The Charleston Parks Conservancy, the nonprofit steward of 26 of the Holy City’s parks, gardens and trails, says it is making strides in the revitalization of the three-acre gardens at Colonial Lake on the peninsula.
With layers of mulch in place, invasive weeds removed by hand and thousands of native plants and trees taking root, leaders say the project reflects the group’s commitment to sustainability and resilience. The revitalization began last summer.
“In our parks and at Colonial Lake, we’re focused on integrated, practical methods like hand-pulling weeds and using low-emission tools to care for the gardens,” Kellen Goodell, interim director of park operations said in a press release. “This approach may be more labor-intensive and expensive, but it is more intentional and supports cleaner waterways, healthier soil, and vibrant pollinator habitats. It also reflects our broader mission to care for Charleston’s green spaces in a sustainable way that’s mindful of biodiversity and community health.”
At the core of the Colonial Lake effort is a low-impact, layered approach to weed control that emphasizes prevention, education, manual removal and plant-based treatments. The focus replaces synthetic and often-toxic herbicides with safer strategies for both people and pollinators.
Volunteers gather at the park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Wednesday to help remove large swaths of weeds in preparation for future planting. This summer alone, 120 volunteers have contributed more than 250 hours of hands-on service, conservancy officials said.
More than 7,700 plans have been installed across the gardens. Another 3,000 —primarily soft perennials, flowering groundcovers and structural shrubs — will be added by the unveiling at Bloom Charleston, Charleston’s new flower festival planned for Oct. 17 and 18. Planting will continue throughout late summer and fall, with full maturity expected in two to three years.
“This isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about long-term stewardship,” said Molly Hendry, a Birmingham-based horticulturist and internationally recognized garden designer leading the project. “By investing in the soil and supporting natural ecosystems, we’re building a park that’s both beautiful and resilient.”
The revitalization will culminate in the unveiling of the park’s new Idea Garden, a space designed to inspire gardeners of all levels with creative, regionally appropriate plantings and practical take-home techniques. The unveiling of Charleston’s first Idea Garden will be a centerpiece of Bloom Charleston.
The festival kicks off with a ticketed Opening Night Garden Party on Oct. 17, followed by a free, family-friendly day of garden tours, expert-led workshops, and engaging activities on Oct. 18. Tickets and RSVPs are available now at bloomcharleston.org.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
