south carolina botanical gardens

susanpH425YL

A nice place to get outside and take a walk. Probably better in April or May with more blooming, but still a nice place for a walk.

2BEis2SKI

To me, these are more like nature trails with areas of gardens but that is not a bad thing. If you are expecting something like the Duke Botanical Gardens, you will be disappointed. There are several trail options and you can spend a decent amount of time viewing or just walking. There are a lot of families that bring their kids and that adds to the joy of being here. It looks like they are really focused on continuing to grow and improve the gardens so it's definitely a place you can continue visiting with the expectation that you will find something new.If you have 60-90 minutes and are looking for something to do, check this out.

BillY791

This is a great place if you have some time and a nice afternoon. Start a the parking lot and take your pick of a trail. It is great because you can find different things to enjoy regardless of the season.

JulietP_11

I frequently take my dog and my two kids (8 and 5) to this garden and arboretum. It is not elaborate or fancy, but they are definitely growing and investing in more interesting displays and attractions. There are two main parts: the front garden areas, with trails, plant beds, an old caboose, and an amphitheater; and the back, near the Geology Museum with an asphalt covered loop through the part with local trees.They frequently have events in various venues throughout the park. It is a favorite with runners and dog walkers. (Please pick up after your dog and keep it on a leash). Plenty of parking. Restrooms in the front and in the back near the duck pond and Hayden conference center.

Clemson14

They do a very good job with the gardens here much of it is memorials and donations so there is a lot of heart that goes into it and it is very well kept. It'll take about an hour to walk the trails around the gardens but if you stop to read the placards or sit by the duck pond then you can stretch it into an afternoon walk. Great place for a picnic too but I will warn you that there are a lot of families with younger kids that come for a picnic around lunch on really nice days so go at off times like early afternoon ~2:00 or so. It gets busy later in the afternoon when classes let out as well. Pretty safe place to go for a walk. The trails are not lit at night so don't start walking to close to dark. If you're in the Clemson area on a nice day, this is a great place to kill some time.

fishelk

This garden is absolutely beautiful. They have a pond where many come to feed the Ducks and huge fish, and wonderful, well manicured hiking trails. The garden is beautiful any time of year, but the spring, summer and fall are the best time to visit.

Swampwoman

The South Carolina Botanical Garden is almost unknown except among gardening enthusiasts. It is more woodland than groomed landscape but it has much to offer in terms of walking paths and park spaces. If you live near enough or know when you will visit, check their website because they have a full schedule of classes and activities open to the public.

wcarter13

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Gardens were beautiful. Great trails for walking the geology museum was fantastic. Looking forward to taking the kids in the spring. Great place for family time and picnic

Travel200905SL

Just by chance we heard of this garden. Went in the morning and enjoyed seeing all the beautiful flowers and different cactuses. This was a little difficult to find, so make sure that you have the complete address. There is a small charge.

MLB768

I have not had a chance to fully explore the gardens, but they are beautiful. I have seen classes wandering around - a great asset for Clemson University. You WILL want to bring and use bug spray while you're there, but other than that it is a great place to walk or sit and think or write or take photos.

Rose4may

The South Carolina Botanical Gardens is a wonderful place to spend some time while in Clemson. The trails are cool and shady and you will come along benches if you need to sit a while. There's a picnic area and lovely areas with swings where you can relax and enjoy the beauty around you. There's a geology museum as well which is a great place to take the kids. While this didn't seem to be a botanical gardens like others I've visited, with tons of flowers as you wander, there were flower areas and plenty of tree covered trails to walk.

Kennypoo

I've seen better. After driving in circles looking at dead trees and shrubs, I finally found a map of the gardens and was disappointed to see the majority of the places where designated as restricted areas. There are plenty of trails for hiking and maybe I would have seen more on a hike. Since I have a disability that limits my ability to walk and climb for extended periods, this was not possible. After my experience with the "gardens" I was not particularly interested in a gift shop. Sorry Clemson, I wish it had been a better experience. I was really looking forward to seeing what beauty the gardens had to offer.

DanaT15

Botanical Gardens has a lot to offer. Enjoy the beauty of nature, while visiting. There are some historical factors as well. Good location for anyone...I also attended a wedding ceremony there and it was great.

JPSaleebyMD

Less a formal garden or botanical garden as one would see at the Duke Gardens or even some other State BGs. This was pretty much a more relaxed, casual environment of local indigenous flora. Some large collections of pitcher plants were around and plenty of trails in which to get lost in nature. Quiet and medatitive and plenty of new things being worked on to add to the entertainment factor.

RitaA591

This garden highlights from the coastal "edge of America" to the beautiful hills where it's located. Camellias in the winter, desert garden, the heritage trail garden path with trillium. In spring you can see oconee bells which grow only in a few locations in the world. Dr. Patrick McMillan and his staff have recently renovated a flood ravaged area including the Hunt cabin. Picnic areas are available for family outings and a train caboose entertains children The garden will thrill your scents and sights. It's worth the road trip to be here. We are frequent visitors.