Kalmia Gardens, Botanical garden in Hartsville, South Carolina.
Kalmia Gardens is a 30-acre botanical garden in Hartsville that includes a blackwater swamp along a creek, forested upland areas, and a 60-foot bluff overlooking natural landscapes. The grounds contain diverse habitats that visitors can explore on foot throughout the property.
Mrs. David R. Coker established the gardens in the 1930s, transforming abandoned land into walking paths and planted areas. She then donated the property to Coker University in 1965.
The main house from the 1820s sits at the center of the grounds and reflects the architecture of that era. Visitors can discover this structure while exploring and learn how people once lived on this land.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time for the walking trails, as the terrain varies throughout the site. The grounds are open to the public and also host educational programs and events.
The north-facing slope creates conditions where mountain laurel grows naturally in this region beyond its typical range. Each May the flowers of this plant put on a display that many visitors plan their trip to see.
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