The South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University has been ranked 21st among the 50 most beautiful college arboretums in the nation by Best College Reviews.
The 295-acre garden on Clemson’s campus began as a camellia preserve in 1958 and was designated South Carolina’s state botanical garden in 1992. It charges no admission and is open every day from dawn until dusk.
“Being recognized as one of the best gardens in the nation is a great message to get out to the public,” said Patrick McMillan, host and director of South Carolina Botanical Garden and a faculty member at Clemson University. “Our garden is unique in its connectivity and ability to illustrate what South Carolina is really all about from a natural standpoint. It’s the only place in the state where you can walk in less than an hour through habitats found both in the mountains and near the sea.”
Best College Reviews is an editorially independent college review journal. More than a dozen aboretums in the southeastern United States made its top-50 list. Ratings were based on the following factors:
- Size of the arboretum,
- Size of the collection,
- How long the garden has been established,
- Opportunities for college students and
- Connection with the community.
“It is an honor to be ranked in the top tier of gardens, but all the gardens in the Southeast are well known for cooperating with each other,” McMillan said. “We work very closely with folks at the University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State and our other state and regional gardens. So when any garden in the Southeast is honored, everyone feels a lot of pride, because we’ve all contributed something to each other’s cause.”
The S.C. Botanical Garden, which includes the 70-acreSchoenike Arboretum, is home to a diverse array of trees and plants, many of which are extremely rare. It also contains two historic properties: Hanover House and Hunt Cabin. The Bob Campbell Geology Museum displays more than 10,000 rocks, minerals, fossils and artifacts. The garden also offers numerous cultural and educational programs for children and families throughout the year. Other points of interest include the Duck Pond, Camellia Garden, the Wildlife Habitat Garden, the Heritage Gardens and several miles of pristine nature trails.
“Our garden is such a rich resource,” McMillan said. “All these facets come together to make us sort of a one-stop shop for learning about natural history and beauty in South Carolina.”
(Image credit: Clemson University.)