Colonial Lake Completion

In December 2024, the Conservancy hired renowned designer Molly Hendry to lead the design of the new gardens at Colonial Lake. Planting began in March 2025 and the installation was fully completed by October 2025. To celebrate this milestone, the Conservancy hosted the Bloom Charleston festival on October 17–18, 2025—an inspiring two-day event featuring free garden tours, expert talks and community programming at Colonial Lake.

Now that the revitalization is complete, we look back on the final results and all of the helping hands we received along the way.

Plantings

The Conservancy added 14,000 new plants to the 2.8 acres of gardens surrounding Colonial Lake!

Native trees were added, providing ornamental interest throughout the Fall, including:

  • Black Tupelo
  • White Fringe Tree

Many of the plant species added support pollinator populations, including:

  • Salvia (shown left)
  • Beautyberry
  • Milkweed
  • Echinacea
  • Stokes Aster
  • Buttonbush

Volunteer Support

We couldn’t have made it across the finish line without the support of our devoted volunteers!

Community & Corporate Groups:

  • Total Groups: 34 groups
  • Total Volunteers: 451 corporate volunteers
  • Total Hours: 902 hours donated
  • Total Volunteer Time Valued: $28,106

Weeding Wednesday:

  • Total Volunteers: 154 volunteers
  • Total Hours: 308 hours donated

Bloom Charleston:

  • Opening Night Garden Party Total Volunteers: 21 volunteers
  • Free Community Day Total Volunteers: 60 volunteers
  • Total Volunteers: 81volunteers
  • Total Hours: 294 hours donated across the weekend

Fundraising

Leading up to the renovation, the Conservancy raised $175,037.66 in community funding, plus an additional $23,101.66 towards the Colonial Lake Care Fund, supporting the ongoing maintenance of the park.

One of our largest supporters, The Beach Company, generously pledged $30,000 a year towards the initial renovation and the ongoing maintenance of Colonial Lake during the critical establishment period.

We appreciate their support and the support of all of our sponsors and partners at Bloom Charleston and throughout the renovation!

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