SC Certificate in Native Plant Studies elective: Native Plants & Pollinators
On Saturday, August 29th (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM), a new elective for the SC Certificate in Native Plant Studies program -- Native Plants & Pollinators -- will be offered in the Charleston area by NPTTP founder Sharleen Johnson.
We'll be meeting at the Clemson Extension TEACH Center in Charleston, SC, for the morning and early afternoon, and spending the last several hours out in the field to observe and identify pollinators visiting native plants.
Class description: This pollinator-centered day will include photo-filled and info-packed presentations featuring diverse pollinator taxa (native bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths and beetles), an exploration of the characteristics of each pollinator taxon's preferred native plant species (pollinator syndromes), and deep dives into their life histories (what do the nests, food provisions and life stages of these insects look like?) and habitat needs. We'll also discuss generalist versus specialist pollinators, buzz pollination, wind pollination, pollen allergies and the plant-species-dependent nutrient composition of pollen and nectar. In the afternoon, we'll head outdoors to observe pollinators in action and develop practical identification skills. As part of this class you will receive a copy of Heather Holm's "Pollinators of Native Plants".
The SC Certificate in Native Plant Studies is a popular option with environmental educators, landscapers, naturalists, and gardeners interested in obtaining formal training and certification in SC ecosystems, botany, native plant communities, and sustainable landscaping. Note: All classes are open to the public (you're welcome to sign up for this course even if you're not enrolled in the certificate program).
To register, visit Clemson's SC Native Plant Certificate website, scroll down to the "Upcoming Certificate Courses" section, and click on the link for the August 29th class "Native Plants and Pollinators".
Cost: $100 (with a 10% discount available to members of the SC Native Plant Society and/or SC Botanical Garden; reach out to Sue Watts at watts9@clemson.edu for the discount code prior to registering).
SC Certificate in Native Plant Studies elective: Coastal Plant Communities & Ecology
On Saturday, May 30th (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM), Sharleen from NPTTP will be teaching Coastal Plant Communities & Ecology, an elective in the SC Certificate in Native Plant Studies program.
We'll be meeting at the Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center on U.S. 17 in Awendaw, SC, spending the morning in the classroom, breaking for an outdoor BYO lunch on the visitor center grounds, and then heading into Francis Marion National Forest for the remainder of the day.
Abbreviated class description:
Topics will include coastal SC ecosystems, ecology, native and invasive plants and wildlife (common and threatened), impacts of historical and current land use and climate change, the role of fire in the long-leaf pine ecosystem, and land management tools for conservation. We’ll begin in the classroom at the Sewee Visitor & Env Ed Center (morning) and then head outdoors into the Francis Marion National Forest to explore longleaf pine savanna, a carnivorous plant bog and a Carolina bay (afternoon).
Activities for the day will include plant identification, wildlife watching (including pollinators), ecosystem assessment, hiking (slowly, naturalist-style), and using reference books & iNaturalist (app) & Merlin (app) to identify and learn about new-to-you species of plants and wildlife.
Participants should be prepared to spend significant time in the field and hiking in wet and muddy conditions. Bring a lunch, plenty of water, a hat and appropriate footwear.
The SC Certificate in Native Plant Studies is a popular option with environmental educators, landscapers, naturalists, and gardeners interested in obtaining formal training and certification in SC ecosystems, botany, native plant communities, and sustainable landscaping. Note: All classes are open to the public (you're welcome to sign up for this course even if you're not enrolled in the certificate program).
Registration link (Cost $100):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coastal-plant-communities-ecology-scnpc-elective-53026-tickets-1989385854644
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 5/20 @ 8 PM and 5/27 @ 8 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 5/30-5/31
Weekday: 6/1-6/2
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 5/14 @ 8 PM and 5/20 @ 8 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 5/23-5/24
Weekday: 5/25-5/26
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Plant Sale @ Old Santee Canal Park's Native Plant Festival
This festival, hosted by Old Santee Canal Park, will include a giant native plant sale featuring a wide range of South Carolina vendors, a guided herb walk, live music by Charleston Hot Shots, a food truck, and information tables from several local and state organizations.
Open to the public. Park admission = $5.
This is a RAIN OR SHINE event!
(If it rains, the plant sale will be moved inside the visitors center.)
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 5/5 @ 8 PM and 5/14 @ 8 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 5/16-5/17
Weekday: 5/18-5/19
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Plant Sale @ Conway Town Green (SCNPS Grand Strand)
Hosts: Grand Strand Chapter of the South Carolina Native Plant Society
9:00-9:30 AM - Shopping for SCNPS Members Only
9:30 AM to 1:00 PM - Shopping for General Public
The goal of this sale is to increase the number of native plants in the Grand Strand region. This market will only feature plants native to the Southeastern United States.
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 4/29 @ 8 PM and 5/5 @ 8 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 5/9-5/10
Weekday: 5/11-5/12
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Plant Sale @ Wake Refill
Event: Native Plant Party!
Hosts: Wake Refill, Sightsee, the M.A.R.S.H Project, and Carolina Ocean Alliance
Location: Downtown Charleston; corner of Cleveland St & Rutledge Ave; next to Hampton Park
Native Plants to the People will be selling plants at this event.
Free and open to the public!
