Bloom Charleston
October 17 @ 10:00 AM - October 18 @ 12:00 PM
Bloom Charleston is where Charleston’s historic charm, natural beauty and rich history of horticultural innovations converge to create a vibrant celebration of public parks and gardens. Born out of the vision and dedication of the Charleston Parks Conservancy, Bloom Charleston seeks to inspire and empower our community by showcasing the transformative power of thoughtful garden design, innovative sustainability practices, and meaningful collaboration.
Opening Night Garden Party
Friday, October 17, 2025
Colonial Lake, Charleston SC
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $275.00 + fees – tickets are on sale now!
Join the Charleston Parks Conservancy for the Opening Night Garden Party, the official launch of Bloom Charleston—a new garden and design festival celebrating beauty, sustainability, and public space. Held at Colonial Lake, this elegant evening marks the debut of the Idea Garden, a concept created by the Conservancy to inspire gardeners to transform climate challenges into sustainable, beautiful landscapes.
Guests will be among the first to explore the newly completed Idea Garden while enjoying an immersive experience featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages, elevated décor and lounge areas, and remarkable floral installations. The evening will include a live performance by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, a celebratory champagne toast, and a rare plant auction led by Ryan McEnaney—author, designer, and influential voice in the horticultural community.
The event also offers the unique opportunity to mingle with several of Bloom Charleston’s featured speakers, including:
- Molly Hendry, designer of the 2025 Idea Garden
- Lucy the Flower Hunter, renowned floral and garden artist
- Miranda Crowell, Garden Editor at Better Homes & Gardens
- Michael Perry, internationally known as Mr. Plant Geek
Tickets are $275 per person and include all food, beverages, and event programming. Proceeds benefit the Conservancy’s work to care for and connect people to Charleston’s 26 parks, gardens, and trails through horticulture, education, and public programming.
Bloom Charleston Festival
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Colonial Lake and Moultrie Park, Charleston, SC
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Join us for a full day of inspiring talks on gardening, design, cutting-edge plants, and more. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and partners, these speaker sessions are free to attend. We encourage you to RSVP to help us plan accordingly and ensure the best experience for all guests.
What to Expect:
Public Ribbon Cutting
Join city officials, key supporters, and Conservancy staff as we unveil the 2025 Idea Garden at Colonial Lake and officially kick off the Bloom Charleston Festival!
World-Class Speakers
- Molly Hendry – Roots & Ramblings Landscape Design
- Miranda Crowell – Better Homes & Gardens
- Stephen Eich – Hollander Design Landscape Architects
- Lucy Hunter – Lucy the Flower Hunter
- Michael Perry – “Mr. Plant Geek”
Live Demonstrations
- Joan McDonald – The Gardeners Green
- Mike Gibson – Topiarist, Gibson Works
Plant for Your Parks Plant Sale
Let the Conservancy help turn your park inspiration into reality! Browse a curated plant palette designed to thrive in Charleston’s unique environment. Proceeds support the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s mission to enhance 26 local parks, gardens, and trails.
Buxton Books Garden Bookstore
The Buxton Books Garden Bookstore will feature a curated selection of inspiring gardening, design, and lifestyle books by our expert speakers. Get your book personalized and meet renowned authors at book signings throughout the day.
Garden Inspiration Stations
Get inspired as you learn about the Idea Garden, the plants within it, and the thought behind their selection. Discover how each plant contributes to a beautiful, functional garden designed to spark creativity and gardening ideas.
Live Plein Air Painting
Watch artist Mary Hoffman of Mary Hoffman Fine Art create a stunning plein air painting right before your eyes as she captures the landscape in real time, showcasing the beauty of outdoor painting.
Blooms Through the Lens
Learn how to capture the beauty of flowers and nature using just your smartphone. Enhance your photography skills with tips and tricks for stunning nature shots from professional photographer Anne Kaufmann of Photography by Anne.
The Discovery Garden Kids Zone
Dig, plant, play, and learn! This hands-on garden space invites kids and teens to explore nature through fun activities, creative play, and interactive learning stations—all centered around the joy of gardening.
All ticket proceeds and donations go back to supporting Charleston Parks Conservancy’s mission to preserve, enhance, and expand Charleston’s parks and public green spaces for everyone. This event is rain or shine so please plan accordingly. If the event is delayed, postponed, or rescheduled you will be notified in advance.
By signing up for this event, you agree to be added to our Charleston Parks Conservancy newsletter database. You may unsubscribe at any time. By entering a Charleston Parks Conservancy event, you consent to be photographed, recorded, and filmed. Your image and recordings may be used for news, promotions, advertising, websites, social media, or other purposes by the Charleston Parks Conservancy and its affiliates. By accepting this ticket, you agree to indemnify and hold Charleston Parks Conservancy, its sponsors, agents, and beneficiaries harmless from any claim of damage, loss, or accident related to your attendance.
All items are non-refundable, all sales are final.
If the event is sold out and you’d like to join the waitlist, please email events@charlestonparksconservancy.org with your request.