Botanical Beauties

South Carolina's botanical gardens offer peaceful nature trails, exotic and native plant species, towering trees and even wildlife viewing.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Sumter
Visit the country's only public park to feature all eight swan species and take in the splendor of more than 120 varieties of iris that bloom in late spring.

South Carolina Botanical Garden, Clemson
At Clemson University, explore nearly 300 acres that are educational and free of charge every day from sunrise to sunset.

Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, Bishopville
See a whimsical garden of forgotten plants and gadgets that Pearl Fryar sculpted to new life.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia
Spot more than 5,700 varieties of native and exotic plants.

Kalmia Gardens of Coker College, Hartsville
Stroll amid camellias, rhododendrons and the gardens’ namesake: kalmia latifolia, the mountain laurel.

Edisto Memorial Gardens, Orangeburg
This serene spot is known for its signature roses and towering cypress trees.

Glencairn Garden, Rock Hill
Blooming pathways and greenspaces are accentuated by peaceful ponds and fountains. 

The Greenwood Topiaries

Whimsical, herbaceous, lively. You’ll discover the embodiment of these descriptors proudly displayed along the streets of Greenwood to mark the arrival of its signature event, the annual South Carolina Festival of Flowers. This event showcases more than 50 topiaries (trees and shrubs that are expertly clipped and shaped), drawing people from all over to view the whimsical characters and scenes every spring and summer. From a mermaid and a Jeep to local sports mascots and a zoo of creatively assembled creatures, each topiary is crafted and cared for all year. The living sculptures debut just before the main festival weekend each June, but visitors and locals are invited to admire them all season long.