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Planting South Carolina Roots
Carolina Wildlife Garden | Highlighting Indigenous Species and Creating Essential Habitats
Planting South Carolina Roots is a native garden and community seed initiative in partnership with The Riley Institute's DLI Midlands Cohort. Featuring some of our state plants and heirloom seeds, the project introduces South Carolinians and other museum visitors local ecology and the benefits of native species.
Developed with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation and community support, the Carolina Wildlife Garden provides essential habitat and educational opportunities, encouraging gardeners of all ages to connect more deeply with our state’s native plants and animals by showcasing South Carolina’s natural and cultural history. The garden includes native plants that attract pollinators and birds, while promoting educational opportunities and welcoming visitors as they enter the Museum. The National Wildlife Federation has designated the Planting South Carolina Roots Garden as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
In addition to the Carolina Wildlife Garden, the Museum has launched a Carolina Community Seed Library Initiative. The Museum’s summer campers received seed packets and planting kits to encourage youth to cultivate a greater diversity of native plants in their own gardens. As financial resources are available, the seed and planting kits will continue to be given to students visiting the Museum on field trips. There are future plans to create a seed library with free, open pollinated native seeds available to Museum visitors, along with workshops and resources to support successful seed saving and planting.
Support Planting South Carolina Roots Today!
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Select "Native Garden & Landscape Project" in the Donation Area dropdown
Carolina Wildlife Garden
Yellow Jessamine
Yellow jessamine (state flower) provides nectar and pollen for insects. It is an evergreen vine with beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in very late winter or early spring. Though this plant can be a good food source for some animals, it is highly poisonous to European honeybees and humans.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod (state wildflower) is entirely insect-pollinated and provides food and shelter for butterfly and moth species. Native bee species feed specifically on the plant, and in the fall, monarch butterflies depend on it for nectar to fuel their long migrations. In winter, songbirds get nutrients from goldenrod seed heads.
Indiangrass
Indiangrass (state grass) is a wind-pollenated plant that grows in nearly every state in the US. It is considered an important native habitat species that provides pollen for bees and other pollinating insects. It is also an important source of seeds and nesting sites for many types of birds. Insects that feed on the grass also are good food sources for birds.
Blue Granite
Blue granite (state stone). Blue granite can be found across the state, used as a material in buildings, roads, and curbs. The South Carolina State House, built in 1908, is made of blue granite. South Carolina is one of the largest producers of this igneous rock, found in the Midlands and Piedmont regions.
Support Opportunities
We will be accepting in-kind and monetary donations to support this initiative. If you would like to donate please click here or email PlantingSCRoots@gmail.com.
Seed Library Needs:
Native seeds, card catalogue, painting supplies, information signage, and labels & packaging.
Donor Recognition:
Heritage Guardian $5,000 | Canopy Champion $2,500 | Root Builder $1,000 | Seed Sower $500
Donations over $1,000 will be recognized on our garden plaque and website. To donate please select "Native Garden & Landscape Project" in the Donation Area dropdown.
Thank You to Our Partners, Donors & Sponsors
Get involved and help us grow South Carolina's future!
PlantingSCRoots@gmail.com