Events

Ask a Master Gardener

Have a question about your garden, lawn, or favorite indoor plant? Not sure where to start in creating your home vegetable garden?  Stop by the Ask a Master Gardener table at the Kiosk in the Kalmia Gardens parking lot! Clemson Extension Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions, ranging from turf to trees, insects to irrigation, soil to sustainable practices, and everything in between.

This is a free resource and no appointment is necessary. Drop in any time between 9 a.m. and noon!

Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, The Wonderful World of the Virginia Opossum

Join Katherine Schelp, Wildlife Rehabilitator, for her presentation in Kalmia Gardens’ adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, at the Joslin Education Center. Pre-registration and $5 tickets are required and can be purchased HERE.

Katherine will be presenting her lecture The Wonderful World of the Virginia Opossum. She will discuss the Virginia Opossum, including their habitat, life cycle, diet, benefits, and reasons to invite them to your yard.

Katherine Schelp has been a Wildlife Rehabilitator since January of 2000. Her experience includes working with Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons) in Hampton Bays, N.Y. and Save the Animals Rescue (S.T.A.R.) Foundation in Middle Island, N.Y. She is a 78-year-old transplant from Long Island, New York who arrived in Hartsville, S.C. in November 2022.

Please note: This event is held at the Joslin Education Center at:
1520 W. Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, S.C. 29550

January 21, 2026
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Ask a Master Gardener

Have a question about your garden, lawn, or favorite indoor plant? Not sure where to start in creating your home vegetable garden?  Stop by the Ask a Master Gardener table at the Kiosk in the Kalmia Gardens parking lot! Clemson Extension Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions, ranging from turf to trees, insects to irrigation, soil to sustainable practices, and everything in between.

This is a free resource and no appointment is necessary. Drop in any time between 9 a.m. and noon!

Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, Converting Your Lawn to Garden

Join Carmen Ketron, Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator for Darlington and Florence counties at Clemson Extension, for her presentation in Kalmia Gardens’ adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, at the Joslin Education Center. Pre-registration and $5 tickets are required and can be purchased HERE.

Carmen will be presenting her lecture Converting Your Lawn to Garden. She will share a comprehensive presentation that teaches proven techniques for converting grass areas into beautiful, productive garden beds. Discover site assessment, grass removal methods, soil preparation, plant selection, and maintenance strategies. Leave with the knowledge to create an eco-friendly space that uses less water and chemicals than traditional lawns.

Carmen Ketron is the Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator for Darlington and Florence counties. Carmen has a BA in Political Science from Coastal Carolina University, an MS in Environmental Science and a MPA from The College of Charleston with a focus in food system nonprofits. She started her career in horticulture growing mixed vegetables and cut flowers in Tidewater, Virginia and went on to managing community and university gardening programs at the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina. Her passion lies in engaging people in the numerous mental, physical, and emotional benefits of working with plants and plant materials through ecological placemaking and all aspects of urban and peri-urban horticulture.

Please note: This event is held at the Joslin Education Center at:
1520 W. Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, S.C. 29550

February 18, 2026
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Ask a Master Gardener

Have a question about your garden, lawn, or favorite indoor plant? Not sure where to start in creating your home vegetable garden?  Stop by the Ask a Master Gardener table at the Kiosk in the Kalmia Gardens parking lot! Clemson Extension Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions, ranging from turf to trees, insects to irrigation, soil to sustainable practices, and everything in between.

This is a free resource and no appointment is necessary. Drop in any time between 9 a.m. and noon!

Oyster Roast Fundraiser

We’re sure you have heard how amazing this event is, with mounds of steamers, cold craft beer, flowing wine, live music, a huge 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 March 21, 2026 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., and you don’t want to miss out. Purchase tickets while they’re still available – this event does sell out!

March 21, 2026
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, Early History of Kalmia Gardens

Join Dr. George Sawyer, Director Emeritus of Kalmia Gardens, for his presentation in Kalmia Gardens’ adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, at the Joslin Education Center. Pre-registration and $5 tickets are required and can be purchased HERE.

Dr. Sawyer will be presenting his lecture Early History of Kalmia Gardens. He will be discussing the early history of the development of Kalmia Gardens by May Roper Coker and her gift to Coker College. This will be followed by Dr. Sawyer’s personal involvement with transitioning the garden from a private estate garden to a public garden and its role in the tourism industry in Hartsville, S.C., while maintaining its role as an outdoor classroom/laboratory of the college.

