Brookgreen Gardens today announced the return of its annual Spring Wine Festival will take place this May, along with a robust lineup of of other events and programs. You can see the full schedule below:
Spring Wine Festival, May 11, 1 – 4 p.m.
Hosted by the Friends of Brookgreen Gardens, the annual Spring Wine Festival will give guests the opportunity to enjoy wine tastings and live music under Brookgreen's historic live oaks, all while contributing to the Campaign for the Next Generation, a $25 million capital campaign to expand Brookgreen's offerings for the future. Tickets include ten tasting tickets; guests may purchase additional tickets on-site for wine tastings, games, and other activities. VIP tickets include 15 tasting tickets, a commemorative wine-tasting glass, reserved seating in the VIP Wine Garden, and a special selection of exclusive wines. Food trucks will also be on-site, and guests are welcome to bring a lawn chair to enjoy the festival. To purchase tickets and to view a list of available wines, visit https://bit.ly/3VSZp6J.
Additional May Events:
Photo Walks in The Garden, May 1, 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 Upper Right Wing with Mary Ann Melchionna, May 2, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Brookgreen Gardens' horticulturist, Mary Ann Melchionna will lead a tour of the Upper Right-Wing Garden. Mary Ann will discuss plantings in the raised beds throughout the garden, the creeping fig, and the plantings beneath the majestic live oak.
Yoga in The Gardens, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Yoga In the Gardens allows visitors to experience Brookgreen uniquely, connecting the body, mind, and spirit in the tranquil setting of the Palmetto Garden. This Hatha-based practice is ideal for individuals who enjoy the opportunity to move their bodies in an outdoor setting, breathe deeply, and feel better. Yoga In the Garden is open to all levels, and no prior experience is required. Participants should bring their mat, water bottle, and props, such as straps or blocks.
Tibetan Sound Bowl Meditation, May 4, 21, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
As a part of the Harmony in Nature series, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the serenity of nature and the ancient art of Tibetan Sound Bowl Meditation. The journey of this unique experience offers a tranquil retreat with gentle melodies and resonant vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls as guests are guided into a state of deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
International Labyrinth Day Walk, May 4, 1 – 3 p.m.
The labyrinth at Brookgreen Gardens is available to walkers any time the Gardens are open, but on select days, Brookgreen hosts group walks through the labyrinth. Join Brookgreen for a group walk on May 4, International Labyrinth Day, to walk as one for world peace.
Get to Know Trees, May 7, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
As a part of Brookgreen's Harmony in Nature series, this Tree ID Walk will allow guests to learn about leaves, twigs, bark, and tree identification while exploring Brookgreen's Woodland Trails with the team. Dominique Werboff, Ph.D. of Coastal Carolina University, who oversees the CCU Arboretum, will lead these special walks.
Adventures in Local Storytelling with Alli Crandall and Cali Duncan, May 9, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
The student-driven multimedia publishing lab, The Athenaeum Press at Coastal Carolina University, has worked since 2012 to collect, organize, archive, preserve, and promote the local history that makes the coastal regions of the Carolinas special. Guests can join Alli Crandell, Press director, and Cali Duncan, Press project coordinator, as they discuss the past ten years of projects, including three collaborations with Brookgreen Gardens and new partnerships that are expanding the storytelling work of the Press across the state.
World Bee Day Celebration with the Bee Preacher, May 16, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Brookgreen invites guests to spend the morning with Tom Francis, Brookgreen Gardens' beekeeper, also locally known as the Bee Preacher. Tom will discuss aspects of his involvement with honeybees. But don't be fooled; he's not just someone who oversees a few bee hives – there is much more to it! Celebrate World Bee Day with Tom's passionate sermon about all he's done for these amazing little creatures.
Open Studio, May 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Open Studio is a program that is open to the public once a month and invites guests to spend time with a sculptor and observe the various processes employed to produce a sculpture from clay to bronze. Guests are encouraged to ask questions.
Brookgreen 101, May 23, 1 – 2 p.m.
Brookgreen 101 is a monthly public information program in the Wall Lowcountry Center's Ron Daise Auditorium. The rotating topics will cover various aspects of Brookgreen Gardens, including its collections, property, history, people, poetry, art history, corporate history, founders, and Brookgreen purposes. This month's topic will be The National Sculpture Society 91st Annual Awards Exhibition.
11th Annual Brookgreen Gardens Memorial Day 5K, May 26, 5 – 8 p.m.
Brookgreen will host the 11th annual Memorial Day 5K through the Gardens. Runners and walkers will receive a participant shirt, race bib, medal, and complimentary entry to Brookgreen Gardens at a later date. For more information on parking, packet pickup, awards, and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3xsOaIj. Registration closes at 4:30 p.m. on race day.
New Exhibition:
National Sculpture Society 91st Annual Awards Exhibition, May 4 – July 21
The premier annual exhibition of American figurative sculpture returns to Brookgreen Gardens. Featuring the work of American masters alongside rising stars, the National Sculpture Society's Annual Awards Exhibition presents the finest in contemporary figurative sculpture. Those visiting Brookgreen Gardens will vote for their favorites to win the People's Choice Award, which will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibit.
For more information about Brookgreen Gardens and its upcoming programming, visit www.brookgreen.org.
