PRESENTED BY THE HORT
OCT. 15, 2026
CHARLESTON MUSEUM
MORE SOON!

Native Plant Week was designated in 2018 in the State of South Carolina as the third week in October, a perfect time of year in the Lowcountry to plant flowering perennials, sheltering grasses, and shading trees.

The Beneath the Oaks Symposium kicks off the week in the lowcountry with a spectacular line up of speakers designed to inspire and promote native plants and other ecological gardening practices.The symposium is followed by a series of field trips led by local environmental organizations to demonstrate the work that is being accomplished regionally to bring biodiversity back to our urban lowcountry landscape.

The first symposium was held in 2024 featuring keystone speaker Doug Tallamy, acclaimed author and entomologist on the incredible role oaks play in sustaining wildlife.

In 2025, Rebecca McMackin shared the inspiring story of the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which converted concrete piers into a thriving ecosystem and beloved urban green space. And this year we welcome Preston Montague to highlight the work that is being done across the southeast to steward native plants in local communities through local government. Beyond the keynote presentation, you’ll hear again from some of our incredible local experts on topics ranging from Gullah heritage plants to mosquito management. Save the date!