Edisto Memorial Gardens is a historic and scenic botanical treasure nestled along the Edisto River in Orangeburg. What began in the early 1920s with a five-acre planting of azaleas has grown into over 150 acres of carefully cultivated gardens, natural wetlands and riverfront green space featuring magnificent roses, camellias, towering cypress and other flowering plants. The garden’s centerpiece rose collection includes thousands of labeled varieties and has been recognized for excellence through partnerships with national test programs. The iconic fountain at the entrance, moved here in 1950, and the garden’s name pays tribute to local military veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Today, visitors enjoy tranquil walking paths, the Horne Wetlands boardwalk, special garden areas and seasonal events like the annual Festival of Roses that showcase the beauty and heritage of this beloved community landmark.
A Historical Journey
The story of these gardens dates back to the 1920s when Andrew Dibble, the first Superintendent of Parks, planted 5 acres of azaleas. Over the years, the site evolved, adding a playground in 1922, a greenhouse with nursery facilities in 1947, and the first rose in 1951. In 1950, the 'Lady Fountain' found its new home at the entrance of the Gardens. The name Edisto Memorial Gardens was adopted to honor the brave individuals from the Orangeburg area who gave their lives in the 1st and 2nd World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam Conflict.
The Festival of Roses
Each year, the city celebrates the blooming of its roses with the Festival of Roses, recognized by the Southeastern Tourism Society as one of the top 20 events. This vibrant event, held before Mother's Day in May, is a testament to the city's blooming heritage.
A Rose Haven
Edisto Memorial Gardens boasts around 4,800 rose plants representing over 120 labeled varieties. Some are past winners from All America Rose Selections, while others are newer introductions. For nearly 40 years, it was one of the 23 test gardens sanctioned by All-America Rose Selections, Inc. In 2008, the Gardens became affiliated with the American Rose Society's testing program- Award of Excellence. One of the roses, named 'Edisto,' is a proud winner of this program.
Natural Beauty Alongside the Edisto River
In addition to roses and azaleas, the Horne Wetland Park allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Edisto River. The 2,600-foot boardwalk, added in 1992, guides visitors through a typical Tupelo-Cypress wetland. The beauty of the river comes to life at the boat dock and gazebo, perfect for boaters to enjoy.
Beyond Roses
Edisto Memorial Gardens also features a butterfly garden, a serenity garden, a sensory garden, and a stunning terrace garden located on the back of the Arts Center. Each year, over 600,000 visitors explore the Gardens, with guests from all fifty states and various countries.
Free Admission
Edisto Memorial Gardens welcomes visitors with open arms, as admission is entirely free. This means that you can explore and enjoy the natural and historical beauty without any cost, making it an ideal destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and budget-conscious travelers.
Visit and Explore
The Gardens are open seven days a week from dawn to dusk, making it an accessible destination for all. Located just blocks from the heart of the City of Orangeburg on US Highway 301, the Gardens' peak spring bloom typically occurs from March 15 to April 15, with roses continuing to bloom until the first frost in November.
For the most up-to-date bloom information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (803) 533-6020 or the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-545-6153.