Kalmia
Gardens
Located
three miles from campus on the former 19th century plantation
of Thomas E. Hart, Kalmia Gardens is a 33-acre private
botanical garden owned and operated by the College. In
addition to the historic Hart House (1820), gardens, forests
and trails bordering the Black Creek, Kalmia's facilities
include a gift shop and the Joslin Education Center.
Kalmia
Gardens was founded by Mrs. D. R. Coker - “Miss
May” - in 1935. She donated the Gardens to the College
in 1965 as a memorial to her husband. Mary Coker Joslin,
Miss May's daughter, and her husband Bill donated a residence
adjacent to the Gardens in 2002 for use as the education
center. The Joslin Education Center has allowed Kalmia
Gardens to expand its educational programs for area children
and Coker College students.
The
Board of Directors of Kalmia Gardens has always held in
its mission the maintenance of the Gardens for the benefit,
education and enjoyment of the public. Many improvements
to the Gardens have been made possible in great part through
donations and fundraising efforts by supporters and friends
of the Gardens.
The Thomas E. Hart House and Kalmia Gardens are listed
on the National Register of Historic Places.
