"The touch of the sun for pardon, the kiss of the sun for mirth; one is nearer God's heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth."

That gentle inscription graces the garden wall of America's most outstanding collection of outdoor statuary set in beautiful botanical gardens. Located on the grounds of three old rice plantations, Brookgreen began as a small sculpture garden project of Anna Hyatt Huntington, wife of millionaire philanthropist Archer Huntington. Its symbol, the magnificent Fighting Stallions at Brookgreen's gate, was sculpted by Mrs. Huntington using live horses, among the many animals she maintained at her studio as models. Flowers are in bloom year-round at Brookgreen, with late March and early April special high points. An extensive wildlife park and aviary make it a natural stop.