Bewick swan

Swan Lake Iris Gardens

A perfect blend of nature, art and accessibility for all.

Story +Photography by Lucy Rosen

Recently I took a two-hour road trip up I-95 to Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter. I had heard so much about this South Carolina gem and was excited to experience it. The park is renowned for its collection of all eight swan species, stunning Japanese iris plantings and 150 acres of a nature lover’s paradise, complete with walking trails, ponds, sculptures, educational opportunities and more.

royal mute swan
Royal mutes were introduced to various continents after being bred in the British Isles. The female lays four to eight greenish-blue eggs in a nest made of reeds, leaves, roots and sticks. Incubation is usually by the female alone within 35-40 days. Their normal lifespan is 6-7 years, but some live over 20 years.

Birdwatching bliss

As an avid bird photographer, I discovered that Swan Lake Iris Gardens was a delight. The diverse avian population includes swans, geese, ducks, herons, songbirds and egrets. I spent hours observing and photographing these beautiful birds in their natural habitat. The park’s natural environment and numerous benches along the paths and ponds made it the perfect place for birdwatching, photography and relaxation.

Bewick swans
Bewick swans are native to northern Russia and parts of Japan. They lay three to five eggs, incubated by the female alone for 29-30 days. Bewick swans pair for life, and the death of one partner usually leads to the death of the other.

Art and culture amidst nature

Beautiful sculptures, reminiscent of those you might find in a cosmopolitan city or a European garden, are scattered throughout the grounds. These artistic pieces added a wonderful cultural dimension and created a harmonious coexistence of art and nature. My favorite sculpture was the “Recovery” Wing Sculpture, an 18-foot-tall, 1,500-pound stainless steel statue representing the wing of a pintail duck in flight. Renowned sculptor Grainger McKoy describes it as capturing the weakest yet most graceful wing position in bird flight, symbolizing recovery in both life and the environment.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens - Information Stations
Eight stations at Swan Lake Iris Gardens offer specific information on all eight species of swans.

Accessibility for everyone

One of the things I love most about Swan Lake Iris Gardens is how inclusive and accessible it is. The park is perfect for families, with a safe and engaging environment for kids. Couples can enjoy romantic picnics under the trees, complete with picnic tables, and the well-marked walking paths are terrific. The Sensory Trail offers an immersive experience for visually impaired visitors, with Braille signage and the Talking Tree Trail sharing stories about trees with the push of a button. The themed gardens, including the rose garden, azalea garden, butterfly garden and chocolate garden (yes, the plants really do smell like chocolate), are beautifully laid out and well cared for.

sight-impaired visitors accommodations on trail
A sensory trail enables sight-impaired visitors to enjoy the scents and sensations of the gardens. A talking tree trail shares stories of today and yesterday.

A rich history

Swan Lake Iris Gardens began in 1927 as a private fishing retreat for Hamilton Carr Bland, who wanted his yard filled with Japanese iris. In an ironic twist, Bland’s initial attempts at landscaping with Japanese iris failed. After consulting with horticulturists nationwide, he ordered his gardener to discard the bulbs in the swamp. To his amazement, the discarded bulbs thrived in their new environment the following spring. This accidental garden has since blossomed into one of the finest botanical gardens in the United States.

feeding stations for swans and ducks
Several feeding stations for swans and ducks provide a front-row seat to observe them.

A certified arboretum

Today Swan Lake Iris Gardens is recognized as a certified Level II Arboretum by the ArbNet Accreditation Program. The gardens house over 100 different tree species and 172 plant species, making it one of only 143 Level II arboreta globally. This prestigious certification underscores the park’s commitment to botanical excellence and conservation.

yellow garden flower

Walk through several themed gardens, including a rose garden, azalea garden, butterfly garden and chocolate garden.

The gardens feature numerous sculptures by famed artists like Zan Lee Wells and Grainger McKoy.

Plan your visit

Swan Lake Iris Gardens is more than just a park; it’s a destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences and inclusive activities. 

What: Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Where: 822 W. Liberty St., Sumter (151 miles from HHI)

Travel notes: Admission to the gardens is free. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to sunset, except during inclement weather and special events such as the annual Iris Festival and Fantasy of Lights. Visitor center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The visitor’s center offers walking tours, maps, information on the community and, of course, a souvenir shop. For more information, call 803-436-2640 or visit sumtersc.gov.

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