Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner, South Carolina is a magical place. This 80 acre blackwater, bald cypress/tupelo swamp is a plein air painter's dream. It is instantly recognizable as the backdrop of such noteworthy movies as The Notebook and The Patriot. Navigating the blackwater swamp on a small boat is not for the faint of heart with its formidable alligators and haunting cypress trees....Not to mention the perils of standing along the shoreline while plein air painting!