Review of Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Sumter, South Carolina: A totally unique experience!

 

Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Sumter, SC

During our pack’s (my wife, myself, and our Pomeranian Toby) 3 months stay in South Carolina near Myrtle Beach area, I was doing my usual research to figure out where we should visit.  Unlike during the first few months of our early retirement (August 2020 until April 2021), where I would search for a destination within around an hour drive or so of where we were staying at, since last summer, I’ve been broadening my search to go as far as a 3 hour drive time.

As my criteria broadened, so did the list of potential destinations we can explore on a day trip.  One such place turned out to be Swan Lake Iris Gardens, in Sumter, South Carolina.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens is the only public park in the United States that feature all 8 species of swans, as well as some of the most intensive plantings of Japanese iris in the US.  The gardens encompass over 150 acres, and feature over 120 varieties of Iris and other seasonal blooms including camellias, azaleas, day lilies, and Japanese magnolias.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens turned out to be my wife’s favorite place we’ve visited during our stay in South Carolina, and rightfully so, as it is a totally unique experience unlike anything we’ve ever seen.  Like most people, we’ve seen swans in various places.  But usually it’s a pair here, or few sightings there, and not over 20-30 at a time!!!

To prepare for a long drive at over 2 hours from our rental in Murrells Inlet, we packed PB&J (peanut butter and jelly) sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and Toby’s treats/water.  We knew by the time we arrived at the park that we would be famished (well, ok, me mostly)!  

I was hungry about an hour drive in, so we ate our prepared sandwiches and snacks.  We figured we’d save some time by eating en route.  Toby gave us his puppy eyes begging us for some treats, so my wife gave him some of his favorite treats.

We arrived after a 2 hour drive which took us on a similar road we had previously taken to visit Congaree National Park few weeks prior.  We turned left from the main road for Sumter, then drove through town.  

We weren’t very impressed initially with the town or the downtown.  The downtown has some relatively newer establishments like restaurants, a brewery, and some professional offices, but I certainly wouldn’t consider the area clean.  It is up and coming, and trying its hardest to get there, but it is a work in progress.

My impression suddenly changed as we approached Swan Lake Iris Gardens, as if a light had been turned on, suddenly brightening everything in the room!  The entrance to the gardens is absolutely inviting and beautiful.  We kind of felt bad that this beautiful park does not charge any admission fees!

After parking in one of many available spots, all of us got out.  As we were getting ready to start our exploration, a park ranger from the township came over to notify us that the gardens do not allow dogs.  We were devastated!  We didn’t want to go back without seeing this place…Briefly a thought crossed my mind that maybe we should take turns quickly seeing the place while one of us stayed with Toby.   

While we were thinking through options, the ranger approached closer to confide to us that if anyone asks about our Toby, that we should tell them that he’s a therapy/service dog.  He had a little mischievous smile and what I thought was maybe a little wink as he said this.  We were so thankful!  

We thanked him profusely, then made our pit stop at a restroom in front of the parking lot, before starting our exploration!  We were ready and happy.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Sumter, SC (entrance)

Parking lot area, Swan Lake Iris Gardens, SC

We noticed there were lockable steel gates along the wall adjacent to the parking area.  We chose one farthest in from the parking lot, then lifted the steel gate to enter.  We also made sure the gate was indeed locked behind us, before proceeding.

The area immediately after entering the steel gate was an open area with large trees and verdant play/picnic area.  We followed a nicely paved concrete walkway towards the center of the gardens, which is the lake.

As we approached the lake, we already saw few swans serenely moving through the waters, seamlessly and slowly going to and fro.  We couldn’t believe our luck at seeing so many swans!  They didn’t seem to mind our intrusion in to their territory.  They were carrying on their daily activities, already used to seeing so many humans.

We met a friendly employee who mentioned there are currently 7 species (and not 8) of swans at the gardens, due to their prohibitively high costs to maintain that particular species of swans.  We didn’t mind, as we’ve never seen more than maybe 2 different species of swans anywhere else…

We stayed calm while more swans came over to say hello, wondering inwardly if they were fascinated by seeing a dog inside their lair.  Toby seemed absolutely mesmerized by the sight!  He was looking directly at them and wondering if I’ll keep him safe if swans were to attack.

Swan statue near the lake, Swan Lake Iris Gardens 

Early greeters to our visit!

