Riverbanks Zoo and Garden : Delight in the Garden

	Home

Whether it's a spectacular bloom, a mass of color or an unusual plant structure, there's always something growing on at Riverbanks Botanical Garden!

Hailed by Horticulture magazine as one of 10 gardens that inspire and by HGTV as one of 20 great public gardens across America, Riverbanks Botanical Garden boasts 70 acres of unparalleled beauty. Dramatic and themed gardens showcase more than 4,200 species of native and exotic plants, providing a living classroom for gardeners and non-gardeners alike and an ideal location for weddings and special events. In contrast, natural river views and valley overlooks in the adjacent woodlands blaze a scenic trail to historic ruins from the 1800s.

Botanical Garden adventures begin in the West Columbia Entrance parking lot with the drought-tolerant plants and river rocks of the Dry Garden. Just inside the Garden gate, visitors enjoy an impressive welcome from the enchanting Bog Garden. A leisurely walk over the Treetops Bridge leads to the tranquil Shade Garden.

Romance - A Lifetime Begins at Riverbanks!

Learn More

Garden guests welcome the exquisite blooms and refreshing aromas of the Old Rose Garden. Discover the charm of the 34,000-square-foot Walled Garden, Riverbanks' premier botanical exhibit. This magnificent maze of seasonal and themed gardens inspires new ideas and awakens the imagination, often influencing the design of local backyards.

Visitors can ride to the Botanical Garden from the Zoo by tram or park at the entrance in West Columbia to enjoy the botanical buds and blooms before traveling down to the Zoo. Along the journey, consider exploring the Woodlands Walk on the way to the Zoo. This serene nature trail holds significant historical value as the location of one of South Carolina's first water-powered textile mills and as the site of Sherman's march on Columbia.

Want to learn more about gardening and the fascinating world of plants? Come play in the dirt at one of our hands-on Garden Education Programs! The Garden also plays host to free weekly demonstrations presented by the Clemson Extension Urban Horticulture Center, covering a broad range of topics from fire ant management to composting.

Ever wonder what's currently blooming at Riverbanks? You'll soon be able to visit our In Bloom page to find out.