Thursday, August 22, 2013

Road Trip Adventures: South Carolina Botanical Garden

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Clemson Clay Nest
Clemson Clay Nest by Nils-Udo 2007

LaChaBenn is expanding territories and for the next few months I'll be posting on cool happenings and random sweet finds throughout the country. First up, a trip down south to Clemson, South Carolina, home of the ACC Tigers, Fort Hill and South Carolina Botanical Gardens (SCBG).

What began in 1958 as a small garden, South Carolina Botanical Gardens has grown to  300 acres of natural landscapes, display gardens, and miles of streams and nature trails. Recently, SCBG was severally damaged due to heavy flooding. As a result, the Natural Heritage Garden trail is closed until spring 2014.However the remainder of this gorgeous Garden and trails remains open.

SCBG, open from dusk til dawn, is free to the public. Perhaps the best part of this is how SCBG combines nature, art and culture. The collection of Nature-Based Sculptures here is amongst the largest in the country.  What is most unique about nature-based sculptures is that they are forever evolving. Some structure stay for years, but some are naturally shaped back into the surrounding landscape. For example, my favorite piece, the Steam Path, was installed in 1998 by Gilles Bruni & Marc Babarit (B/B).

Constructing Stream Path
Stream Path's Insulation


here are picture of the final project!
Stream PathStream Path

here is a picture of Steam Path in 2001

Stream Path in 2001


Also Sittin' Pretty installed by Patrick Dougherty in 1996
Sittin' Pretty

and Sitting Pretty in 2007

Sittin' Pretty in 2007 


However some structures remain intact over the years for example the Crucible by Herb Parker installed in 1995
Crucible and in 2004Crucible 2004



Also, Natural Dialogue by Alfio Bonanno installed in 1997

Natural DialogueNatural Dialogue inside


and again 10 years later
Natural Dialogue in 2007 Natural Dialogue in 2006












If you are anywhere near Clemson (i.e.Greenville :-) take the short drive to this beautiful Garden.
You can find more information about the sculptures and the artist by visiting this page.
To learn more about SCBG directions and hours please visit its homepage.
And if you have deep pockets, SCBG is working very hard to raise money to repair the damage it sustained earlier this year.  The picture below is a link to the donation page.
south Carolina botanical garden flooding, july 2013



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