Brookgreen Gardens will host the annual Spring Plant Sale this April, in addition to a full lineup of programming with a range of topics from photography and art to wildlife. See below for additional information on the events that guests can enjoy throughout the month.
Last Chance:
Art Deco: Defining an Era, Now – April 21
This new exhibition will invite visitors to immerse themselves in the glamorous world of Art Deco, and discover the sleek lines, bold geometric shapes and opulent materials that define this iconic 1920s and 1930s design movement. Featuring Art Deco art, artifacts, and fashion, guests can experience the elegance and sophistication of an era that continues to inspire.
April Events:
Cold-Blooded Critters with Ranger Mike Walker, April 2, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Guests are invited to get acquainted with some of the most misunderstood animals, reptiles! Ranger Mike Walker from Huntington Beach State Park will introduce attendees to some scaly friends, including snakes, turtles, lizards, and alligators. He will also explain how these animals have far reaching impacts on local ecosystems, including acting as bodyguards for wading bird chicks, helping marsh residents survive catastrophic droughts, and acting as natural pest exterminators.
Photo Walks in The Garden, April 3, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Photographers Anne Malarich, George DeCamp, and Rick Farrell will take guests on a two-hour walk through Brookgreen Gardens with a camera in hand. Walks will cover photography topics like exposure and composition. Participants should have a good working knowledge of their cameras.
Dirt & Details: The Greenhouse Complex with Kerry Rapp, April 4, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Kerry Rapp, director of greenhouse and plant collections, will take guests on a special behind the scenes tour of Brookgreen Gardens’ Greenhouse complex. Kerry will discuss warm season annuals in the greenhouse setting, including the maintenance and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that goes into their care. Guests will get an early look at the orchids and tropical plants for the upcoming conservatory. Additionally, they will get a sneak peek at the outdoor nursery plants, including Spring Plant Sale plants, and learn about the difference between bareroots and plugs, as well as seasonal challenges that come with growing these amazing plants.
Yoga in The Gardens, Saturday, April 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Yoga In the Gardens allows visitors to experience Brookgreen in a unique way, connecting the body, mind, and spirit in the tranquil setting of the Palmetto Garden. This Hatha-based practice is ideal for anyone who enjoys the opportunity to move their body in an outdoor setting, breathe deeply, and simply feel better. Yoga In the Garden is open to all levels, with no prior experience required. Participants should bring their own mat, water bottle, and any props, such as straps or blocks.
Ron Daise presents "Nottin bot de Rice!" April 10 and 24, 1 – 2 p.m.
Entertaining and educational, this interactive cultural game show hosted by author, performer, and cultural preservationist Ron Daise informs viewers about the rice culture lived and passed down by Gullah Geechee people of the southeastern coastal United States. Each guest becomes a "contestant" who will gain "points" for answering questions about aspects of rice production, Gullah Geechee people, songs, history, culture, foods, and trivia. Participants will learn how greatly Gullah Geechee culture has impacted the American cultural landscape.
Botanical Printing: Creating a Scarf with Plants, April 11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Textile artist Kathleen Lang will facilitate a workshop highlighting the magic of Eco printing. Eco printing is a sustainable natural dyeing technique for capturing botanical prints using no chemicals. Students will collect botanicals prior to the workshop such as leaves and other natural dye materials from nature, flatten them and have them ready on the day of the workshop. Participants will learn to arrange a plant design on their silk scarf, bundle, and process it. The natural dyes with the botanical design will discharge into the fabric capturing the plant's shape. A list of suggested plant material and other required supplies will be sent upon registration.
“Sunset Lodge in Georgetown: The Story of a Madam,” with David Hodges, April 18, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Local author David Hodges will give an entertaining talk on the colorful history of The Sunset Lodge and his book, which tells the story of a Georgetown brothel owner who ingratiated herself with the community and became a respected philanthropist.
Spring Plant Sale, April 20, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Spring Plant Sale is a great opportunity to buy uncommon plants including native plants, perennials, shrubs, edibles, and annuals. Many of the plants are propagated in-house at Brookgreen, so shoppers are bringing a piece of Brookgreen home to their own gardens. The plant sale will be held in the Arboretum and is orchestrated by the horticulture staff and volunteers onsite who can answer any questions.
Earth Day Festival, April 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Guests can join Brookgreen at the Butterfly Field for a day filled with fun and educational stations for all ages. Adults will learn more about native plants and conservation while children explore S.T.E.A.M. stations to complete their Earth Day passports. The day will include meet and greets with live animal ambassadors, Community Conservation Partners’ Stations, and exciting games that help families become more aware of the natural environment and fundamental conservation principles.
Brookgreen 101, April 25, 1 – 2 p.m.
Brookgreen 101 is a public information program offered monthly in the Wall Lowcountry Center Auditorium. The rotating topics will cover various aspects of Brookgreen Gardens ranging from the collections, property, history, people, poetry, art history, corporate history, founders, and Brookgreen purposes. This month’s topic will be: “Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice: Customs, Superstitions, and Good Things to Know.”
Indigo Dyeing, Workshop with Caroline Harper, April 26, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Participants will learn the ancient art of dyeing cloth in this indigo pigment workshop and leave with an original set of four cotton napkins, dyed four different ways. They will discover the ARASHI SHIBORI technique, also known as pole-wrapping, an ancient Japanese method of creating vertical or diagonal stripes reminiscent of storm-driven rain. Prepared napkins will be dipped in a non-fermented indigo bath, and after unwrapping, reveal everyone’s unique creation.
Brookgreen Gardens Art Festival, April 27, 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. and April 28, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Keepsakes, the Brookgreen shop, proudly presents the Art Festival at Brookgreen Gardens.
This two-day event showcases the fine craftsmanship and quality art being produced regionally and throughout the nation. Guests can come and enjoy the work of talented artists and artisans at the annual festival, where painting, sculpture, fabric art, pottery, glass, and more will be available to browse under the oaks.
Interpretive Narrative Collage, April 27, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Participants will discover unique and affordable ways to approach collage art from an interpretive style. While focusing on unique mark making, photo, and text transfers, this workshop will allow guests to tap into finding their personal narrative to inspire collage making. Additionally, participants will learn how to utilize gestalt principles and the elements of design to set up an effective and dynamic composition.
For more information about Brookgreen Gardens and its upcoming programming, visit www.brookgreen.org.
