Virtual Silent Auction
Kalmia Gardens’ is pleased to announce our first virtual silent auction!
Explore unique items and experiences, place your bids, and know that every purchase helps Kalmia Gardens’ mission to serve as a free public garden, education center, and outdoor classroom where plants and animals can be observed in their natural environment, all while helping to preserve species diversity.
The auction opens on August 24, 2026 and closes on September 2, 2026. Check back often to see what items and experiences will be available!
Do you have an item or experience you would like to donate to the auction? Please contact Lucy at [email protected].
All proceeds directly benefit Kalmia Gardens.
Virtual Silent Auction
Historic Hart House Tour
Enjoy a free tour of the historic Thomas E. Hart House. Join a Kalmia Gardens’ docent to learn about the history of the Gardens, from Thomas Hart, to Miss May, right up to the present.
The tour begins at 10:00am and meets at the front door of the Hart House. House tours are open to the public and are for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. There is no pre-registration for tours, and availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
September 10, 2026
10:00am
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.
Sorry, no refunds on customer-initiated cancellations or non-attendance.
Historic Hart House Tour
Enjoy a free tour of the historic Thomas E. Hart House. Join a Kalmia Gardens’ docent to learn about the history of the Gardens, from Thomas Hart, to Miss May, right up to the present.
The tour begins at 10:00am and meets at the front door of the Hart House. House tours are open to the public and are for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. There is no pre-registration for tours, and availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
October 8, 2026
10:00am
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.
Sorry, no refunds on customer-initiated cancellations or non-attendance.
Oyster Roast Fundraiser
Save the date! Oyster Roast is back on March 20, 2027!
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 20, 2027 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., and you don’t want to miss out.
Ticket sales to follow.
March 20, 2027
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.