Frequently Asked Questions About the SCBG
What kind of garden is the South Carolina Botanical Garden?
Where is the Garden?
What are the hours?
How much is admission?
What are the rules of the Garden?
What's in flower now?
How do I find my way around the Garden?
Where can I park?
Is the Garden handicapped accessible?
Is there a restroom in the Garden?
How can I get a guided tour?
Can I bring a group to the Garden if I don't want a guided tour?
ANSWERS:
What kind of garden is it?
The Garden is comprised of 295 acres of cultivated and natural areas. We have a number of managed Gardens throughout the property; these include the Bernice Dodgens Lark Wildflower Meadow, the award-winning Charles and Betty Cruickshank Hosta Garden, the Lake and Hills Garden Club Butterfly Gardens, and the Piedmont Prairie Meadow. We are committed to connecting people to nature both through informal everyday interactions and more formal educational programs. We have a large collection (13 to date) of site-specific nature-based sculptures located throughout the Garden.
Where is the Garden?
The South Carolina Botanical Garden is in Upstate South Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are approximately 40 minutes from Greenville, SC and 20 minutes from Anderson, SC. The Botanical Garden is located on the campus of Clemson University. Click here for directions.
Directions to Garden Facilities:
Click here for a Map of the Garden
Hayden Conference Center and Hanson Nature Learning Center: At the corner of Hwy. 76 & Perimeter Road, follow the signs to the first drive way on the left. The Nature Center is located behind the Hayden Conference Center.
The Caboose parking lot can be accessed by making a left turn into either the third drive on the left or by using the Garden's main entrance road and following the signs to the Heritage Gardens, first drive on the left.
The Fran Hanson Discovery Center is located at the Garden's main entrance. It is the brick two story building on the hill on the right. Parking is located at the end of the main entrance road, visitor drop-off is at the front of the building. Handicapped access is located behind the Carriage House adjacent to the Discovery Center. Follow the signs through the large parking lot.
What are the hours?
The Garden is open from dawn until dusk every day of the year.
The Fran Hanson Discovery Center is open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm.
The Campbell Geology Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday 1-5pm.
How much is admission?
Admission to the Garden is free, though there are charges for some events and programs.
The Campbell Geology Museum's admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children. Kids 2 and under - free.
What are the rules of the Garden?
~Use designated paths and trails--do not trample undergrowth or planted areas.
~Enjoy the Garden, but please do not take anything from it~do not pick flowers or fruits or gather insects.
~Do not climb trees, shrubs, walls, or sculptures.
~Picnic in designated areas only. The picnic area is between the Caboose and the Heritage Garden Pond. See map.
~Please take your trash with you~we have a limited amount of trash receptacles.
~Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times, under control ~and please pick up after your pet.
~Do not drive or park on the grass.
~Garden hours are from dawn until dusk, 365 days a year.
~Gates to the arboretum close at approximately 4pm. Please remove vehicles from this area by this time.
What's in flower now?
There's always something blooming in the SCBG! Contact our visitor center, The Fran Hanson Discovery Center, when planning visits to the Garden during peak blooming times. 864-656-3405 or email us.
How do I find my way around the Garden?
Maps are available online, in a kiosk to the left of the Caboose, at the Fran Hanson Discovery Center, and at the Bob Campbell Geology Museum.
Where can I park?
There are three parking lots available to the public. The Caboose parking lot holds between 50 and 60 cars. The parking lot below the Fran Hanson Discovery Center and the Bob Cambell Geology Museum has 250 spaces. There is also limited parking around the Hayden Conference Center and Nature Learning Center . All parking is free.
Is the Garden handicapped accessible?
There is handicapped parking at the Caboose and behind the Betsy Campbell Carriage House (to the rear of the Fran Hanson Discovery Center). The Heritage Gardens are paved and suitable for wheelchairs. Other paved areas in the Garden have relatively steep slopes and should be negotiated with care. The Garden's visitor center, The Fran Hanson Discovery Center, has an elevator for accessibility to view the galleries and all other Garden buildings are accessible.
Is there a restroom in the Garden?
Public restrooms are located at the Nature Learning Center ~across the dam to the duck pond, and up the hill to the right, and also in the Carriage House located behind the Fran Hanson Discovery Center. Additional restrooms are located at the Hanover House and are only open on the weekends in line with their operating hours.
Guided or Self-Guided Tours of the Garden?
All groups intending to visit the Garden should contact Tracy O'Kelley at the Clemson University's Visitor Center (864-656-7697). The Garden is a wonderful teaching environment and an exciting place to visit; however, it is also a place for people to relax and enjoy nature. Please bear this in mind when you are bringing large classes and groups.