Dr. George Sawyer’s educational history is rich, having attended Beloit College, earning a BA in Biology, then attending UNC-Chapel Hill, earning an MA in Botany, and finally attending Clemson University where he earned his PhD in Forest Pathology. Dr. Sawyer came to Coker College in 1965 and retired in 2006. While at Coker, he was a teacher in the Biology Department, Director of Physical Plant, and Director of Kalmia Gardens. Throughout his tenure at Coker he worked at the garden as time permitted.

Please note: This event is held at the Joslin Education Center at:
1520 W. Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, S.C. 29550

April 15, 2026
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Darlington County Master Gardener Association Plant Sale

Are you looking for some unique plants to add to your home garden? Look no further than the Darlington County Master Gardener Association Plant Sale at the Joslin Education Center at Kalmia Gardens! Shop for annuals, perennials, edibles, shrubs and more! Not sure what will work in your garden? No problem! Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your questions and help you make the best planting decisions for your unique garden situation.

April 16-18, 2026
April 16-17: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
April 18: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Please note: This event is held at the Joslin Education Center
1520 W. Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, S.C. 29550

Earth Day Celebration

Come celebrate Earth Day at Kalmia Gardens! This free event is fun for the whole family and includes local vendors and exhibitors that can’t wait to meet you and share their love of the natural world. Enjoy nature hikes throughout the grounds all while appreciating the wonders of Mother Nature.

April 18, 2026
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, Managing Stormwater Runoff in the Home Landscape

Join Geraldine Cuypers, Water Resources Agent for Florence County Cooperative Extension, for her presentation in Kalmia Gardens’ adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, at the Joslin Education Center. Pre-registration and $5 tickets are required and can be purchased HERE.

Geraldine will be presenting her lecture Managing Stormwater Runoff in the Home Landscape. Stormwater has emerged as a leading threat to water quality as our environments become more urbanized and can result in erosion, poor drainage, and flooding. Join Geraldine Cuypers as she discusses how to manage stormwater runoff at your home and how you can reduce the impact you have on stormwater runoff. Lecture attendees will learn best management practices to address erosion, poor drainage, and flooding with the use of rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, and the use of native plants.

Geraldine Cuypers joined the Clemson Extension Water Team in July of 2023. She graduated from Francis Marion University (FMU) with a Bachelors of Arts in Spanish, as well as a Bachelors of Science in Biology and a concentration in Environmental Science. Hailing from a small island in the Caribbean, Geraldine has loved being in and near the water since infancy. She is passionate about wildlife conservation, natural resource conservation, and environmental sustainability. Before joining the Extension team, Geraldine worked as a stormwater compliance inspector for the City of Florence, and it was during her time with the city that she discovered her interest in connecting with people of diverse backgrounds while raising their awareness about local and global environmental issues. In her free time, Geraldine enjoys spending time in nature, engaging in activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, and traveling to new places.

Please note: This event is held at the Joslin Education Center at:
1520 W. Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, S.C. 29550

May 20, 2026
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, A Hypochondriac’s Guide to Gardening

Join Lucy Contreras, Assistant Director of Kalmia Gardens, for her presentation in Kalmia Gardens’ adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, at the Joslin Education Center. Pre-registration and $5 tickets are required and can be purchased HERE.

Lucy will be presenting her lecture A Hypochondriac’s Guide to Gardening. Gardening is a great way to get outside and enjoy the tranquility of nature – unless you’re a hypochondriac. Lucy Contreras, a self-proclaimed hypochondriac (though her doctors would surely agree) discusses the real (and perceived) dangers lurking in the garden, as well as how to stay ahead of them. In this lecture, Lucy will share her experiences as a professional horticulturist and homeowner working in the garden through humorous anecdotes and general tips to make your time out in the garden pleasant, safe, and enjoyable.

Lucy Contreras has been the Assistant Director of Kalmia Gardens since December 2024. She has worked in public horticulture for over a decade at a number of different public gardens in New York and South Carolina, including as a horticulturist, managing plant collections and records, and more. She earned her degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Farmingdale State College in New York and particularly enjoys growing native plants and roses.

Please note: This event is held at the Joslin Education Center at:
1520 W. Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, S.C. 29550

June 17, 2026
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, Invasive Species: Rebalancing Your Backyard Ecosystem

Join Kaela Miller, Plant Collections Coordinator at Brookgreen Gardens, for her presentation in Kalmia Gardens’ adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, at the Joslin Education Center. Pre-registration and $5 tickets are required and can be purchased HERE.

