A monthly feature brought to you by the St. Peter’s History Committee. This article was written by parishioner Gina Caruso.
In addition to the Revolutionary War heroes and others long passed away, our churchyard is full of life.
By now in late April, most of the early flowers like daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips have faded but right now the trees are in bloom and bud. The crabapple trees in the northeast quadrant are the very definition of glorious. Catch a look soon because they too, will be gone. You can also see the recently refurbished Columbarium plantings replacing the invasive ivy.
Heading west on the north side, our precious Franklinia tree is beginning to show leaf buds. Franklinias are very fragile and we are fortunate to have had ours for many years. The other trees like the majestic gingko and the younger Osage oranges are budding as well. The pinky-purple flowers blooming right on the branches of the redbud trees at the west end are quite the show pieces.
Have you noticed the carpet of valiant volunteer violets? We’ve got the whole color spectrum from almost white to deep blue purple. Also among the volunteers is the occasional grape hyacinth. Also some of the garden bed graves have herbs making a come-back. We have lovely lavender, fragrant rosemary, aromatic thyme, and some newly planted parsley. Keep watching, there will be more.
Along the walk from the parking lot you will find grape holly and some lovely, subtle hellebores on one side and our splendid Southern Magnolia honoring Eliza Pinckney on the other. If you follow the brick pathway to Third Street, you will see the Osage Oranges and the newer white oak and then the venerable old oak near the Fourth Street wall.
In addition to the flora there is also some fauna. Besides the dog visitors there are some resident birds, bees, and other creatures.
These are only a few of the many signs of the vibrant life in our churchyard. Take some time to visit and enjoy the plantings, the history and perhaps a bit of restorative solitude. Or bring a friend and enjoy it together.