Celebrating Two Years of Growth: The Boyd Horticultural Center at Historic Columbia
Saturday, March 9th 2024
March 9 marks a significant milestone for Historic Columbia as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Boyd Horticultural Center. This stunning structure has not only transformed our landscape but has also left an indelible mark on our organization and the community at large.
In July 2020, Historic Columbia announced its plans to construct a state-of-the-art greenhouse and gatehouse on the grounds of the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens. These were part of a string of capital improvements that were generously funded by the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation. With a vision for enhancing our horticultural offerings, we commenced work on this $2.5 million project the following August.
Fast forward eight months, and March 9, 2022, heralded the dawn of a new era with the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Boyd Horticultural Center. Esteemed speakers, including Historic Columbia’s Board of Trustees President Kim Crafton, Executive Director Robin Waites, Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, and others, gathered to commemorate this momentous occasion. Susan F. Boyd, whose philanthropic gesture made the project possible, graced us with her presence.
The festivities didn't end there. Just two days later, we ushered in Historic Columbia's 60th anniversary with a splendid black-and-white gala against the backdrop of the newly unveiled Boyd Horticultural Center. It was a fitting celebration of our rich history and a promising future.
Since its inauguration, the Boyd Horticultural Center has become more than just a building; it's a vibrant hub of activity. Serving as both an event venue for Historic Columbia and a rental space, it has hosted numerous book talks, concerts, and community gatherings. Most recently, our partnership with the South Carolina State Museum brought acclaimed journalist Claudia Smith Brinson and renowned Civil Rights photographer Cecil Williams to discuss the profound impact of South Carolina in the Civil Rights movement through Injustice in Focus.
However, the true essence of the Boyd Horticultural Center lies in its contribution to the growth and vitality of our grounds. With the ability to propagate new life, our dedicated Grounds Team has rejuvenated not only our 14 acres of public grounds but also the gardens of countless Columbians. Our Plant Sales, held biannually, now feature an expanded array of native, rare, and hard-to-find plants sourced from our Living Collection.
Moreover, this state-of-the-art greenhouse has enabled us to foster invaluable partnerships with local horticulturists and nurseries, strengthening our ties within the community and amplifying awareness of Historic Columbia's mission.
As we reflect on the past two years, we are filled with gratitude for the visionaries who made the Boyd Horticultural Center a reality and excitement for the continued growth it promises. Here's to many more years of blooming partnerships, shared experiences, and horticultural wonders at Historic Columbia.
Join us for the
Plant Sale
Historic Columbia holds two Plant Sales every year—one in the spring and one in the fall—where attendees can purchase and learn about a wide array of plants, including many that are propagated from the Living Collections across our historic sites.