Eugene, our palmetto rose man!

As we walked east along River Street and before we got to the Boar’s Head Tavern and Grill, we discovered this fellow selling his creations on the street. Eugene has made palmetto roses since he was fourteen years old.

It is said that during the War Between the States Confederate Soldiers went off to war wearing Palmetto Roses woven by their sweethearts. This unique craft comes from the coast of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Hand-woven out of fresh palm leaves, the roses stay green for 3-4 days. After that they dry naturally, change color and last forever.

Palmetto is a kind of palm tree that grows wild in the coastal south-eastern United States. The leaves of the Palmetto are used by the craft artist to produce this unique product.
The young palm leaves are soft and green. This allows the craftsman to weave them into a rose shape. After a few days they dry and turn to their natural dry color. Palm roses keep their shape forever.