List of botanical gardens and arboretums in South Carolina facts for kids

South Carolina is home to many amazing green spaces where you can explore different kinds of plants and trees! These special places are called botanical gardens and arboretums.

A botanical garden is like a living museum for plants. It's a place where many different types of plants are grown, studied, and displayed for everyone to enjoy. They often have plants from all over the world!

An arboretum is similar, but it focuses mostly on trees and shrubs. Think of it as a park specifically designed to show off many different kinds of trees. Both are great places to learn about nature and enjoy the outdoors.

South Carolina has many wonderful botanical gardens and arboretums. Here's a list of some of the most important ones you can visit:

Exploring South Carolina's Green Spaces

Gardens and Arboretums by City

Charleston Area Gardens

• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
  • Location: Charleston
  • This historic garden is one of the oldest public gardens in America. It's famous for its beautiful flowers and ancient trees.

The serene lake at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

• Medical University of South Carolina Arboretum
  • Location: Charleston
  • This arboretum is part of the Medical University of South Carolina. It helps people learn about plants, especially those used in medicine.

• Middleton Place
  • Location: Charleston
  • Another historic landmark, Middleton Place features America's oldest landscaped gardens. They are designed in a classic style with beautiful terraces and lakes.

Historic Middleton Place.

Clemson Area Gardens

• South Carolina Botanical Garden
  • Location: Clemson
  • Affiliation: Clemson University
  • This large garden is part of Clemson University. It has many different themed gardens, walking trails, and even a natural history museum.

A view of the South Carolina Botanical Garden.

Columbia Area Gardens

• W. Gordon Belser Arboretum
  • Location: Columbia
  • Affiliation: University of South Carolina
  • This arboretum is a natural area used for teaching and research by the University of South Carolina. It helps students and visitors learn about local plants.

• Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
  • Location: Columbia
  • This popular spot is both a zoo and a botanical garden. You can see amazing animals and also explore beautiful plant displays.

A peaceful bench at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Conway Area Gardens

• Coastal Carolina University Arboretum
  • Location: Conway
  • Affiliation: Coastal Carolina University
  • This arboretum is part of Coastal Carolina University and showcases a variety of trees and plants found in the coastal region.

Greenville Area Gardens

• Furman University Asian Garden
  • Location: Greenville
  • Affiliation: Furman University
  • This peaceful garden at Furman University features plants and designs inspired by traditional Asian gardens, including a beautiful rock garden.

A rock garden at Furman University's Asian Garden.

Greenwood Area Gardens

• Park Seed Company Gardens
  • Location: Greenwood
  • These gardens are maintained by the famous Park Seed Company. They often feature new and interesting plant varieties.

Hartsville Area Gardens

• Kalmia Gardens
  • Location: Hartsville
  • Affiliation: Coker College
  • Kalmia Gardens is a beautiful natural area with walking trails and a variety of plants, including the native kalmia flower.

Lake City Area Gardens

• Moore Farms Botanical Garden
  • Location: Lake City
  • This modern botanical garden is known for its unique plant collections and innovative garden designs. It's a great place to see new ideas in gardening.

An aerial view of Moore Farms Botanical Garden.

Moncks Corner Area Gardens

• Cypress Gardens
  • Location: Moncks Corner
  • Cypress Gardens is famous for its swamp boat rides through beautiful cypress trees and its butterfly house. It's a unique way to experience nature.

Trees growing at Cypress Gardens.

• Mepkin Abbey Botanical Garden
  • Location: Moncks Corner
  • This peaceful garden is located at Mepkin Abbey, a monastery. It offers a quiet place for reflection and enjoying nature.

Newberry Area Gardens

• Wells Japanese Garden
  • Location: Newberry
  • This small, charming garden brings a touch of traditional Japanese design to Newberry, offering a serene escape.

The peaceful Wells Japanese Garden.

Pawleys Island Area Gardens

• Brookgreen Gardens
  • Location: Pawleys Island
  • Brookgreen Gardens is a large and famous sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. It combines art with nature, featuring beautiful sculptures among stunning plant displays.

A beautiful scene at Brookgreen Gardens.

Summerville Area Gardens

• Summerville Azalea Park
  • Location: Summerville
  • This park is especially beautiful in spring when its many azalea bushes burst into colorful bloom.

Sumter Area Gardens

• Swan Lake Iris Gardens
  • Location: Sumter
  • This unique garden is the only public garden in the United States to feature all eight species of swans. It's also famous for its beautiful iris flowers.

See also

• List of botanical gardens and arboretums in the United States