Colonial Lake revitalization continues with safer gardening practices and community involvement

The Charleston Parks Conservancy, the nonprofit steward of 26 of the city’s parks, gardens, and trails, is making major strides in the revitalization of the three-acre gardens at Colonial Lake, a project on track for completion this October. With layers of mulch in place, invasive weeds removed by hand, and thousands of native plants and trees taking root, the project reflects a deep commitment to sustainable, low-toxicity gardening practices that protect waterways, enrich the soil, and build long-term ecological resilience.

At the core of the effort is a layered, low-impact approach to weed control that emphasizes prevention, education, manual removal, and plant-based treatments, replacing toxic synthetic herbicides with safer strategies for both people and pollinators. “In our parks and at Colonial Lake, we’re focused on integrated, practical methods like hand-pulling weeds and using low-emission tools to care for the gardens,” said Kellen Goodell, Interim Director of Park Operations, Charleston Parks Conservancy. “This approach may be more labor-intensive and expensive, but it is more intentional and supports cleaner waterways, healthier soil, and vibrant pollinator habitats. It also reflects our broader mission to care for Charleston’s green spaces in a sustainable way that’s mindful of biodiversity and community health.”

That philosophy extends beyond strategy and is powered by people through one of the Conservancy’s most popular volunteer opportunities: Weeding Wednesdays. Each week from 5–7 p.m., volunteers gather at Colonial Lake to help remove large swaths of weeds in preparation for mulching and future planting, all part of the final push toward completing the Idea Garden. This summer alone, 120 volunteers have contributed over 250 hours of hands-on service.

Progress is visible throughout the park, with more than 240 cubic yards of mulch recently installed to suppress weed growth and retain moisture – allowing the newly planted trees and shrubs to thrive. This temporary mulch will eventually be replaced by “living mulch”—a layered mix of groundcovers, perennials, and shrubs designed to naturally crowd out weeds, manage stormwater, and support biodiversity.

So far, more than 7,700 plants have been installed across the Colonial Lake gardens. Another 3,000, primarily soft perennials, flowering groundcovers, and structural shrubs, will be added by the unveiling at Bloom Charleston, this October 17 and 18. Planting will continue throughout late summer and fall, with full maturity expected within two to three years.

“This isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about long-term stewardship,” said Molly Hendry, a Birmingham-based horticulturist and internationally recognized garden designer leading the project. “By investing in the soil and supporting natural ecosystems, we’re building a park that’s both beautiful and resilient.” The revitalization will culminate in the unveiling of the park’s new Idea Garden, a space designed to inspire gardeners of all levels with creative, regionally appropriate plantings and practical take-home techniques.

The unveiling of Charleston’s first Idea Garden will be a centerpiece of Bloom Charleston, the Conservancy’s inaugural fall festival celebrating horticulture, design, and community connection. The festival kicks off with a ticketed Opening Night Garden Party on Friday, October 17, followed by a free, family-friendly day of garden tours, expert-led workshops, and engaging activities on Saturday, October 18. Tickets and RSVPs are available now at bloomcharleston.org.

To support the Charleston Parks Conservancy and its commitment to sustainable gardening, the community is encouraged to join Weeding Wednesdays or explore other volunteer opportunities at charlestonparksconservancy.org/volunteer.

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy secures 90% of the funding required to maintain 26 parks, gardens and trails across the city through private and corporate donations, while the City of Charleston covers 10% of costs. The Conservancy team provides year-round park care, with a focus on strategic seasonal plantings, major park revitalizations, and sustainable maintenance. In 2024 alone, the organization planted over 46,000 plants and 1,000 trees, donated two tons of fresh produce and 1,200 fresh flower bouquets grown in its parks and gardens, and advocated for the vital role of parks in urban life. Through 180 hours annually of free programming, including popular events like the Teddy Bear Picnic, the Conservancy cultivates vibrant, welcoming green spaces that serve as hubs for recreation, relaxation, and community connection. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.