Columbia Green

06/05/2026

Hi! I’m Campsis radicans, better known as Trumpet Vine, and if there’s one thing I’m known for, it’s my determination.

When it’s time to grow, I GROW.

I’ll climb, stretch, twist, and reach for every bit of sunshine I can find because I have a job to do. Those bright red-orange, trumpet-shaped blooms of mine aren’t just for looks; they’re packed with nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators that count on me for a meal.

The more space I have, the more flowers I can produce, and the more pollinators I can help support. Hummingbirds can’t resist stopping by when I’m in bloom, and I’m always happy to keep the nectar flowing.

Some folks say I’m a little enthusiastic. I prefer committed.

Now, I should probably mention that I can be a bit of a stage five clinger. My aerial roots help me climb, but they can also damage siding, mortar, and other structures if I’m planted in the wrong place.

If you decide to invite me into your landscape, just know I like room to roam and something sturdy to climb. A little pruning now and then helps keep my excitement pointed in the right direction. Keep in mind, I’m also a bit stubborn, so don’t be surprised if I spread a little farther than you expected—even after a good pruning.

There are hungry pollinators out there, and I have nectar to make. So, let’s go!

06/02/2026

Columbia Green is on a mission to grow our urban forest, and we need your help.

Our first Beat the Heat education event of the season will be June 27th at 3907 Ensor Ave, Columbia, SC 29203 👉 signup to attend: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/beat-the-heat-educational-event-june-27--2026

The portal for our Beat the Heat tree distribution applications is officially open, and we’re ready to see how many trees we can get in the ground across the Midlands this fall.

Don’t see your municipality participating yet on the application? Reach out to your local council members and encourage them to join us.

More trees mean cooler neighborhoods, stronger communities, better wildlife habitat, and healthier lives.

Let’s make this fall count 🌳 We are Columbia Green

06/02/2026

JUNE IS POLLINATOR MONTH
need ideas?

Visit our partners—Mill Creek Greenhouses, Gardener's Outpost, Cooper's Nursery, and Blossom Plant & Produce—and plant for pollinators this month.

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

Well now, if Southern charm could bloom, it might look a little something like me.

I’m Southern Magnolia — Magnolia grandiflora — and around here, I’ve been considered the queen of the Southern landscape for generations. And honey, blending in has never really been my calling. Between my big glossy leaves, creamy white blooms the size of dinner plates, and a fragrance sweet enough to stop folks in their tracks, I tend to get noticed.

I’m more than just a pretty face standing tall in the Carolina heat, though.

Scientists think we magnolias evolved so long ago — about 95 million years ago, to be more precise — that beetles were among our very first pollinators. And what do ya know, little pollen-lovin’ beetles still visit my blooms today. Native bees stop by too, gathering nectar and pollen while I put on my summertime show.

When my bright red seeds appear later in the year, songbirds are more than happy to come ‘round for supper.

I like sunshine, rich soil, and a little room to spread out my skirts. Once established, I can handle Southern summers just fine, and I stay evergreen all year long — because a Southern lady never really likes being seen undressed.

So if you’re looking for shade, fragrance, wildlife value, and a little old Southern elegance… darlin’, I do believe I’m your tree.

And wouldn’t ya know it — Columbia Green is offering Southern Magnolias to qualifying property owners through their Beat the Heat program, helping grow our urban canopy one beautiful tree like me at a time.

A gracious thank-you to Andy Cabe for preserving this moment of Southern beauty so perfectly.

05/28/2026

A chance to work on a daily basis in some great gardens!

Historic Columbia is hiring! 🚨 We are looking to fill 2 unique positions:

🌿 Landscape Technician: Looking for someone for part-time or full-time hours to support our horticulture team. HC manages 14 acres of public gardens in downtown Columbia that need a green-thumbed touch.

🖼️ Collections Assistant: This is a great opportunity for a student or entry museum professional looking to gain experience in an award-winning museum setting. With thousands of items in our collection, we need help keeping up with the care, maintenance, and processing of collection pieces.

Visit our website for details on how to apply!

05/28/2026

Take a stroll down the Rosewood Nature Trail and see the Columbia Green Grants Program in action.

From native plantings to community improvements, projects like these help create greener, healthier spaces for both people and wildlife right here in our community. Stop by, enjoy the trail, and see the impact growing firsthand.

05/28/2026

Join us this World Environment Day on June 5th as we work together to clean up a property that was condemned following the historic 2015 flood.

This cleanup is the first step to help restore and care for a space that has sat neglected for years while making a positive impact on our community and environment.

Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/neighborhood-greenspace-cleanup-event-for-world-environment-day

05/22/2026

South Carolina heat doesn’t scare me one bit. I’m Echinacea purpurea, but my friends call me Purple Coneflower if we’re keeping it casual.

I’m a proud native of the Midlands, built for hot South Carolina summers. While other plants are wilting and complaining, I’m standing tall—petals out and thriving.

Give me a minute to tell you what I’m good for…I’m a pollinator magnet—bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds can’t resist me. I also serve as a host plant for the native Silvery Checkerspot butterfly, helping support each generation from caterpillar to winged beauty.

I have some clever friends too. The Wavy-Lined Emerald moths like to stick my petals on their backs as camouflage, blending right into my blooms during the day like nature’s own hide-and-seek champion.

When my petals fade, I leave behind seed heads that feed birds (goldfinches especially love me).

As for my upkeep, I’m low maintenance. Full sun is where I shine brightest. Give me well-drained soil and some water to get established. After that, I can handle the heat like a pro—which is especially beneficial right now since at least 98% of South Carolina is experiencing a drought.

Deadhead me in early to mid-summer as soon as my petals start to fade for more blooms, or leave me be—the birds will thank you.