Ladybugs flying free at Magnolia Gardens

Lowcountry families will gather at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens on Saturday, July 22, for the release of 150,000 ladybugs during the area’s largest event that celebrates the environmentally friendly insect.

The Fourth Annual Ladybug Release will begin at 9 a.m. An hour later, two red Volkswagen beetles, resembling gigantic ladybugs, will arrive to signal the time when children receive containers of ladybugs. The event ends at 2 p.m.

Children and groups will compete for prizes during a ladybug costume contest. Categories will be children under two, three to six and seven and older. Face painting, storytelling and other interactive activities are planned.

Car pooling and early arrival are encouraged. General garden admission is required. Adult admission is $20 and children six to 12 is $10. Children under six are free.

To expedite entry into the gardens a cash only table will be placed at the ticket booth. To prepay garden admission, call 843-571-1266, ext. 225. Complimentary passes will not be accepted for this special event.

Ladybugs are natural predators to harmful insects such as aphids, scale insects and other smaller insects.

This year’s event will feature nature displays and interactive demonstrations. They are:

·       4-H Development Program

·       Berkeley County First Steps

·       Blue Pearl Farms

·       Charleston Water Keeper

·       Charlie, the RiverDogs’ mascot

·       Christy Knight, author, The Adventures of Layni the Ladybug: The Lost King (Volume 1)

·       Clemson University Master Gardeners

·       Grice Marine Laboratory at the College of Charleston

·       Keeper of the Wild, a wildlife rescue center

·       MUSC Medical Transport Helicopter

·       S.C. Department of Natural Resources, archery activity and boating safety

·       South Carolina Aquarium

·       St. Andrews Fire Department

·       The United States Coast Guard