Stop #2
Shoeshine House & Arbor
One of two octagonal buildings, the Shoeshine House was the location for the Hanna family and guests to leave their boots for staff to polish. Originally built in 1905 and replaced in 1991, the Arbor serves as a lovely shaded seating area with canopy walkway and reflection pool.
*Plantings included in Miss Harrison’s master plan
(Leaf symbol) Native plant
Camellia*
Camellia japonica (assorted cultivars and varieties)
Camellia japonica is the predominant species of the genus and counts over 30,000 cultivars in a wide array of flower forms, sizes, and colors. Also known as Japanese camellias, these broadleaf evergreen shrubs bloom heavily from November through March and grow 5 to 20 feet tall. These shrubs have dark green, glossy leaves that produce blooms lasting three to four weeks. The flowers range in color from pure white to soft pink to dark red and come in single, semi-double, formal double, or full peony forms.
Confederate Jasmine
Trachelospermum jasminoides
This evergreen vine features white, star-shaped blooms that fragrantly fill the air in late spring and summer, attracting a variety of pollinators. Jasmine is also known for its sticky milk-like sap which stains most surfaces. The jasmine was planted here shortly after the arbor was rebuilt in 1991.
Crepe Myrtle*
Lagerstroemia indicia sp.
The crepe myrtle predates the original landscape plan but was included by Miss Harrison. This deciduous tree can grow up to 30 feet and has small round leaves that turn vibrant orangey-red in the fall. This tree blooms in summer months and has small round leaves and pink-mauve colored flowers with a crepe-like texture. As crepe myrtles grow and mature, they shed the previous year’s bark revealing a colorful mottled bark beneath.
Japanese Cleyera
Ternstroemia gymnanthera
This evergreen tree with glossy, reddish-bronze leaves produces a small creamy yellow and slightly fragrant flower in the late spring. This cleyera is presumed to have been planted between 1920 and 1945 and is considered one of the largest specimens in Georgia. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the blossoms.
Littleleaf Boxwood*
Buxus microphylla var. japonica
Also known as Japanese boxwoods, these dense, slow-growing evergreen shrubs with small leaves can grow 6 to 8 feet tall. Frequently used as ornamental plants in gardens around the world, boxwood shrubs can be found throughout the main grounds as decorative border hedges or individual specimens.
Boxwood hedges at Arbor in 1936
White Lady Banks Rose
Rosa banksiae ‘Alba Plena’
These lightly fragrant mini white roses bloom profusely in early spring. A vigorous climber, this rose has rich green foliage on nearly thorn-free slender branches. This great specimen covering the shoeshine house has grown here for many years.
Shoeshine House with Lady Banks Rose in 1938
Kate Hanna Harvey with the original Arbor covered in Cherokee roses in 1907
This stop is made possible through the generous support of Thomasville Garden Club, Inc. in honor of Lady Banks Garden Club.