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Kalmia Gardens - The Laurel Branch
February 03, 2023
Welcome to our e-newsletter, "The Laurel Branch."
An Artistic Direction
Kalmia Gardens has a new, wonderful, handmade adornment to help all our guests find their way around the Gardens in style. The signpost features some of Kalmia’s loveliest attractions to enjoy on your next visit. These colorful signs were hand-painted by our new assistant director, Elizabeth Floyd. The Kalmia team is so happy to have a new team member with not only a green thumb but also an artistic hand to keep the Gardens looking as amazing as always. We would love to have you all come and enjoy the new signpost in person. It is located at the Joslin Education Center. If you snap some pictures on your next adventure at the Gardens, be sure to tag us in them on Facebook. I know Elizabeth would love to see everyone enjoying all her hard work on your next trip to the Gardens.
Oyster Roast Tickets Now Available Online
On March 18, we will host our annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser from 4-7 p.m. I’m sure you have heard how amazing this event is, with the mountains of S.C. low country oysters, cold craft beer, flowing wine, live music, a porch full of incredible foods (for you land lovers), as well as a mix of some mighty fine folks. Well, we will be pulling it all together again this year, and you don’t want to miss out. Get your tickets early, as this event will sell out quickly. Click hereor speak to a Kalmia staff or board member to get your tickets before they sell out!
Earth Day Festival Seeking Exhibitors
We are excited to once again host our annual Earth Day Festival. The festival will take place on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. If you or someone you know would be a good fit and would like to be an exhibitor for the event, please contact Dan about being a part of the festivities. Dhill@coker.edu
We would all love to see you there with us to celebrate this wonderful day.Chris’s Tip
It is the time of year again when love is in the air, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. I have got a few tips to make this Valentine's Day one to remember. This year, instead of getting a crazy-colored bouquet of flowers grown in who knows where instead, go for some locally-grown or native flowers your valentine is sure to adore. Or, if you want to get the gift that keeps on giving, opt for a house plant that will grow and continue to make your special someone smile for years to come. Picking the right plant is important to ensure the gift brings your sweetheart the most joy with the easiest upkeep. Jade plants are very lovely and easy to care for, needing minimal water while still dazzling with their jade-colored leaves. An aloe plant is also a great gift that can be a reminder of your growing love, but also a useful plant to have in the summer months when sunburns sneak up on us all. Nothing says love like soothing the ouch right out of a long day spent in the sun. My last and final tip is for the valentine that prefers quality time over gifts. I recommend coming to Kalmia, of course. There is no better place to come and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the lovely camellias(which are now in bloom) with your sweetie. Happy February, everyone!Dan’s Interesting Plant
Hearts-a-Burstin’, Euonymus Americanus, is the perfect plant to be featured in this issue as our interesting plant because its name goes so well with Valentine’s Day right around the bend. What better time to learn about this beautiful plant than the month of love? This deciduous shrub is found in the shady understory of lowland forests and seeks out sunspots that peak through the canopy. It thrives in moist conditions but is not flood tolerant which means its habitat is on the edges of flood plains where it stays moist but not underwater during flooding. It blooms as early as March and extends through August, depending on conditions. Its blooms are a lovely pastel green or purple. The interesting common name comes from its fruit capsules that burst open to reveal suspended red arils. Its seeds are dispersed by wildlife such as deer who eat the fruit when it is available. It is an ideal plant to have in a partly shady backyard garden due to its unique appearance and shade tolerance. So come on out and scope out these fascinating and unique plants with a quaint name, perfect to think about during Valentine's Day.
Euonymus AmericanusBeautiful Plants of Kalmia Gardens
Alder, Tag (Alnus serrulata)
Apricot, Flowering (Prunus mume)
Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Daffodil (Narcissus species)
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Holly, American (Ilex opaca)
Mahonia, Leatherleaf (Mahonia bealei)
Maple, Coral Bark (Acer sp.)
Nandina (Nandina domestica)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)
Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)EVENTS:
Oyster Roast Fundraiser March 18th, 2023, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Darlington County Master Gardeners Association Plant Sale April 13th - 15th, 2023, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Earth Day Festival April 22nd, 2023 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Copyright © 2016 Kalmia Gardens of Coker College, All rights reserved.
Laurel Branch
Our mailing address is:
www.kalmiagardens.orgContact:Dan Hilldhill@coker.edu, (843) 383-8145