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 anniversary slideshow here.

A true highlight was the heartfelt presentation of the Frances E. and Peter B. Read Award. This year’s recipients, Susan Epstein and Beverly Rivers, truly embody the heart of HORT. Their extraordinary volunteerism, creativity, and devotion have helped our organization thrive for decades.

What a show the much-anticipated Creative Container Competition was! Six talented designers wowed the crowd with creative, colorful displays:

• Danielle Spies – Sea Island Savory Herbs

• Annabelle Hallam – Annabelle Hallam Landscapes

• Natalie Rumph – Bear Swamp Flowers

• Sara Petrowski – MUSC Arboretum

• Jen Lyman – Anything’s Pot-able

• Kelly Megeath – Garden Elegance

Each container told a story - some bold, some whimsical, all beautiful! A huge congratulations to our winners, Sara Petrowski and Natalie Rumph, whose designs truly captured the season’s spirit!

Fan favorite Brie Arthur led a fall seed mini-workshop, sharing tips and techniques for growing from seed and planning for spring color. Her message was clear: every thriving garden starts with one seed - and a whole lot of love!

Our silent auction was nothing short of spectacular - filled with unique garden treasures, local art, and one-of-a-kind experiences that had guests bidding right up to the last minute! And our raffle? Overflowing with amazing prizes and plenty of excitement. A big congratulations to Emmye Johnston, our lucky raffle winner!

This unforgettable evening was made possible by our generous sponsors and friends:

• Sheila Wertimer (Past President) & Gary Gruca

• Soil³

• Madeleine McGee, Board Chair

• Hyams Garden Center

• Carolina Landscape

• Charleston Coffee Roasters

• Daniel Tsveer – Carolina One Realty

• Don Luchi

• Charleston Classic Catering

• Wandering Taps

• Beth McGinty – Blooms by Beth

• Alex Mims

• Oelschig Nursery

• Elizabeth Stuart

• Elizabeth Pope Landscape Design

• Obstinate Hospitality

• Seamon Whiteside

• Brie Arthur

• Libby & Tim Metzler

• Summer Feet Band

Your support keeps the HORT blooming—helping us educate and inspire our community year after year. A sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU!

A huge thank-you to our 25th Anniversary Committee for creating a night we’ll never forget.

• Ann Calhoun, Chair

• Gregg Smythe, Co-Chair

• Darcy Whalen, Executive Director

• Madeleine McGee

• Sarah Riley

• Jen Lyman

• Beth McGinty

• Erin Hunsicker

As the night drew to an end, one thing was clear - the HORT is rooted in passion, powered by people, and growing stronger every season!

Here’s to 25 years of HORT—and to the next 25 years of cultivating beauty, community, and joy across the Lowcountry.