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What did you do with my snippers?
Alright, can we talk about something that should be simple, but somehow isn’t? Husbands in the garden. (A fitting Father's Day topic, am I right?) Because the second my husband touches a tool, that tool doesn’t “get used.” It gets adopted. By a different dimension. By the shed, the universe or possibly a squirrel who thinks it's some kind of holy acorn. And it is never where I can find it when I need it. Kind of like the sock that always goes AWOL between the laundry basket a
Jun 23


Why Morning Is the Best Time to Garden in the Lowcountry
Summer in the Lowcountry brings long days, lush growth, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the garden- but it also brings heat and humidity. As temperatures climb, many gardeners find that the best time to tend their landscapes is during the early morning hours. Gardening in the morning offers many benefits for both you and the plants. Cooler temperatures make outdoor tasks much more comfortable and reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Early mornings also provide an op
Jun 17


Tiny Pest, Big Problem: Thrips on Roses
Have you noticed rose buds that never seem to open properly? Tiny insects called thrips may be the culprit. Thrips feed on developing flower buds and petals, causing blooms to appear distorted, discolored, or fail to open altogether. Their damage is often most noticeable in light-colored roses, where petals may show brown edges or streaking. To help manage thrips, remove and dispose of damaged blooms, keep garden debris cleaned up, and encourage beneficial insects such as lac
Jun 11


Same Roots...New Vibe
Springtime in the Lowcountry has a way of waking everything up. What felt quiet and still just weeks ago is suddenly buzzing with buds breaking open, pollen flying (whether we like it or not), and gardens stretching back to life. So naturally… we couldn’t resist a little refresh of our own. Meet the New Look of The HORT! What better time than spring, a season rooted in renewal, to unveil an updated look for the Charleston Horticultural Society? With the help of the incredibly
Apr 12


Help Build Our HORT Community
David's son Henry is learning to garden early! Hello Horticultural Lovers! Are you an avid gardener, plant enthusiast, or ardent environmentalist looking for ways to put your interests and talents to good use? Perhaps you are looking for opportunities to meet like-minded people and use your business skills and knowledge to help serve the community where you live. Why not do both? The Charleston Horticultural Society (the HORT) is currently accepting applications/nominations
Mar 12


Darcy Digs In: Garden Powered Reads from the Post & Courier
If you haven’t seen The Post and Courier lately, you’re missing out on some seriously good garden wisdom from Darcy Whalen - our Executive Director and green-thumb extraordinaire. She’s been dropping garden gems in the paper that go way beyond “water your plants” - think seasonal pep talks, thoughtful design ideas, and that delightful mix of inspiration + real-world gardening know-how. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or procrastinating just a tiny bit on your t
Feb 6


Celebrating 25 By Looking Ahead: A Three-Year Strategic Plan To Guide Our Work
The Charleston Horticultural Society Board and staff are pleased to share with you the Three-Year Strategic Plan we have crafted to guide our work. This plan reflects our commitment to ensuring that our mission continues to grow, adapt, and respond to the needs of the Lowcountry community. A strong strategic plan is essential; it provides direction, sets priorities, and ensures that our efforts have the greatest impact. Just as importantly, it helps us serve our members more
Dec 12, 2025


25th Anniversary Celebration - A Night to Remember!
What a celebration! It was a perfect fall evening beneath the sweeping live oaks of McLeod Pavilion, where we gathered to mark 25 incredible years of growing, giving, and greening the Lowcountry. The night had it all -beautiful weather, delicious food, laughter, and a crowd that perfectly captured HORT’s spirit: past presidents, longtime members, new faces , and everyone in between. It felt like a family reunion with a botanical twist! Relive the moments and enjoy our anniver
Oct 31, 2025


CHS HORT’s Strategic Plan: Growing Into the Future
We have always believed in the power of gardens to bring people together, inspire creativity, and transform communities. FY25 was no...
Sep 13, 2025


Stay Sharp: Happy Tools, Happy Plants!
A dull pair of pruners can make gardening feel like a struggle—jagged cuts, extra effort, and even damage to your plants. But with a little
Jan 30, 2025


Beth McGinty’s extraordinary garden and plant list
Beth has generously shared her plant list with us, featuring the standout species that make her garden extraordinary.
Nov 14, 2024


Community Survey
Nov 11 Help Shape the Future of the HORT! As the Charleston Horticultural Society celebrates 25 years, we reflect on our achievements...
Nov 11, 2024


Go Native for Animals: op-ed by Rebecca Fanning
Rebecca Fanning: Director of Resilience and Natural Resource Mangement, Town of Sullivans Island “Who really knew that it’s all about the...
Oct 19, 2024


Honoring Ruth Knopf’s Legacy (1935 - 2024)
Ruth Knopf in her Sullivan’s Island home with her beloved roses . With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Ruth Knopf, a beloved Charleston...
Oct 16, 2024


A forgotten necessity: How our gardens can ground us
By: Darcy Whalen Sept 8, 2024 We live in a world today where technology has become such an integral part of our lives. It guides us in...
Sep 12, 2024


Natives vs Non-natives vs Invasives
Learn the difference between natives, Non-natives and invasives from Sharleen Johnson of Native Plants to the People.
Aug 3, 2024


Protecting and Preserving
The HORT Seeks to Protect and Preserve the Nature of the Lowcountry - Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina
Jul 11, 2024


HELP BUILD OUR HORT COMMUNITY
KIM ASHLEY, BOARD VICE CHAIR and GOVERNANCE LEAD Date: 3/27/2024 Hello Horticultural Lovers! Are you an avid gardener, plant enthusiast,...
Mar 28, 2024


Harborview to the Harbor garden tour
A sunny Sunday in Fall was the perfect backdrop for our Fall Garden Tour.
Nov 5, 2023


Gardener’s Happy Hour - Patti McGee’s iconic garden
Gardener’s Happy Hour - Patti McGee’s iconic garden
Oct 24, 2023
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