Events
State Christmas Tree
Every Christmas Season, The Columbia Garden Club selects and decorates the State Christmas tree from those offered from growers throughout the State. The Governor’s Carol Lighting is then held on the SC State House grounds to share in the season and light this magnificently decorated tree.
Governor’s Carol Lighting
SC State House Grounds
Sunday, November 24, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Christmas at the Governor’s Mansion
Every Christmas season, The Columbia Garden Club decorates the Governor’s Mansion for the First Family and the public to view during an open house. The club also holds a tea to celebrate its work. The members participate by funding 100% of these activities, designing and installing the decorations, and providing hostesses for the tea and open house. This service to the community and the State of South Carolina is a tradition lasting for over 35 years.
Project involves civic beautification, floral design, history, historic preservation, horticulture, coordination with other organizations, and encouragement of garden club work among youth.
Christmas at the Governor’s Mansion
800 Richland Street
Monday, December 9, 2024
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Open to the Public
Plant Exchange
Twice a year in the spring and fall, the club holds a community plant exchange. Members and the community participate in this project by sharing plants, seeds, and cuttings from their gardens. Members staff the exchanges and advertise the event for the community. Master Gardeners are on site to answer questions about plants. The Plant Exchange has recently featured native plants. This has been an ongoing community service project since 1927.
Project involves civic beautification, conservation of natural resources, public education, horticulture, wildflowers, native plants, and advancement of the art of gardening.
March 15, 2025
Parking Lot of Talbots in Forest Acres
4809 Forest Drive – Next to First Citizen’s Bank
Donations accepted 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Exchange begins at 10:00 a.m. SHARP!
Come to exchange Annuals, Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, Herbs, House Plants, Bulbs and Rootings
ATTENDANCE AND EXCHANGES FREE OF CHARGE
Please bring plants labeled to share and swap including iris, herbs, seeds, houseplants, roses, rooted camellias, azaleas and others. No invasive species.
We’re grateful to Talbots for hosting our events.
Spring Symposium
The Columbia Garden Club Foundation presents the Fourth Annual “Flowers with Friends” 2025 Symposium, Wednesday, February 26th.
Location – Central Energy, 2030 Gregg St., Columbia, SC.
Time – 9:30 AM
Speakers this year will be Carmen Johnston – Carmen Johnston Design and Bespoke Garden Plans, Rebecca Koraytem – David Austin Roses US Sales Executive, and Caroline Spelman and Elizabeth Poulot – Juniper and Jasmine floral design in Charleston, SC.
Be sure to follow Carmen Johnston Gardens, David Austin Roses and Juniper and Jasmine Designs on social media.