We didn’t forget about the grown-ups at Riverbanks! Get to know the Botanical Garden, learn new gardening techniques, or invite us to visit your community with one of our Adult Programs.
Garden Workshops
Hands-on workshops and classes for those with a love for learning to dig up fascinating facts about native and exotic plant life at Riverbanks and beyond. Expert horticulturists engage participants with hands-on workshops and demonstrations.
Scheduled Programs
Concrete Leaves
This two day workshop guides you through creating a unique piece of art for indoors or out. Using the wonderful variety of leaves in the Botanical Garden, participants will select a leaf, create a sand mold, and make a concrete cast of their chosen leaf. On September 27, the leaves will be cured and ready to paint during class. If you can only make the first date, arrangements can be made for picking up your leaf at a later time.
Saturday, September 20 / Saturday, September 27
10:00–11:30am
$30 Riverbanks members; $36 general public.
Plant N Pour
Guests can stroll through the Garden and learn about great plants for pollinators during this evening program. There will be some demonstrations of other ways to help beneficial insects and create a healthy ecosystem in your backyard. Price includes one drink per person.
Thursday, October 9
6:00pm
$20 Riverbanks members; $25 general public.
Creating a Water Garden
Zach Steinhauser from Wingard’s market will guide participants through the steps of creating a backyard water garden that fits your space and budget. The workshop will cover basic needs of a water garden and which plants perform the best in South Carolina.
Saturday, October 18
10:00am
$20 Riverbanks members; $25 general public.
Drying and Using Herbs
Join us as we talk about effective ways to dry and preserve herbs for use year-round. Participants will learn about herbal mixes for dips, soups or teas, while creating an herbal blend of their own to take home.
Saturday, November 8
10:00am
$20 Riverbanks members; $25 general public.
Holiday Wreaths
Use fresh cut greenery from the Riverbanks campus to create a wreath for your door or a table top centerpiece. With a variety of leaves and seed heads, no two wreaths ever look alike!
Saturday, December 13
10:00am or 1:00pm
$30 Riverbanks members; $36 general public.
Program Details
- Cost :
- Varies per class. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required for programs during normal park hours.
- Location :
- Programs typically take place in the Waterfall Junction Learning Center. The instructor will notify participants of exact location if held elsewhere, but all programs are held at Riverbanks Botanical Garden.
- Registration :
- Pre-registration is required for all activities. Upon receipt of your registration, a confirmation will be sent when you are placed in the activity.
Guided Garden Tours
Whether your group includes casual visitors or avid gardeners, young students, or seasoned explorers, a trained horticulturist will help you develop a fun and interactive tour to fit your needs.
Program Details
- Cost :
- $5 per person (10 person minimum), plus admission fees. $75 tour fee.
- Capacity :
- Maximum of 20. For groups of more than 20, an additional tour guide will be provided.
- Program Length :
- May be scheduled Monday–Saturday. Tours last approximately one hour.
Register for Tour
- Registration :
- Tours must be scheduled in advance by calling 803.602.0813.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation or date change requests must be received ten days in advance of the event. Requests must be submitted in writing at education@riverbanks.org. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will retain a $2 processing fee for cancellations and charge a $2 processing fee for date changes.
In the rare event that Riverbanks Zoo and Garden must cancel the scheduled event, all deposits or money received will be reimbursed or an option to reschedule will be provided. Notification of cancellation will be provided at least ten days prior to the scheduled event (unless weather-related). Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is not liable for any other expenses that the guest may have incurred in the preparation and execution of the event.
Refunds will not be provided for individuals who do not show up for the event.
Questions about Adult Programs?
Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.
