SC has 4 of the best public gardens in the US, new survey shows. Here’s why they’re worth seeing

Sarah Claire McDonald
·5 min read

With springtime weather in full effect, between the recent warm-temperatured, sunny days mixed with sudden rain showers, many South Carolina residents are choosing to spend more of their free time outdoors and visiting many of the state’s nature preserves, gardens, state parks and historical sites.

Public gardens are a salient aspect of many individuals’ love of spending time outdoors, by which they are viewing the area’s beautiful, natural flora in an artistic way.

“These outdoor spaces offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing visitors with a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of various plant species. From lush gardens featuring vibrant flowers and towering trees, to intricate displays of succulents and cacti, public gardens offer a range of experiences for visitors to enjoy,” reported Good Plant Care in a recent study on public gardens in the U.S.

In this study, Good Plant Care, an online place where visitors can learn about popular indoor plants as well as how to care for them, recently polled 3,000 people. This poll revealed the top 200 public gardens in the nation that they would most like to visit in their lifetimes.

Four of these gardens could be found in South Carolina.

Brookgreen Gardens file. March 14, 2022.
Brookgreen Gardens file. March 14, 2022.

Following the poll, Brookgreen Gardens was named as the 39th best public garden in the nation.

Located at 1931 Brookgreen Garden Drive in Murrells Inlet near Myrtle Beach, this public garden features sculptures, botanical gardens, local history and a zoo.

Brookgreen Gardens is a cultural and nature center in coastal South Carolina.
Brookgreen Gardens is a cultural and nature center in coastal South Carolina.

The report described that the garden boasts a collection of over 2,000 sculptures created by American artists as well as a showcase of a wide range of plants, including native species and exotics in the botanical garden.

Brookgreen Gardens is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.

Brookgreen Gardens is holding it’s “Summer Light: Art by Night” events where visitors stroll the historic sculpture gardens under the glow of ten unique lighting installations. Live music is performed and food trucks offer local fare as the sun sets transforming the gardens. “Art by Night” is held on Wednesday and Saturdays from 6-10pm. Non-Member ticket prices are $25 for adults and $15 per child. May 18, 2022.

Aside from Brookgreen, Kalmia Gardens, The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden and Hopeland Gardens also made the list.

Kalmia Gardens, which can be found at 1624 W Carolina Avenue in Hartsville, came in 136th out of 200 following the poll to decide the best ‘must-see’ gardens in the county.

Kalmia Gardens, at Coker College in Hartsville, S.C. Stairs lead down to Black Creek from the gardens and of a pond surrounded by flowering plants (azaleas in this case in bloom).
Kalmia Gardens, at Coker College in Hartsville, S.C. Stairs lead down to Black Creek from the gardens and of a pond surrounded by flowering plants (azaleas in this case in bloom).

This garden is a 35-acre botanical garden that is also a part of Coker University.

Kalmia is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily and year-round.

Fantastical shapes rise from the earth like a row of genies wafting out of their bottles at the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden.
Fantastical shapes rise from the earth like a row of genies wafting out of their bottles at the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden.

The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden is located at 145 Broad Acres Road in Bishopville and was ranked 156th in the poll.

“The garden features over 300 plants that have been skillfully shaped into whimsical and abstract designs, including animals, people, and geometric shapes. Pearl Fryar, a self-taught topiary artist, started the garden over 30 years ago and has been continuously adding to it since then,” the report detailed.

Self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar works in his garden in Bishopville, S.C.
Self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar works in his garden in Bishopville, S.C.

Registered tickets to attend are available on given days found on the garden’s website.

Hopeland Gardens, which was ranked in 160th place and was the last garden to be ranked from the Palmetto State in the poll, can be found at 135 Dupree Place in Aiken.

“Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the rose garden, butterfly garden, and camellia garden, or take a peaceful walk around the tranquil lake. The garden is also home to a Japanese garden, complete with a koi pond and traditional architecture,” the study relayed of Hopeland.

Hopeland Gardens is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

As for the rest of the polls results, it was revealed that the top 10 public gardens in America, according to Good Plant Care, included:

1. Koko Crater Botanical Garden, Hawaii

2. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Big Island, Hawaii

3. Wahiawa Botanical Garden, Hawaii

4. Florida Botanical Gardens, Florida

5. San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, California

6. New York Botanical Garden, New York

7. Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden, Hawaii

8. Alaska Botanical Garden, Alaska

9. Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona

10. Central Park Rose Garden, New York

The survey revealed just how popular visiting different public gardens still is to residents. It was found that the average family visits their local garden about nine times per year, even being happy to drive a three hour round trip to see one.

In addition, 91% of respondents stated that public gardens have a positive impact on their mental health, and 56% believe that more investments should be made in our public gardens, according to the study.

“Visiting public gardens is a timeless pastime that continues to be popular for many reasons. These green spaces provide a respite from our busy lives and a chance to connect with nature in a peaceful, tranquil setting. In an increasingly digital age, public gardens offer a way to unplug and unwind, and to experience the beauty and diversity of the natural world firsthand,” said Tina Ho from Good Plant Care.

“Furthermore, public gardens are often an important part of the cultural and historical fabric of our communities, and serve as a reminder of our shared heritage and the importance of preserving our natural environment for future generations. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors, public gardens have something to offer everyone” Ho continued.

In addition to the findings on public gardens in the U.S., the survey found that the top seven indoor plants in the U.S. include:

1. Flowering Plants

2. Succulents and Cacti

3. Herb Plants

4. Trailing plants

5).Tropical plants

6. Large plants & Trees

7. Air Plants