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Swan Lake Iris Gardens was established in Sumter, South Carolina in 1927 as a private fishing lake for rich local businessman Hamilton Carr Bland. At the same time he started landscaping the garden around his house with Japanese Iris flowers. The irises did not like the soil in the garden but thrived in the swampy area near the lake. Today the garden also has camellias, azaleas, day lilies and magnolias with something in full bloom at any time of the year. The lake is full of small colorful islands and is rich in wildlife. It is the only public park in the States with all eight species of swans. The garden is the site of several annual festivals.
822 W Liberty St, Sumter, SC 29150, Phone: 803-436-2640
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