THE GARDENS

The Williams House boasts an ancient southern live oak that towers over the property, along with gardens lushly planted with over 35 species of woody plants.

The newly revitalized garden was designed and installed by Bluebird Growers, under the direction of Nick Zimmer, lead horticulturist. Bluebird Growers utilizes a unique "slow gardening" approach. All work is done by hand, and a strong focus is placed on Florida friendly plant palettes, native plants, and pollinators. Bluebird’s core values are rooted in regenerative practices such as thorough soil amendment.

FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT OUR PLANT SPECIES

Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm)

Sago Palms are not true palms but are actually part of an ancient group of plants called cycads. Living fossils, they have existed on earth for more than 200 million years, meaning they coexisted with dinosaurs during the Mesozoic Era!

Elaeocarpus decipiens (Japanese Blueberry)

The Japanese Blueberry tree is not related to the North American blueberry. It is a versatile evergreen that undergoes a fascinating color transformation. Its new leaves emerge as a bronze color, then turn red, and eventually become a dark green as they mature, creating a unique multi-colored foliage display.

Olea Europaea ‘Arbequina’ (Arbequina Olive)

Arbequina olives are a renowned olive variety that originated in Catalonia, Spain. They are prized for their high oil content, which contributes to the production of a fruity and slightly peppery extra virgin olive oil that is sought after worldwide.

Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy Date Palm)

The Pygmy Date Palm is a dioecious plant, meaning that individual plants are either male or female. To produce fruit, a female plant must be pollinated by a male plant. The fruits are small and not as flavorful as traditional dates.

Prunus angustifolia (Chickasaw Plum)

Native to North America, the Chickasaw Plum is a "pioneer species" in ecological succession. Pioneer species are the first plants to colonize disturbed or newly formed landscapes, such as areas affected by wildfires, erosion, or human activities. By rapidly colonizing open areas and improving soil conditions, the Chickasaw Plum plays a crucial role in the early stages of ecological succession. This ultimately supports the establishment of a more diverse and stable ecosystem over time, making this plant not only fascinating but also ecologically significant.

Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm)

Rhapis excelsa is known for its air-purifying qualities. The plant has been found to effectively remove indoor air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. This ability to improve air quality indoors makes the Lady Palm not only an attractive ornamental plant but also a functional one that contributes to a healthier living environment.

Zamia integrifolia (Coontie Palm)

The Coontie Palm, like the Sago Palm, is not a true palm but a cycad. It is the only cycad native to the United States, and it played a crucial role in the diet of Florida's indigenous people. They processed the plant's roots to create a starchy flour called coontie, which was used to make bread.

SPECIES LIST

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum 'Rhode Island Red' (Japanese Maple 'Rhode Island Red')
Acer palmatum 'Tumkyama' (Japanese Maple 'Tumkyama')
Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia)
Camellia sasanqua 'shishi gashira' (Shishi Gashira Camellia)
Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'fastigiata' (Cepholotaxus fastigiata)
Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'prostrata' (Cepholotaxus prostrata)
Citrus sp. (Citrus Trees)
Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm)
Elaeocarpus decipiens (Japanese Blueberry)
Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia)
Galphimia gracilis (Thryallis)
Hamelia patens (Firebush)
Ilex x attenuate 'East Palatka' (East Palatka Holly)
Loropetalum chinense 'cerise charm' (Cerise Charm Loropetalum)
Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)
Magnolia liliflora 'Nigra' (Japanese Magnolia 'Anne')
Magnolia x soulangiana 'Jurmag1' (Japanese Magnolia 'Black Tulip')
Myrcianthes fragrans (Simpson Stopper)
Olea Europaea 'Arbequina' (Arbequina Olive)
Osmanthus fragrans (Tea Olive)
Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy Date Palm)
Pittosporum tobira 'Mojo' (Mojo Pittosporum)
Podocarpus macrophyllus (Podocarpus)
Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Pringles' (Dwarf Podocarpus)
Prunus angustifolia (Chickasaw Plum)
Quercus virginiana (Live Oak)
Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm)
Rhododendron 'Angel' (Encore Azalea)
Rhododendron indica 'formosa' (Formosa Azalea)
Rosa sp. (Roses)
Viburnum odoratissimum var. awabuki (Awabuki Viburnum)
Yucca filamentosa (Yucca)
Zamia integrifolia (Coontie Palm)

HISTORY

Though built in 1856 by a wealthy Boston banker, Williams House was purchased by Marcellus A. Williams in 1858 and it is for him that the house is named. Williams, a highly successful man was born in North Carolina in 1818. He married Emma Wightman and they had nine children.

The Williams House is guarded by its original iron fence, one of the few left standing after the Civil War. The fleur-de-lis detail reflects the French influence in the island’s early history. The beautiful gingerbread design on the veranda was designed by Robert.Sands Schuyler, a famous New York architect. He signed an agreement stating that he would not duplicate the striking design, and it remains unique to this date.

Williams worked for the surveying firm of Lawrence Washington, a nephew of George Washington. The firm was deputized to survey Spanish land grants in the state of Florida. One of his assignments was David Yulee’s railroad from Amelia Island to Cedar Key. Williams was one of the first to befriend the Seminole Indian Nation. Once his surveying days were over, he partnered with Samuel Swann to locate and sell land for the state. In 1865, President Andrew Johnson appointed him Registrar of the Public Lands for the state of Florida. At the time of his death in 1888, Williams owned almost 400,000 acres in Florida. The Williams family occupied this home for over 100 years.

During the time that the Island flew under the flag of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, believed to be a friend of Williams, was a guest in the house on many occasions. It is said that Davis stored some of his furniture and personal effects in the home. During the war, the family moved to Waldo, Florida for their safety. When Union troops occupied Fernandina, they used the Williams House as headquarters. Upon his return to the island, Williams, who had released his slaves, became active in the Underground Railroad, offering a safe house for slaves. Legend has it that there was a secret room that Williams used to hide the slaves. The legend notes that it may have been behind the dining room, in the kitchen or under the house.