In the December 19, 1888 issue of Garden and Forest, one may examine probably the first illustration of Shortia galacifolia to be published, a very clear line drawing that shows the unique characteristics that made Shortia so exciting to Gray and his friends.
Today it is known that the range of this plant is not as limited as was once believed. and that it can be found in several sections of North and South Carolina. What is perhaps more important to the home gardener who may never have a chance to see it in its native haunts, it can be successfully grown in the garden in most temperate and cold temperate regions if its modest cultural requirements are met.
Oconee-bells is at its best in the shady rock garden or woodland border, and will thrive in a combination of sandy peat and leafmold. Spreading but slowly, it is best propagated by division in April or early May.
Associated with the azaleas, rhododendrons and mountain laurel of its homeland in the acid soil they love so well, it can be established permanently even in the smallest garden, while those fortunate enough to have an arca- of evergreen or mixed woodland will find it slowly spreading to form one of the finest and most appealing of ground covers.
Once established, its small wavy-edged evergreen leaves will glisten in Summer and Winter, but its greatest beauty is in early Spring when the little delicately-fringed, bell-shaped, nodding flowers rise two or three inches from their carpet of green.
To see this most graceful of American wild flowers is to remember it always; to know it in your own garden, where year after year the bells of Oconee will herald the Spring, is to have a thrill enjoyed by few gardeners, but available to any who will make it welcome.
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