The Memorial Rose Garden at the University of South Carolina unveiled a newly renovated space on March 17, featuring an octagonal, copper-roofed gazebo gifted by Yvonne Russell, a past president of the Columbia Garden Club and the wife of Donald Russell Jr., son of a former USC president.
The renovation, a collaborative effort between the Columbia Garden Club and USC staff, includes a novel ground-level irrigation system, a cohesive design throughout the pavilion, a pergola, lamp posts, and a bench. USC architect Derek Gruner noted the pavilion’s design draws inspiration from the surrounding historic buildings, walks, and roses on the Horseshoe.
“Like a blossom seeking sunlight, the new pavilion with its decorative iron, copper and brick looks to the legacy of surrounding historic buildings, walks, and roses for design inspiration,” Gruner said.
Amy Louthian, chairman of the Memorial Rose Garden renovation for the Columbia Garden Club, emphasized the goal of enhancing the garden’s prominence. “We’re trying to make this space as beautiful as the Horseshoe. So many students and visitors walk by this spot — it deserves to be a focal point,” she stated.
Funding for the garden’s new plantings was bolstered by a fundraiser organized by USC’s First Lady, Ero Amiridis, which featured a dinner with USC football coach Shane Beamer. The garden now boasts a variety of native plants in addition to roses, and includes a handcrafted iron obelisk topped with a copper orb.
The Columbia Garden Club’s involvement with USC dates back to 1960, when the club initially planted the Memorial Garden of Old Roses behind the South Caroliniana Library. Following renovations to the library twenty years later, the garden was relocated to its current location beside Lieber College and renamed the Memorial Rose Garden. Since then, the club has continually added to the landscaping around Lieber College, including paved pathways, benches, an arbor, and a cast iron fountain.
A portion of the garden on the west side of Lieber College is named in honor of former USC First Lady Norma Palms. The Columbia Garden Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
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