CLEMSON, SC - Last summer’s record heat and the continuing drought have been stressful for many plants, including many usually tough species. In this program, education director Lisa Wagner will discuss how to make your garden less reliant on added water through careful plant selection and mulching. She’ll talk about choosing drought-tolerant plants for different areas of your landscape and the strategies that drought-tolerant plants use to conserve water. This program will combine an illustrated presentation and interactive discussion.
 
Hours: Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m. Fee: $10 ($8 for garden and museum members and volunteers)
 
Location: Hayden Conference Center

First Friday Nature Walk

April 4 - Meet David Bradshaw, naturalist and retired Clemson University horticulture professor, at the flag pole in the front parking area near the Cadet Life Garden and the Red Caboose. This informative walk encompasses all forms of nature: birds, trees, signs of wildlife and more. Wear comfortable shoes; walks last one to two hours. Free.

Starts at 7 a.m.

Foundation Flow Yoga

Foundation Flow Yoga is an excellent class for students who are interested in exploring the fundamentals of yoga poses. The focus of each class will be in developing an understanding of the poses while linking them with breath and awareness. Ashtanga vinyas-style yoga provides a well-rounded workout through a sequence of postures that build strength and flexibility. Breathwork and meditaion will also be emphasized. Students looking for prenatal yoga will find this class to be helpful in managing their pregnancy and at the same time preparing them for labor and delivery. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. Class size is limited to 12 students per session, so pre-registration is suggested, though drop-ins are welcome. For information from instructor Renee Gahan go to http://clemsonyoga.typepad.com.

Cost: $12 for drop-ins or $50 for five classes (Clemson student rate $8 per class or $35 for six classes)

Thursdays, 6-7:15 p.m.

Location: Hayden Conference Center

Basics of gardening in the Upstate

April 10 — Whether you’re new to the Upstate or new to gardening, this presentation is designed to get you started gardening in the Piedmont region. Beginning with a brief overview of our Zone 7 climate, we’ll consider site considerations, soil evaluation and amendments, plant selection and suggestions for how to create an attractive landscape that won’t tie you to your garden. Education director Lisa Wagner will share her experiences gardening and learning from other gardeners in the Upstate.
 
Hours: Thursday, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
 
Fee: $7 ($5 to friends of the garden, museum and volunteers)
 
Location: Hayden Conference Center

Plant selection for the Upstate

April 17 — Spring’s selection of plants usually inspires gardeners and would-be gardeners, although soil preparation and adequate moisture are keys to successful spring planting. We’ll talk about selecting plants that will thrive in your landscape, whether it’s sun or shade, and how to choose plants that will suit your needs and gardening style. This program is designed for beginning and intermediate gardeners who’d like to expand their gardening skills.
 
Hours: Thursday, 10 a.m - noon
 
Fee: $12 includes a behind-the-scenes garden plant sale preview ($10 for garden and museum members and volunteers)

Location: Nature Learning Center

Featured Artist Gallery
 
April–June — A native South Carolinian, Deana Baker is a painter, teacher and supporter of the visual arts. She is a diversified working artist who enjoys a kaleidoscope of mediums and subject matter. She has completed more than 300 works of fine and decorative art in oils, acrylics, watercolors and pastels. Her murals, paintings and hand-painted furniture most often include elements reflective of the abundant natural resources and rich cultural heritage found throughout the South Carolina landscape. Baker’s artwork can be seen in businesses, public spaces and residences throughout the Southeast. She is a supporting member of the Anderson Arts Center, Anderson Artists Guild and Marlboro Arts Council. She is also a supporting member of The Art Center of Clemson, where she teaches a variety of painting classes and frequently exhibits her artwork. Her art has been featured in the Southern Living Idea Home at Clemson; the Parade of Homes, Montibello, Greenville; and the Steeplechase Parade of Homes, Tryon, N.C.
 
Elizabeth Belser Fuller Gallery
 
This collection of watercolors, mixed-media works and pen and ink drawings was donated by friend of the garden Elizabeth Belser Fuller. This collection ranges from 1947 to 1992.

The gallery overlooks the Elizabeth Belser Fuller Reflection Garden, which is situated in the back yard of the Fran Hanson Discovery Center. The windows bring the outdoors in and allow the visitor to look over the meadows of the garden that has been an inspiration for Fullers for decades.

The Fuller Gallery has an airy feeling surrounded by the softness of the flowers in her paintings. The scenes of nature give the visitor a taste of what awaits them as they journey out into the South Carolina Botanical Garden: wildflowers, ponds, irises, lillies and more.

Geology musem

Visit the Campbell Geology Museum on the third weekend of the month and get free admission. Enjoy exhibits of fossils, minerals, rocks and gems, including a fluorescent mineral.

Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday

Friends of the Garden and geology Museum memberships are tax deductible. Call (864) 656-3405 for more information.

Be a garden volunteer
 
No matter what your background or the time you have available, there is a place for you at the S.C. Botanical Garden. Volunteer opportunities are available in grounds maintenance and gardening, education programs, special events and visitor services. Call Judith Gardner at (864) 656-3405 or email scbg@clemson.edu or go to the Web site www.clemson.edu/scbg.

Special event planning at the garden

Whether you’re planning a business meeting, birthday party or a wedding the S.C. Botanical Garden offers a peaceful setting for your important day. Call Judith Gardner of garden rentals for more information at (864) 656-3405, email scbg@clemson.edu or go to the Web site www.clemson.edu/scbg.

Garden gift shops

The Garden Gift Shop and the Campbell Geology Museum Gift Shop offer unique gifts for children and adults, including handcrafted gift items by local artists, gardening and geology books, T-shirts, logo items, jewelry and more. The Garden Gift Shop is located at the Fran Hanson Discovery Center and is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The Campbell Geology Museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Call 656-3405 for more information.

Garden hours of operation

The South Carolina Botanical Garden is open from dawn until dusk 365 days a year. Discovery Center & Garden Gift Shop Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The Campbell Geology Museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Call 656-3405 for more information. Admission: $3/adults and $2/children 12 and under. Annual passes available.

The Garden and Geology Museum are located on the Clemson University campus at the intersection of U.S. 76 and Perimeter Road. The garden encompasses 295 acres of gardens, streams and woodlands, and is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, free of charge. Support the garden or Geology Museum and become a member. Contact Todd Steadman for more information at (864) 656-3405.