In 1966 he donated his property to the American Camellia Society .
The gardens were originally created by David C. Strother in the 1930s within the 160 - acre ( 0.65 km ) property around his farm house .
In 1966 David C. Strother donated David C. Strother 's property to the American Camellia Society .
The gardens were originally created by David C. Strother in the 1930s within the 160 - acre ( 0.65 km ) property around his farm house .