Children's Garden, Hughes Main Library

The Children’s Garden at the Hughes Main Library was given in memory of Frances Williams and Daniel Hunter Wallace, Jr. in 2002. Visitors strolling the grounds of Heritage Green are delighted upon discovering the seemingly secret garden located on the side of the Library building that faces the entrance to the Upcountry History Museum. Patrons inside the Children's Area of the Library gather near large windows that allow a tranquil viewing of the garden just outside.

In the spring of 2019, member of the South Carolina Native Plant Society (SCNPS) Kay Stafford found herself contemplating the garden while shelving picture books as a Library volunteer and approached the Youth Services department with her ideas about making some improvements. Coincidentally, 2nd graders from Lead Academy Public Charter School were busily hand-crafting butterfly and insect houses for donation to the Library. These beautiful bug houses were installed while future dreams for the garden were being pondered by Stafford along with Donna, a Youth Services staff member.

Work in the garden resumed in September 2020 when the two were joined by Amy Henderson, a professional gardener and fellow member of SCNPS who created a garden plan consisting of nearly 40 new plants. The revitalized garden, completed in October, is the perfect spot for families, children, butterflies, and insects to visit and explore.

These efforts were supported by the generous donation of native plants, mulch, soil amendments, and hours of work by the South Carolina Native Plant Society.