Tickets are now available for the Opening Night Garden Party on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.—the kickoff to Bloom Charleston, a new garden and design festival hosted by the Charleston Parks Conservancy. Held at Colonial Lake, the evening will mark the debut of the Idea Garden, a concept created by the Conservancy to inspire gardeners to create beautiful landscapes despite environmental challenges.
Guests will enjoy an all-inclusive evening immersed in the newly revitalized garden with hors d’oeuvres and beverages, beautiful décor and lounge areas, and stunning floral installations. The event will kick off with a champagne toast and remarks by Idea Garden designer Molly Hendry, feature a live performance by the Charleston Symphony, a rare plant auction led by Ryan McEnaney, author, designer, and influencer, and the opportunity to mingle with some of Bloom Charleston’s esteemed festival speakers.
Special guests also include Lucy the Flower Hunter, renowned floral and garden artist; Miranda Crowell, Garden Editor at Better Homes & Gardens; and Michael Perry, AKA Mr. Plant Geek, “hortpreneur” and content creator.
“The Opening Night Garden Party invites guests to be part of the beginning of something truly special for Charleston—an annual celebration of beauty, resilience, and public space, in one of our most beloved gardens,” said Darlene Heater, CEO and Executive Director of Charleston Parks Conservancy. "This evening’s experience will delight and inspire guests with a chef-curated Lowcountry menu, engaging conversations with renowned gardening and design luminaries, and captivating performances by the Charleston Symphony."
Tickets for the Opening Night Garden Party are $275 per person and are all-inclusive. Proceeds support the Conservancy’s mission to care for and connect people to Charleston’s 26 parks, gardens, and trails through horticulture, education, and public programming. Tickets are available now at bloomcharleston.org and will remain on sale until sold out.
The festivities continue Saturday, October 18, with a free public celebration at Colonial Lake from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The day begins with a ribbon cutting and features expert talks from acclaimed horticultural voices, including:
- Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens – Associate Editorial Director, leading all garden content for the iconic national magazine.
- Stephen Eich, Hollander Design Landscape Architects – specializing in urban design projects from residential terraces to hospitality and park redevelopment.
- Molly Hendry, Roots & Ramblings – Landscape designer behind the new Idea Garden, focused on Southeastern plants and public garden design.
- Lucy Hunter, Lucy the Flower Hunter – Acclaimed UK-based floral artist and author blending photography and creativity inspired by nature.
- Michael Perry, Mr. Plant Geek – International horticultural personality, author and TV presenter with a focus on the fun side of gardening and an eye on new plants and trends.
- Joan McDonald, The Gardeners Green – Designer, educator, and advocate for community-focused garden initiatives.
- Catherine McGuinn, The Garden Club of Charleston – Organic certification expert with 24+ years in Charleston’s horticultural community, coordinating Clemson University’s program.
- Mike Gibson, Gibson Works - Gibson has created over 700 topiary designs for properties nationwide. He currently travels the country, educating communities on the therapeutic benefits of topiary with his engaging lectures, captivating demonstrations, and transformative topiary therapy workshops.
Attendees can explore docent-led garden vignettes with practical tips and plant lists, browse the Buxton Books Garden Book Store with author signings, shop the curated Plants From Your Parks plant sale, and enjoy the release of The Gardeners’ Guide for the Lowcountry by The Garden Club of Charleston. The day also includes a children’s pavilion with hands-on activities, live music, art demonstrations, and interactive workshops throughout the Idea Garden. To RSVP for free Saturday activities or to purchase Garden Party tickets, visit bloomcharleston.org. For updates and event details, follow @bloomcharlestonsc on social media.