A flower walk in South Carolina is pretty easy to find among the hundreds of pretty gardens available. But one of them in particular stands out above the rest. Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter is a magical space with some positively enchanting sights. Let's take a look at where you can find some of the prettiest flowers in South Carolina.

Sumter's Swan Lake Iris Gardens could be taken straight from the pages of a fairy tale.

The garden encompasses 150 acres of gorgeous blooms, breathtaking scenery and engaging permanent residents. You'll enjoy wandering down the pathways and taking in the bright, cheery colors. But irises aren't all you'll find here.

The vast space also features a colorful array of other seasonal blossoms, including daylilies, camellias, azaleas, and Japanese magnolias.

The gardens and lake offer up more than a mile of inspiring walking paths.

And did you know this park is the only place in America where you can see all eight species of swans?

And they're not to be missed if they have anything to say about it.

They fill the lakes, their habitats, and they even walk among the visitors, from time to time.

In addition to swans, the gardens are a birdwatcher's paradise of Canada geese, matters, wood ducks, muscovies, anhingas, herons, and egrets, just to name a few.

We especially love it when the fuzzy babes are born.

Each segment has plenty of eye candy.

The gardens were created back in 1927 when a wealthy businessman crafted a private fishing lake for himself.

On part of the property, he built himself a house and then planted thousands of iris bulbs in the yard.

But they didn't grow, so he had them all pulled up and thrown into the swamp next to his fishing lake.

And the next spring, they all bloomed in spectacular fashion, and that's how the Iris Gardens were created - by accident - now with more than 120 varieties that explode into a burst of color.

Today, the gardens are spectacular with a variety of plants and flowers, fountains, and sculptures.

And the signature black water lake is astounding.

You can easily spend a day exploring and appreciating the beauty found at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.

The perfect time to make a visit is during spring with the vibrant South Carolina flower blooms.

Each Memorial Day Weekend, the Sumter Iris Festival celebrates the new blooming season, and it is a gorgeous display.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens is open to the public and admission is free.

It's a great way to celebrate spring in South Carolina.

A flower walk in South Carolina can bring calming results. Have you walked through this amazing garden? Please share your experience in the comments below.

Find some swan-related gift ideas on Etsy. And while you're in Sumter, discover the excellent food at J. O'Grady's restaurant.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-carolina/j-o-gradys-sumter-sc/