Toby wondering if he’ll live to see another day!

More swans gathering near us, Swan Lake Iris Gardens 

We couldn’t take our eyes off of swans either.  We stayed still enjoying the moment and taking in all the new stimuli!  We were in love with the place, with beautiful swans and bald cypress trees in the lake.  

We moved few steps towards where there was a swan feeding area.  It was a floating mini-house looking thing that had plenty of feed for swans to eat.  It was literally overflowing with food!

We watched swans eat their food, and by then, there were upwards of 30 swans gathering near the feeding area.  We could not believe the incredible sight!!!

Near the feeding area, we saw two swans with their little one, a cygnet!  The little one was being protected by the couple (mommy and daddy?) and led slowly towards the lake to feed.  We followed from several yards away, giving them space.  We were incredulous at what we were witnessing…

Cygnet, in between two adults

While the cygnet was getting ready to jump in the lake, one of the adults accidentally tripped the little one, and it tumbled face first near the lake.  All of us watching let out a sigh, and all of us had a look of concern, wondering if it’s ok.  Luckily, the baby quickly got up and followed his parents.  It then ate voraciously among other swans.  

At times, the baby’s parents hissed and warned other swans to create some space for the little one, so he can eat.  It was nature at its finest!  Parents protecting their young, and not taking crap from anyone!  We joyously watched the entire episode, savoring every minute of their interactions.  

After several minutes, we decided to continue on.  We saw the gardens has several “talking, interpretative trees” along the lake, where you can learn about the gardens.  These were neat!

Bald cypress trees, Swan Lake Iris Gardens, SC

One of many benches along the lake

Near the lake and the swan sculpture 

“Talking tree”, interpretative learning tool

Along the lake, we saw several signposts about different species of swans.  We read each of them and continued on.

Toby loving the place!

The beauty of the lake and its flora made for an awesome walk.  Even in January, we still saw many species of trees in great conditions.  Our favorite tree in South Carolina, the bald cypress tree, is prevalent at the gardens.  

We walked through the gardens, even if flowers were not blooming just yet, and enjoyed it anyway, slowly meandering through a maze-like dirt path through the gardens.  We imagined how beautiful it would look when flowers are in full bloom…

We crossed a wooden covered bridge then followed the walking path, when we encountered a sitting swan sitting near a tree close to the walking path.  All of a sudden, it slowly got up, extending his body, craning his neck, to make himself larger and taller.  He let out a sharp hiss, warning us not to approach any closer.  

We slowly moved away from the angry swan, kind of enjoying that little interaction.  It’s not something we run into everyday!  I’m all for new stimuli, as long as I don’t get hurt in the process…

Near the bridge, where we ran into the hissing swan

Near the covered bridge, Swan Lake Iris Gardens 

Another incredible view of the lake, Swan Lake Iris Gardens 

We continued on, and ran into 3 more swans blocking our way on the walking path.  This time, it was two swans of the same species, and one other species.  The loner seemed to be marking his territory.  He was making his feathers look bigger by opening it up, craning his neck, and walking kind of funny, almost like a bird mating ritual.  

We stayed where we were to watch them interact.  We didn’t want to pass through them, fearing for Toby. We let them do their thing, and when they moved towards the lake slightly, we decided that was the time to pass them.  We passed by them without any issues!

There was a bench up ahead, so we decided to sit and rest for few minutes.  We enjoyed a crane extending his wings then holding that majestic pose, fully displaying his beautiful and white feathers.  That looked like a mating ritual!  

We also saw several egrets and cranes sitting atop trees in the center of the lake, just idling and probably looking for prey.  We got a kick out of cranes who were waddling on the path, clumsily making their way to some unknown destination.  Their walking is in stark contrast to their serene, idyllic, almost Angel-like floating over the waters…

We sat for about 10 minutes discussing our trip to the gardens, while constantly viewing swans and other birds moving about.  We felt truly happy we visited this place!

In conclusion:

Swan Lake Iris Gardens turned out to be a perfect destination near Myrtle Beach area, full of wonder and beautiful landscaping.  The fact that Toby also loved the place made it an even more enjoyable trip!

It actually turned out to be our favorite park we visited during our 3 months long stay in South Carolina.  We would visit this place again on our next trip out there.

Thank you all for reading!

Jake

Wandering Money Pig 

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