Stewards of Historic Public Gardens
Cultivating a Stronger Future for the Lowcountry's Historic Gardens
A collaborative initiative bringing together the people who care for some of the Lowcountry's most treasured public gardens.
GROWING TOGETHER
Our gardens have deep roots. Their future depends on what we cultivate together.
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The Lowcountry is home to an extraordinary collection of historic gardens and landscapes—each with its own history, collections, character, and community.
Stewards of Historic Public Gardens brings leaders from these places together to share knowledge, learn from one another, explore opportunities for collaboration, and strengthen the horticultural community of the Lowcountry.
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Led by the Charleston Horticultural Society in collaboration with Explore Charleston, the one-year pilot builds on conversations among regional horticultural leaders and a shared interest in working together while preserving the independence and identity of each participating garden.
A SHARED VISION
Positioning the Lowcountry as a Nationally Recognized Garden Destination
Our vision is a Lowcountry recognized and celebrated for its distinctive historic gardens, horticultural heritage, and exceptional opportunities to learn about and experience horticulture.
LEARN
​Create opportunities for garden professionals to exchange knowledge, share expertise, and strengthen horticultural learning.
ENGAGE
Build greater public appreciation for the Lowcountry's gardens, landscapes, and horticultural heritage.
CONNECT
Bring regional garden leaders together to explore collaboration, shared opportunities, and a stronger horticultural community.
THE FOUNDING COHORT
Six Gardens. One Lowcountry.
Stewards of Historic Public Gardens brings together six of the Lowcountry's historic public gardens, each with its own distinct landscape, history, and mission—united by a shared commitment to horticulture, stewardship, and the future of our region’s garden heritage.
![boone_hall[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/37d049_1a24ac0903a34c35bbeedf25735de934~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/boone_hall%5B1%5D.png)
Boone Hall
![charlestowne_landing[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/37d049_8de9db4a301640e29683216487f1990d~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/charlestowne_landing%5B1%5D.png)
Charles Towne Landing
![cypress_garden[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/37d049_6548e0d6dcd0442499baf9d48789a856~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/cypress_garden%5B1%5D.png)
Cypress Gardens
![drayton_hall[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/37d049_70dcbf2ce0744f448067fe067fb2c123~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/drayton_hall%5B1%5D.png)
Drayton Hall
![magnolia_plantation[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/37d049_c6b02192157d4458b4d033357834c0f1~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/magnolia_plantation%5B1%5D.png)
Magnolia Plantations & Gardens
![middleton_place[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/37d049_c0b79b72f8d2499aa886b9dc4e5d111c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/middleton_place%5B1%5D.png)
Middleton Place
HOW IT WORKS
Collaboration in Practice
Throughout the pilot year, Stewards will create opportunities for participating garden leaders and staff to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and explore ways to strengthen horticulture and public garden experiences across the Lowcountry.
SHARED LEARNING
Garden tours, staff convenings, and educational opportunities encourage the exchange of knowledge, experience, and ideas.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Exploring ways to connect residents and visitors with the Lowcountry's gardens and build greater appreciation for our horticultural heritage.
HORTICULTURAL STEWARDSHIP
Supporting excellence in the care, preservation, interpretation, and long-term stewardship of historic gardens, landscapes, and collections.
COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES
Identifying opportunities for shared education, professional development, communications, marketing, and future partnerships.
LOOKING AHEAD
Cultivating What's Next
Stewards of Historic Public Gardens begins as a one-year pilot, but its purpose reaches beyond a single season.
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Through stronger relationships, shared learning, and thoughtful collaboration, the initiative will explore how the Lowcountry’s historic public gardens can strengthen their individual work while collectively advancing the region’s horticultural heritage and its future.
At the conclusion of the pilot, participating gardens, The HORT, and Explore Charleston will reflect on what was learned and consider opportunities for continued collaboration.
A 2026–2027 initiative convened by
The Charleston Horticultural Society
In collaboration with
Explore Charleston