Area Guide: Visiting Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens has been consistently ranked as one of the best public gardens in the country. Indeed, its 84 year history has made it a beloved attraction of the Grand Strand, and this reputation is well earned. When you are in the Myrtle Beach area, a day trip to Brookgreen Gardens is an absolute must do. Visitors will be enchanted and refreshed after strolling its lovely grounds.

 

Brookgreen Gardens Mission

Brookgreen Gardens is a nonprofit institution that believes in exhibiting and preserving the culture of American sculptors. In addition to displaying figurative art Brookgreen serves as a refuge that preservers and celebrates the natural beauty and resources in South Carolina’s low country. Brookgreen aims to educate visitors about the plants, animals, and other natural life of South Carolina by teaching about horticulture and preservation. In additional, visitors will gain a greater understanding of the American artist as they learn about the history and beauty of the sculptures displayed here.

 

The Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens is truly a jewel along the South Carolina coast. Located a few miles south of the Myrtle Beach area, the 9,000+ acre facility is just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas.
Several gardens make up the Brookgreen property. The sculpture garden was designed in 1931 by Anna Hyatt Huntington and takes the shape of extended butterfly wings.

The Live Oak Garden contains more than 300 magnificent Oak trees that were planted in the early 1700’s when the grounds were a rice plantation. As visitors move throughout the butterfly wing design and deeper into the garden they wind throughout many different areas. The children’s garden room is a favorite of many, while the Brenda W. Rosen Carolina Terrace Garden has a spectacular variety of roses and other perennials. One of the newest additions is a medieval style labyrinth garden which allows visitors a peaceful ramble through interpretive guide signs an benches, all of which overlook the river.

 

The Zoo

Brookgreen Gardens also contains a zoo within its grounds. The Lowcountry Zoo is a great place for both kids and adults to spend the day. The animals on display at the Lowcountry Zoo were often injured in the wild and placed in the zoo for rehab or on a permanent basis. Most of the animals in the zoo are native to the area, and visitors will learn about conservation and how to help protect South Carolina’s native species.
Some of the animals on display include:

• Alligators
• Bald Eagles
• Grey Foxes
• Hawks
• Owls
• Red Foxes
• River Otters
• White-Tailed Deer

A visit to Brookgreen Gardens is a great way to spend the day. For more information click here.

Photo Copyright: andykazie / 123RF Stock Photo

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