Much more than a botanical sanctuary, Brookgreen Gardens lives at the intersection of horticulture, art, wildlife, and history. These guiding pillars sustain our commitment to engaging the public. Inspired by Brookgreen’s cultural and historical foundations, beautiful landscapes, sculpture collection, and native fauna, the Brookgreen U educational initiative connects our guests and members to the many wonders of Lowcountry life.  

We invite you to step into our Brookgreen U-niverse. Each quarter, we explore niche topics, dive into regional stories, and sample new crafts.  Brookgreen U recruits our local community leaders, cultural and environmental stewards, established artists, and academic experts to host one-hour lectures and intensive workshops. We diversify programming to cater to our unique audience of history buffs, avid and amateur gardeners, Northern transplants, art enthusiasts, animal lovers, and environmental activists. Brookgreen U participants can expect to deepen their subject knowledge or discover an interest in something new. 

In 2024, we hosted authors, scientists, tribal leaders, park rangers, and skilled artisans. We listened to the wisdom of elders and the oral histories of our neighbors. We learned the distinction between seaweed and algae, the best time to hunt for shark teeth, and tips for winterizing our yards. While honoring the legacy of Brookgreen’s founders, its land, and its eras of inhabitants, we strive to incorporate subject matter that is both stimulating and useful. 

Brookgreen U has expanded programming that celebrates the serenity of our precious ecosystems. Find your peace among the flora and fresh air through Brookgreen U’s “Harmony in Nature” series. Savor a quiet morning birdwatching or on a tree identification stroll. Spend time recalibrating outdoors at our garden yoga classes and Tibetan sound bowl meditations.  

We are excited about the learning opportunities scheduled for 2025 and hope you will join us as a Brookgreen U student. Below are some of the offerings available during our Winter quarter. 

 

Horticulture 

2/20/25  Prescribed Fires with Trapper Fowler 

3/6/25  Designing Low Maintenance Landscapes 

3/20/25  Intro to Mushroom Cultivation 

3/27/25  Dirt and Details - Greenhouse Tour 

 

Art 

2/1/25  Artist Talk with Stephen King 

2/5/25  Photo Walks In The Garden 

2/11/25  Eco-Writing Workshop 

2/28/28  The Art of Gullah Geechee Doll Making 

3/5/25  Photo Walks In The Garden 

3/6/25  Sacred Keepsakes: Craft Your Own Native American Medicine Bag 

3/6/25  Cultural Crafting: Create Your Own Native American Choker 

3/19/25  Weave & Hang: Wall and Doorknob Basket Workshop 

 

Wildlife 

2/13/25  What Wildlife Will A-Pier 

2/25/25  The History of Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge 

3/13/25  The Alligator Project with Rebecca Cavalier 

 

History 

2/4/25  Gullah Geechee Herbs & Teas 

2/5/25  “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow”  

2/6/25  Auction Houses, Attempted Co-ops, and Allotments (Flue Cured Tobacco in SC) 

2/18/25  Avery as a Resource for Heritage Interpreters 

2/19/25  “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” 

2/20/25  Gullah Storytelling with Lillian Grantt-Baptiste 

3/4/25  The Grim Years: Settling South Carolina, 1670-1720 

3/5/25  “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” 

3/11/25  Folklore of the African Diaspora 

3/19/25  “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” 

 

Harmony in Nature 

2/19/25  Chair Yoga 

3/4/25  Breakfast with the Birds 

3/4/25  Get to Know Trees 

3/18/25  Breakfast with the Birds 

3/19/25 Chair Yoga