Today's adventure was a trip to the SC Botanical Gardens on Clemson University's campus. The 295 acre garden was once the university's "dump". In 1958, when plans were being made to build Clemson's Memorial Stadium, it came to light that several species of camellias growing on the land where the stadium was to be built would be wiped out. The dump was cleaned up; an irrigation pond created, and the camellias were relocated. The garden expanded from that point on. In 1992, it was designated as South Carolina's state botanical garden. In addition to the various plants, trees, and shrubs, the Hunt Cabin, Hanover House, and John C. Calhoun's homestead, Fox Hill are on the grounds. Calhoun's daughter, Anna Maria, inherited the Fox Hill property. She married Thomas Clemson and bequeathed her estate to her husband. He passed away in 1888. His will stated that the land was to be used to build a college for agricultural science and mechanical arts, and that the Fox Hill home would always be open to the public. In 1893, the Clemson school opened. Tiger history enfolded from there. We walked only a small portion of the gardens, and hope to return another time to view more.
A large hydrangea bush behind Bob
Many of the picnic tables and arboretums are made of stone.
Part of the conifer garden
Behind me are a display of various hosta plants.
And here are day lilies
The geology museum located in the gardens will be yet another reason for a return visit.
Back at the camp, Bob decided to try his hand at fishing.
I would love to say this was a catch, but in fact it was bait he used....
...and the fish weren't interested.
Nearing sunset and the end of our getaway.
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