Garden on campus

Beautiful blooms and a lush tapestry await at the South Carolina Botanical Garden.

If you're traveling I-85 this summer, take a break to stop by the South Carolina Botanical Garden and Fran Hanson Discovery Center, on the Clemson University campus. Exploring the beauty of the garden is the perfect roadside diversion, and the center is a trove of information about the surrounding area.

A furry guide, Calhoun the Raccoon, is on hand to chatter about the nearby areas. Kids are bound to love this talking critter.

The Fran Hanson Discovery Center occupies The Wren House, a former Southern Living Showcase home. Architect Keith Summerour and garden designer Ryan Gainey collaborated on the design of the house and surrounding gardens, which opened in June 1998. In May 2001, the structure found a new purpose as a learning center, educating visitors on historical, cultural, and natural attractions.

The center is a major part of several buildings connected by pathways and a lush garden filled with roses, perennials, ground covers, and other plantings laid out by Ryan.

Next door sits The Betsy Campbell Carriage House Coffee & Gift Shop, which carries light snacks, specialty coffees, garden gifts, and regional artwork. Downhill from the Carriage House is the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, which showcases a collection of minerals and fossils, many of which were discovered in the area.

"One of the most popular exhibits is the fluorescent-mineral room," says Dave Cicimurri, museum curator of collections. "There are about 70 minerals sitting on four shelves in an 18-- x 6-foot room." You can hear the oohs and aahs rise up from visitors when the black lights are turned on, causing the minerals to glow in eerie, neon-bright colors. Cool.

There are more pretty colors out in the botanical garden, which stretches over 295 acres. Among the many highlights are the Woodland Wildflower Garden/Belser Nature Trail, the Class of 1939 Caboose Garden (complete with a bright red Southern Railway Company caboose), and the Lark Wildflower Meadow.

Strategically placed throughout the garden are several incredible sculptures made from natural materials, including tree limbs, old vines, and other garden prunings. One of the most impressive is Spittin ' Image, created by North Carolina artist Patrick Dougherty. A circular wall connects three domed towers, about 25 feet high, much like an ancient castle. Small trees planted inside will gradually over-- take the structure and claim the small rise it now commands. Go ahead; wander around inside. There's never an age limit on having fim in a garden.

MARK G. STITH

The South Carolina Botanical Garden is located on Perimeter Road, near the intersection of U.S. 76, on the Clemson University campus. It's open from dawn to dusk. For more information, call (864) 656-3405, or visit www. clemson.edu/scbg. The Fran Hanson Discovery Center is open 9 a.m.-- 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2002
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