Swan Lake IRIS
T
G AR D E NS
he beautiful black waters of Swan Lake form the setting for the spectacular Iris Gardens. The lake is dotted with colorful islands, and wildlife is abundant. The only public park in the United States to feature all eight swan species from around the world, Swan Lake Iris Gardens is also home to some of the nation’s most intensive plantings of Japanese iris, which bloom yearly from mid to late May until the beginning of June. The garden also boasts many other floral attractions, including colorful camellias, azaleas, day lilies, and Japanese magnolias. A Braille Trail enables the sight-impaired to enjoy the scents and sensations of the gardens, and a Butterfly Garden and Chocolate Garden both delight the senses. The park is open seven days a week, and admission is always free.
“a floral wonderland” Open Daily from 7:30am to Dusk 822 W. Liberty Street | Sumter, SC 29150 | (803) 436-2640
“a lovely mistake” — Southern Living Magazine
SWAN LAKE IRIS GARDENS began in 1927 as a private retreat for Hamilton Carr Bland, a local businessman. At the same time he was developing the 30 acres of swamp on what is now the north side of West Liberty Street, he was landscaping the grounds of his home with Japanese iris. They failed miserably, and after consulting expert horticulturists from as far away as New York, he ordered his gardener to dig up the bulbs and dump them at the swamp. The following spring, they burst into bloom. The accidental garden, referred to by Southern Living magazine as a “lovely mistake,” has since been developed into one of the finest botanical gardens in the United States.
SWA N L A K E I R I S G A R D E N S .CO M • Take a walk through beautifully curated gardens featuring a stunning array of flowering plants and trees • Covered picnic areas and seating throughout the park provides the perfect setting for a picnic lunch
• Enjoy a children’s playground and sculptures that delight the eye, including Seven Swans by renowned artist Grainger McKoy. • Annual events include the Sumter Iris Festival and the Fantasy of Lights