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 exception—and as we look back on a year of rebuilding, we’re excited to share how we’re setting the stage for an even brighter future.

FY25: A Year of Rebuilding:

FY25 was a season of strengthening our roots.

• Governance was stronger than ever, thanks to engaged board leadership.

• We made staffing and operational improvements to support our mission.

• Launched our first-ever Beneath the Oaks Symposium, a signature gathering for horticultural minds.

• Our lecture series saw steady growth in attendance, inspiring gardeners across the Lowcountry.

• Plantasia thrived in its new Mt. Pleasant location, welcoming over 800 attendees!

• Membership and Business Partners grew as more gardeners joined our cause.

  
  

Thinking Strategically:

We didn’t just work hard—we worked smart. This past year we:

• Partnered with the CofC Center for Livable Communities for surveys and interviews to better understand our community.

• Held a Board retreat and multiple planning sessions to set a bold vision.

• Found inspiration in PHS’s Gardening for the Greater Good, aligning with national best practices.

Our strategic focus centers on three pillars:

Learn – Cultivating the knowledge and love of gardening

Connect – Collaborating as gardeners, from backyard enthusiasts to professionals

Engage – Helping gardeners make a difference in their communities

What’s Ahead: Our Strategic Priorities

We’re relaunching our lecture series with a fresh new name, Cultivating Minds, focusing on forward-thinking horticultural practices and showcasing the Lowcountry to national leaders.

Expanding Learning Opportunities

Look for more diverse, hands-on educational programs to attract younger and newer gardeners and to dig deeper into horticulturally significant topics.

Inspiring Connections

Through garden tours, gatherings, and member events, we’ll create space for introductions, nurture relationships, and spark rich horticultural conversations.

Signature Events

We’re committed to growing Plantasia (April 11, Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market) and the Beneath the Oaks Symposium (Oct. 17, 2025 with Rebecca McMackin at Kiawah; Oct. 15, 2026 with Town of Mt. Pleasant) into premier horticultural gatherings for our region.

Engaging Business Partners

We’ll collaborate with our partners to support their businesses while encouraging them to give back to the community through horticultural expertise and resources—including our March 8, 2026 Oyster Roast!

Growing Greener Together

This new initiative will encourage gardeners to make a difference right where they live. In Spring 2026, we’ll launch demonstration projects in 3–5 neighborhoods and host an Informational Meeting on October 11 for interested gardeners.

What This Means for You

• More Learning – including a renovated Learning Lab coming January 2026

• More Celebrating – with the return of the Read Award and 1830 Award to honor volunteers and leaders

• More Connecting – through neighborhood-based engagement and shared horticultural experiences

• More Impact – growing greener together, one garden at a time

Together, we’ll keep cultivating knowledge, connecting gardeners, and growing a greener, healthier Lowcountry.

Stay tuned—and join us as we grow into our next 25 years!