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Projects

             All profits from fundraisers of The Garden Club of Charleston such as the Annual House and Garden Tours and publications go to  numerous community projects in which the members also directly participate.  The following are the seven civic garden projects.

 

 

Gateway Walk

Archdale Street

             The Club’s first civic project was the dream of Mrs. C. P. McGowan, president from 1928 to 1930, after visiting a peaceful garden in Paris.   Landscape architect Loutrel Briggs designed the original walk which is named for the ten wrought iron gates along its course through the city.  The walk begins at the gates of St. John’s Lutheran Church on Archdale Street, crosses King Street and Meeting Street, and concludes at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.  It opened in 1930 to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of Charleston.  The club maintains the walk and will be celebrating its 80th anniversary this spring.

 
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Heyward-Washington Garden

87 Church Street  

             The Heyward-Washington House, built in 1772, is named for the builder, Daniel Heyward, and famous guest, President George Washington.  The property was purchased by the Charleston Museum in 1929 and it became Charleston’s first house museum.   Since 1941, The Garden Club of Charleston has maintained the garden, which is designed as a typical in Charleston during the late 18th century featuring a knot garden and plants authentic to the period

 

  

Joseph Manigault Garden

350 Meeting Street

             Built in 1803, the grand Adam-style house was designed by Gabriel Manigault, a talented amateur architect, for his brother Joseph.  The Charleston Museum purchased the house in 1933 and the Garden Club of South Carolina designated it as a project for restoration in 1947.  The house opened to the public in 1949 and since that time The Garden Club of Charleston has maintained the large garden. 

 

 

Each year at the beginning of December, Club members decorate the exterior of the Joseph Manigault House  and also each room with flower arrangements for Christmas. 

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Museum Courtyard Garden

360 Meeting Street

             This small garden is located outside the Charleston Museum’s Board Room.  It is an attractive enclosed space enjoyed by many who meet there.  It was designed by Mary Hopkins, a member of The Garden Club of Charleston.

   

 

 

MUSC Healing Garden

67 President Street

             In 1997 the Medical University of South Carolina Institute of Psychiatry began a therapeutic gardening program for patients.  The Garden Club of Charleston provides funds for plants and materials needed for this program that includes planting, sowing, digging, and other outdoor activities. 

 

 

Garden of the Confederate Home

62 Broad Street

              This most recent project was added in 2009. The Confederate Home has served thousands of women for over a century.  Established in 1867 as a home for mothers, widows, and daughters of Confederate soldiers and later used as a college from 1900-1923, the building and courtyard are nearly hidden from passersby.  For many years the garden was neglected.  After Hurricane Hugo, it began to be reshaped through the guidance of Jack and Mary Hopkins who added the fountain as the garden’s focal point.  The Garden Club of Charleston is now taking on the maintenance of this historic site that still serves to aid women. 

 

Other Continuing Projects of The Garden Club of Charleston include:

-Donating wreaths, small trees, decorations, and small stuffed animals to the U.S. Naval Hospital, VA Hospital, and other local hospitals during the holidays

-Decorating the Senior Citizens’ Center and Joseph Floyd Manor for Christmas

-Observing Arbor Day by planning a program and planting trees

-Sponsoring high school students to attend Camp Wildwood to learn conservation and horticulture

-Sponsoring a Junior Garden Club to introduce gardening, conservation, and ecology to young people