former Fayetteville Camellia Club president Jack Dewar called "serendipitous." "Mary McLaurin's donations were tremendous," he said. "We here in Fayetteville were fortunate to receive her beautiful camellias. e club played a big part in this. We BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL Camellias Flourish in Fayetteville BY CRISSY NEVILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW WONDERLY

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