Clemson students and employees can enjoy free guided wildflower walks at SCBG!
Step into spring with us! Clemson University students, faculty, and staff are invited to enjoy free weekly guided wildflower walks along our peaceful Natural Heritage Trail. Wander at a relaxed pace with an experienced guide, soak in the beauty of the spring while discovering the hidden stories of our local plants and wildlife.
On Wednesdays, beginning March 11, join us to discover brand-new landscapes—fresh blossoms, unfolding leaves, and the ever-changing colors of spring. No two walks are the same, so come often and watch the Garden come alive! Space is limited, so pre-registration is required.
Explore different areas of the SCBG each month with naturalist, James Wilkins.
Discover seasonal highlights and get up close and personal with the native plants and plant communities that support biodiversity in real time. Binoculars, cameras and anything else that helps you enjoy nature are welcome.These fun and family-friendly outings will be approximately 1.5 hours and are open to the public. Registration is required. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Please register at least 2 days in advance.
Date: Friday, December 19
Location: SC Botanical Garden; Meeting location will be communicated via email to registrants
Time: 10 am to 11:30 am
Fee: $10 per person/date Tickets available via Eventbrite
Contact: James Wilkins, jhwilki@clemson.edu, 864-656-3405
Open Houses at the Hunt Cabin, Nature Learning Center, Hanover House and the Caboose! Join us for a variety of nature-based programming for families of all ages on our open-house weekends!
ANIMAL SIGNS IN NATURE Saturday, September 13, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Animals are all around us, but are not always visible. Tracks, scat and other signs can help us understand who is in our environment.
NATURE’S CLEAN-UP CREW Saturday, October 25, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Without nature’s clean-up crew, we would be in big trouble! We’ll take a close-up look at fungi (decomposers), millipedes and woodlice (detritivores) and vultures (scavengers).
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT Saturday, November 15, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
When the sun goes down, some animals get up! In this open house, we’ll learn who is active under the cover of darkness and why. How are night creatures adapted to the dark? How can you support these fascinating animals in your backyard?
Fall Plant Sale
Mark your calendars for the SCBG Fall 2025 Plant Sale!
Support the SC Botanical Garden and enjoy a wide variety of plants, including annuals, vegetable transplants and herbs, bog plants, perennials, ferns, shrubs, grasses, trees and fruits and many hard-to-find native plants! SCBG staff will be glad to assist you with the selection of plants for your home landscape. Several of our partner organizations also set up booths at the sale to answer questions about gardening-related topics and activities.
Plant Sales are major fundraising events for the SCBG, and all profits support operations and enhancements in the garden. Friends of the Garden (members) are granted early access, one day before the public sale. Friends of the Garden membership applications will be available at the sales or avoid the line by joining online.
Friday, September 26: MEMBERS SALE 2:00PM-6:00PM *Friends of the Garden membership required
Saturday, September 27: PUBLIC SALE 9:00AM-1:00PM *No membership required
There is a free concert in the amphitheater on Friday, May 16. The 3-piece alternative blues and rock band @modern_mammals are from Walhalla, SC. They will perform original music that provides a unique listening experience. Enjoy free live music in the prettiest venue in the Upstate! Visit the calendar for more information.
The SC Botanical Garden offers a lot of activities and opportunities.
Docent Orientations
Saturdays: June 15, Aug 17, or Oct 19
Do you like interacting with the public? Do you have an interest in plants or nature in general? This is the volunteer opportunity for you! We are seeking docents to support our mission of education and outreach and to enhance the visitor experience at the SCBG. Orientation will introduce attendees to our various weekday and weekend docent opportunities and will equip participants with information about the SCBG’s history, mission, garden spaces and features, as well as techniques for communicating effectively with the public.
Have you been wanting to schedule a guided tour of the garden but can’t find the time during the week? We’re now offering monthly Saturday tours of the Garden! These tours last approximately an hour and focus on the Garden’s history, development, and seasonal highlights. From the Camellia Trail to the Butterfly Garden, there is always something of interest and beauty to see.
There are so many ways to get involved and help support the South Carolina Botanical Garden – time, talent and funds keep the Garden’s 295 acres open year-round with no admission fee. They need the support of the community, fellow gardeners, businesses, teachers, donors and anyone who wants to help people connect with nature and culture.
Discover the many ways you can contribute by visiting the SC Botanical Garden webpage or email them at: scbgfriends@clemson.edu
Did you know you can do more than take a stroll in the Botanical Gardens?
This spring and summer are full of opportunities for all ages. See some of the upcoming events below.
2024DocentOrientations Do you like interacting with the public? Do you have an interest in plants or nature in general? This is the volunteer opportunity for you! We are seeking docents to support our mission of education and outreach and to enhance the visitor experience at the SCBG. Orientation will introduce attendees to our various weekday and weekend docent opportunities and will equip participants with information about the SCBG’s history, mission, garden spaces and features, as well as techniques for communicating effectively with the public. Register for one of the following Saturdays: April 13, June 15, August 17 or October 19
Saturday GardenTours Have you been wanting to schedule a guided tour of the garden but can’t find the time during the week? We’re now offering monthly Saturday tours of the Garden! These tours last approximately an hour and focus on the Garden’s history, development, and seasonal highlights. From the Camellia Trail to the Butterfly Garden, there is always something of interest and beauty to see. Register for an upcoming tour on May 4, June 1, July 6 or September 7
Second Chance Spring Plant Sale, April 20 Take home beautiful plants to enjoy while supporting the SCBG! We have a wonderful selection to choose from- natives, tons of perennials, fruit trees and shrubs, colorful annuals, vegetables and more! April 20 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
