History

What began in 1958 as a camellia preserve on a small parcel of land adjacent to John C. Calhoun's 19th century Fort Hill estate has since grown to 295 acres of cultivated landscapes and natural woodlands. Designated the State's botanical garden in 1992, the Garden is at the intersection of Highway 76 and Pearman Boulevard at Clemson University. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the Garden has something to interest everyone. The public is welcome free of charge, except during special events.

Read more about the garden's history - Clemson World 1997 article.

The South Carolina Botanical Garden offers monthly First Friday Nature Walks for adults as well as a wonderful variety of cultural and educational programs for children and families throughout the year. The Nature-based Sculpture Collection has gained international recognition. Sprouting Wings, a children's after-school gardening program, brings together Clemson students, teachers, and underserved youth. Year-round lectures for adults fous on environmental concerns and gardening. Spring and Fall Plant Sales feature unusual landscape plants for Southeastern gardens with knowledgeable staff and volunteers on hand to help.

Sites are accessed by walking-trails throughout the Garden, and many of which are hard-surfaced. History buffs will enjoy the Hanover House (ca. 1716) and the Hunt Family Cabin (ca. 1826). Art connoisseurs will want to experience the Garden's collection of site-specific, nature-based sculptures and the art galleries in the Fran Hanson Discovery Center. Other points of interest include the Camellia Garden, Wildlife Habitat Garden, Wildflower Meadow, Dwarf Conifer Garden, Xeriscape Garden, Hosta Garden, Butterfly Garden, the 70-acre Schoenike Arboretum, Clemson Heritage Gardens, Woodland Wildflower Garden, and the Heusel Nature Trail.

The Fran Hanson Discovery Center is located adjacent to the Betsy Campbell Carriage House Cafe and the Bob Campbell Geology Museum. The Discovery Center is the visitor center for the South Carolina Botanical Garden and home of the Garden Gift Shop. Open 7 days a week, the Discovery Center is a wonderful resource for travelers and locals alike. The Discovery Center features a rotating art exhibit by artists from the region. The 3rd Saturday of the month visitors can stop in and meet the featured artists as they demonstrate their unique work. The Carriage House Cafe is open during special events and by reservation. Call ahead for schedule.

The Bob Campbell Geology Museum is open Thursday through Sunday and is home to an extensive collection of gems, minerals and fossils of the region. The Geology Museum boasts an elaborate fluorescent mineral display room and has the only saber-toothed cat exhibit in the Southeast. They also have a terrific gift shop for the geology enthusiast in your family. Get Free Admission on the 3rd Saturday of every month!