A Nurturing Nature

A Nurturing Nature. . , The gardens grew in density and diversity in the 1920s under the care of John J. and Bertha Willingham Seibels and with the assistance of three grounds men. The couple cultivated agave plants, banana and palmetto trees, bamboo, azaleas and a variety of flowers throughout their 2.8-acre site. They also planted more than 60 unique varieties of camellias, whose flowers they often cut and brought into the home for further enjoyment., [Captions:] , Left , Propagating a Legacy , This love of camelias passed to their son, Calder W. Seibels (pictured), and his wife, Mary Page Seibels. Both were actively involved in the care, culture, education, and the sport of showing camellia blooms. Described in 1954 as "missionaries in the camellia field," the couple turned their Heathwood home at 700 Sweetbriar Road into a "veritable mecca for camellia enthusiasts." Calder served in many capacities in the camellia community on the local, state and national level, even serving as the president of the American Camellia Society from 1951 until 1954. , Image reprinted from The American Camellia Yearbook, 1954. Historic Columbia collection, Above , Bertha Willingham Seibels (seated) and Mary Ross Seibels Walker Cosby (standing), circa-1945. , Image courtesy of George R.P. Walker, Jr., Left , Camellia japonica 'Donckelarii.' Botanical illustration excerpted from The American Camellia Yearbook, 1953. Historic Columbia collection