5 Botanical Gardens to Visit in Columbia, SC

Columbia, South Carolina sits in a beautiful climate zone that fosters a very wide variety of flowers, plants and shrubs. Finding and learning about native flowers and plants can be difficult, even for experienced botanists. To experience the teeming beauty that Columbia has to offer, check out one of its many botanical gardens available across the city. Each garden has its own unique look and feel, and they are all perfect for a relaxing day excursion in the area.

1. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

This Columbia attraction features a beautiful and exotic zoo and also offers a stunning botanical garden rated by HGTV as one of the top 20 gardens across the country. These botanical gardens display a range styles including an asian garden, dry garden and a simple rose garden. The incredible 4200 species of both native and exotic plants are featured across a fantastic 70 acres of land. The combination of the garden with the Riverbanks Zoo, makes this attraction is great for families of all ages.

2. W. Gordon Belser Arboretum

Located near the University of South Carolina, this arboretum was originally a gift from William Gordon Belser, a local homeowner and real estate owner in the area. Now, this 6.5 acre garden features exotic species of plants and trees very rarely found in this climate, offering free open house viewings during certain days of the month. This arboretum is mostly used now for the teaching purposes of USC students, but any visitor will almost immediately see that this arboretum is awe-inspiring.

3. Piedmont Physic Garden

This non-profit botanical garden is only a short drive away from Columbia, and contains plants and flowers with historical and medicinal uses from all around the world. The Physic Garden has a strong emphasis on these types of plants from the Piedmont and Southern Appalachian area over any other one area. For a truly extraordinary learning experience, check out this botanical garden and bring the kids along for an impromptu history lesson.

4. Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden

Composed of trees rescued from compost piles at local nurseries, Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden consists of many unique pieces of art, cut with skill by the garden’s owner. This garden is home to over 300 individual plants cut down into whimsical shapes of their own, interlaced with the owner’s own personal junk sculptures as well. Perfect for a day excursion for any art or garden lovers, this attraction is worth the short drive.

5. Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Swan Lake features serene views, colorful islands, and plentiful wildlife. This public park is actually the only public park in the entire United States that is home to all eight swan species, and this noteworthy area also features some of the most intensive Japanese Iris plantings in the country. These irises captivating bloom comes every year beginning in mid to late May, until the beginning of June, having a very short bloom period. However, the gardens also feature other wide varieties of flowers, making it picturesque for most of the year. The next time you’re spending the summer in Columbia, The Swan Lake Iris Gardens are a must-see.

If you are inspired to foster your own garden visit our Columbia lawn care page and learn more about how to connect with nature in your own backyard.