The Camellia Tea, sponsored by the Edgefield Camellia Club, will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at Magnolia Dale in downtown Edgefield from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

This event is open to the public; admission is free. Magnolia Dale is located at the intersection of Norris and Bacon Streets, across the street from the Edgefield United Methodist Church and beyond the Post Office. An added feature this year is the morning tour of Darby Plantation camellia gardens, hostess Clarice Wise.

This annual tea features many beautiful blooms displayed in an setting offering delectable tea refreshments. Sandwiches, sweets, punch and teas from the Charleston Tea Plantation will be offered.  The lovely mid-winter afternoon will be completed amidst a back-drop of  music, provided by local musicians.

Camellia experts will be on hand to discuss the blooms and the cultivation of this plant so well-suited to our Southern gardens.

Recent teas have attracted visitors from throughout the state and have showcased over 250 blooms! This event is a continuation from 1949 when Edgefield was well-known as a premier camellia growing area and, at that time, blooms were displayed at the home of Joe and Chrissie Holland at their “Camellia Tea”.

The Camellia Garden at Darby Plantation in Trenton, home of the late Douglas Wise – pioneer of camellia propagation – will be open in mid-morning for touring.  Located at 1150 Augusta Rd., Trenton. Take Augusta Rd., Hwy 25, south from Edgefield.

Enjoy a Winter Day of Beauty!  Invite a friend along to visit Edgefield, have lunch, shop and then conclude a pleasant day by attending The Camellia Tea. You may bring blossoms from your garden for identification by experts at a later date!