Charleston Community Pays Tribute to Beloved Horticultural Leader Tom Johnson

Charleston Mourns the Loss of a Local Legend: Tom Johnson

Charleston is heartbroken today as we say goodbye to one of the true gems of our community, Tom Johnson, the former executive director of the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Known for his incredible knowledge and passion for camellias and azaleas, Tom tragically passed away in a car accident near his home in Hamilton, Georgia, earlier this week. He was just 63 years old.

A Life Dedicated to Plants and People

Tom Johnson was more than just a horticultural expert; he was a larger-than-life personality who brought joy to everyone around him. He joined Magnolia in 2007 after a noteworthy career that included serving as the national horticulturalist for the American Camellia Society. His insights and expertise quickly made him a beloved figure in our city. Upon his retirement in 2021, he was eagerly set to take on the position of president of the Azalea Society of America next year.

As a native of Perry, Georgia, Johnson’s roots run deep in horticulture. Even before joining Magnolia, he had a hand in shaping landscapes for notable figures, including former President Jimmy Carter, helping him design the grounds around his presidential library in Atlanta. Interestingly, Johnson’s passing fell on the first anniversary of the death of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a coincidental twist that felt all too poignant.

A Friend to All

Those who knew him well describe Tom’s personality as a blend of country charm and undying optimism. “Nobody is going to replace him,” said former colleague Kirk Ryan Brown. “I miss him already.” Many volunteers at Magnolia considered him family. Ted Simonetta, who spent 18 years volunteering at Magnolia, fondly recalled how Tom always managed to inject humour into even the most mundane tasks. You could hear them laughing as Tom joked about Simonetta’s postal career, turning their everyday interactions into cherished memories.

Tom cherished his volunteers, treating them like family and making sure they knew they were needed at Magnolia. His love for plants was well-known: he spent countless hours planting numerous azaleas and camellias around the garden, transforming the landscape into a floral paradise.

Social Media Star and Gardener Extraordinaire

Tom was also a social media whiz, connecting with thousands of friends on Facebook, where his “beer nights” on Thursdays became a cherished tradition. His wife, Mary Ann Johnson, shared that those nights were sacred for Tom, a time when he could unwind and share his unique views on life along with his signature sense of humour. “To all of your friends on Facebook who will miss your shocking commentary, goofy antics and wit, lift him up on Thursday nights,” she wrote, encouraging everyone to celebrate his memory.

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

Tom’s influence extends far beyond the gardens. He played a crucial role in various projects, including the Slave Dwelling Project, dedicated to preserving the history of enslaved people. When preservationist Joseph McGill Jr. suggested spending a night in one of the historic slave cabins, Tom enthusiastically supported the idea, marking a significant step in acknowledging history in a compassionate way. McGill fondly remembers Tom as being pivotal to the project’s success over the years.

Furthermore, Johnson initiated a horticultural exchange program with the Landscape Architecture School at the University of Versailles in France, nurturing international relationships and giving students insightful experiences in horticulture. Former intern Kate White, who now leads horticulture for the Charleston Parks Conservancy, attributed her success in the field to Tom’s encouragement and guidance.

Remembering an Unforgettable Persona

Although Tom has passed, his impact lives on in our community. He was featured as “The Camellia Man” in Southern Living, sharing anecdotes and his love for plants, while mischievously proclaiming, “A camellia is a man’s plant. That is because it’s pretty much idiot-proof!” His playful spirit and deep love for nature and our community were unmatched.

As Charleston grapples with this loss, we remember Tom Johnson as a passionate gardener, a loving friend, and a man who made our lives brighter. His dedication to plants and people will forever leave an imprint on our hearts. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be sorely missed.