Kaelea will be presenting her lecture Invasive Species: Rebalancing Your Backyard Ecosystem. Oftentimes we have plants from other parts of the world that do too well in our gardens. When those plants start creeping into native habitats, it can become a devastating ecological problem – but one we can work to fix. Come learn how to distinguish the difference between our native and invasive flora, and what to do next!

Kaela Miller is the Plant Collections Coordinator at Brookgreen Gardens. She has undergraduate degrees in marine science and biology and a graduate degree in teaching. Her background in conservation ecology and education fuels her passion for native plants and their interactions with wildlife.

Please note: This event is held at the Joslin Education Center at:
1520 W. Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, S.C. 29550

August 19, 2026
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, How You Can Improve the World – Starting in Your Own Backyard

Join Mary Ridgeway, Director Emeritus of Kalmia Gardens, for her presentation in Kalmia Gardens’ adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, at the Joslin Education Center. Pre-registration and $5 tickets are required and can be purchased HERE.

Mary will be presenting her lecture How You Can Improve the World – Starting in Your Own Backyard. There is an amazing plethora of life that can be found in an ordinary yard – if you simply provide the right plant material. Join Mary and learn how to add more life to your own yard, all while improving our natural world, one garden at a time.

Mary Ridgeway grew up in Darlington S.C. and received a degree in Plant Science, specifically Ornamental Horticulture, from Clemson University. The highlight of her career has been to be known as the second Director of Kalmia Gardens in Hartsville, S.C. The Gardens proved to be the perfect job since it melded the love of nature, enjoyment of working with people, horticulture and history. Her new career is inspiring others to create a haven in their own backyards for wildlife so it may flourish in this time of rapid loss of wild lands to development. Life offers so many transformations but a constant has always been the love of nature, animals and sharing the joy of gardening with you.

Please note: This event is held at the Joslin Education Center at:
1520 W. Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, S.C. 29550

September 16, 2026
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, Thomas Hart, The Land, Money, and the Legacy

Join Brian Gandy, Historian and Director of Darlington County Historical Commission and Museum, for his presentation in Kalmia Gardens’ adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, at the Joslin Education Center. Pre-registration and $5 tickets are required and can be purchased HERE.

Brian will be presenting his lecture Thomas Hart, The Land, Money, and the Legacy. This presentation will examine the move from Mechanicsville to Hartsville, his rise and fall, and the property that was connected to his Black Creek Plantation.

Brian Gandy is a lifelong resident of Darlington County and currently resides in the Antioch Community of Hartsville. He is the son of Tim and Doris Gandy, with Doris having served as the county’s historian. Prior to joining the Darlington County Historical Commission, Brian was deeply involved in historical preservation efforts throughout the region. He held leadership roles in the Darlington County Historical Society—including serving as both Treasurer and President.

Brian has been with the Historical Commission for almost 2 decades, during which time he has become a sought-after speaker on topics related to local history and genealogy. His presentations span the county, the state, and the broader Southeastern United States. He is widely recognized for his extensive collection of historical photographs documenting the people and places of Darlington County.

Under Brian’s leadership, the Historical Commission has seen significant growth, including an 18,000-square-foot expansion of its campus and a substantial increase in both artifact and archival holdings.

He completed his undergraduate studies at Francis Marion University and pursued graduate work at Gardner-Webb University.

When asked about following in the footsteps of Horace Rudisill, a revered figure in local historical preservation, Brian responds with clarity: “No, I’m not intimidated. We have different focuses. Horace was the collector, dedicated to building the archival foundation. My mother, Doris Gandy, was the organizer who shaped that collection into a cohesive and accessible resource. I see myself as the promoter and preserver—committed to expanding their legacy and fostering public engagement with our history.”

Among his most notable achievements, Brian cites the creation of the Darlington County Museum—a unified institution that represents the diverse communities of Darlington County and parts of the Pee Dee region. Since its opening in May 2023, the museum has welcomed over 14,000 visitors, a testament to its impact and the strong community support it enjoys. “We built it,” Brian says, “and together, we’re seeing people benefit from it.”

Please note: This event is held at the Joslin Education Center at:
1520 W. Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, S.C. 29550

October 21, 2026
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.