Among the shady, moss laden ancient oaks, crystal lagoons and year round brilliance of flowers, Old Town Gardens is part of the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Carolinas. It was here that the original settlers sought shelter from attack, where African-Americans maintained their unique culture and the place where the first governor in 1672 established his home. Old Town Garden holds many surprises. Ferdinanda Waring transformed the raw natural landscape of this land into one of Charleston's best-loved and well-known suburban gardens. Spring azalea fireworks, summer grand magnolias and fall and winter camellia shows all highlight the still, waving and whispering oaks of this land of history, this land of pride.