Mission:

The Charleston Horticultural Society seeks to inspire excellence in Lowcountry horticulture.

About Us:

The Charleston Horticultural Society (CHS) was organized in December 1999 by Charlestonians who recognized a need for a horticultural resource center. CHS is an outgrowth of the Charleston Garden Festivals that were held from 1994 through 1998. The Horticultural Society was granted 501 (c)3 status in 2001.

A separate and unrelated organization by the name of The Horticultural Society of Charleston was previously established in 1830. That group awarded medals of excellence to leaders in the horticulture field and held meetings and lectures. Records show that it operated in Charleston until the outbreak of the Civil War. Our Founders Day 1830 award is based on that group’s traditions and spirit. The award honors exemplary horticultural service and creative vision in the Lowcountry.

The Charleston Horticultural Society seeks to inspire excellence in Lowcountry horticulture.  With membership open to all, CHS has grown to more than 1,300 individual and business/organization members.  CHS holds monthly lectures from September through May, publishes “The Vine,” our member newsletter; presents distinctive garden tours, produces PLANTASIA, a green market for plant lovers each spring; and offers the “Looking at the Layers of the Landscape” program, a history of Charleston’s horticultural and landscape traditions. Please see our Projects and Programs for more details.