Plant Sale @ Moore Farms Botanical Garden
Host: Moore Farms Botanical Gardens
Event: Spring Plant Sale + Vendor Market
Free and open to the public! Bonus: The 65-acres of gardens will be open for you to stroll and enjoy during the event.
Each year, in addition to selling plants grown at the botanical garden specifically for this plant sale, Moore Farms Botanical Garden welcomes local and regional nurseries, greenhouses, and outside gardens to join us. You will also find a number of craft and other vendors in the garden, as well as a food trucks!
Expert tip - BRING YOUR WAGON!
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 4/23 @ 9 AM and 4/29 @ 9 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 5/2-5/3
Weekday: 5/4-5/5
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Plant Sale @ Charleston Honey and Bee Expo
Host: Charleston Area Beekeepers Association
Event: Charleston Honey and Bee Expo
Free and open to the public!
The Charleston Area Beekeepers Association (CABA) and the Charleston Parks Conservancy are thrilled to invite you to the 2025 Honey and Bee Expo at Magnolia Park and Community Garden on Saturday, April 12th! 🐝✨
Join us for this FREE, family-friendly educational event, where local beekeepers from across the Lowcountry will share their knowledge about bees and hive products such as honey, wax, and royal jelly. You'll also have the chance to explore a variety of vendors showcasing local craftsmanship and native plants that support our ecosystem.
There is no charge to attend, but registration is appreciated.
Plant Sale @ MUSC's "The Greenest Day" Celebration
THE GREENEST DAY: ARBOR & EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
Organized by the Medical University of South Carolina
Native Plants to the People, LLC will be selling plants at this event.
The Greenest Day features environmentally conscious local crafts, farmers, food trucks, music, and non-profits that contribute to healthier lives and a healthier planet.
Free and open to the public!
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 4/15 @ 10 PM and 4/22 @ 9 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 4/25-4/26
Weekday: 4/27-4/28
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Plant Sale @ Plantasia
Native Plants to the People will be selling plants at this event.
Free, open to the public, and family-friendly.
Garden vendors, Food trucks, Children’s garden & activities, and much more!
Pollinator Garden Workshop
Join Dorchester County Parks & Recreation and Clemson Extension for a hands-on Pollinator Garden Workshop at Ashley River Park on Wednesday, April 8th. Participants will learn about the importance of native plants, how to select the right species for their garden, and simple steps they can take to make their yard or community space more pollinator-friendly.
Date: Wednesday, April 8th
Time: 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Location: Ashley River Park (200 Renken Road, Summerville, SC 29485)
Registration will remain open until Monday, April 6th or until the workshop is full. For more information and to register, visit https://AshleyRiverParkPollinator.eventbrite.com
For questions, please reach out Samantha Porzelt at sporzel@clemson.edu
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 3/30 @ 9 AM and 4/14 @ 8 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 4/18-4/19
Weekday: 4/20-4/21
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 3/26 @ 9 AM and 3/30 @ 9 AM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 4/4-4/5
Weekday: 4/6-4/7
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Native Plant Sale: Lowcountry SCNPS
Date: Saturday, September 27, 9:00 AM — NOON
Location: Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, 645 Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Hosts:
Lowcountry Chapter of the SC Native Plant Society
Town of Mount Pleasant
Free and open to the public
Lecture: Gardening with Natives for (Almost) Year-Round Blooms
Hosts: The Lowcountry Chapter of the SC Native Plant Society (SCNPS) at The Citadel
Location: Copeland Auditorium in Grimsley Hall, The Citadel, 3 Jenkins Ave, Charleston
Free and open to the public!
Free parking is available after 5:00 pm (see map).
Sharleen will share a brand-new photo-filled presentation featuring native plants that can be incorporated into Charleston-area yards to provide 11-12 months of colorful blooms. In addition, she'll share a bunch of actionable tips for how to attract — and support the full life cycles of — butterflies, bees, songbirds, and more!
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between now and 3/25 @ 9 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 3/28-3/29
Weekday: 3/30-3/31
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between now and 3/16 @ 8:30 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 3/21-3/22
Weekday: 3/23-3/24
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Lecture: Pollinating Wasps and Native Plants
In this live online presentation, Sharleen will be sharing a brand-new photo-filled talk about pollinating wasps of coastal South Carolina and the native plants they visit.
Hosting organization: South Carolina Association of Naturalists (SCAN)
Register here to receive the link for viewing the talk.
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 3/3 @ 9 PM and 3/11 @ 8:30 AM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 3/14-3/15
Weekday: 3/16-3/17
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 2/27 and 3/3 @ 9 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 3/7-3/8
Weekday: 3/9-3/10
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 2/21 and 2/27 @ 8 AM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 2/28-3/1
Weekday: 3/2-3/3
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Our First Plant Sale of Spring 2026!
Event: Backyard Resilience Workshop
Description: While listening to a series of fast-paced talks about incredible resilience work happening East of the Cooper, enjoy coffee, light breakfast bites, and a plant sale hosted by Native Plants to the People.
Date: Saturday, February 21, 9 AM — 11 AM
Location: Alhambra Hall, 131 Middle St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Hosts: The Preservation Society of Charleston (PSC), M.A.R.S.H Project, Charleston Horticultural Society, Towns of Mount Pleasant, and Town of Sullivan's Island
Free and open to the public!
Registration is encouraged but not required.
Details: Whether you're a sustainability expert or new to the resilience conversation, you’re going to love hearing about all of these amazing projects and how you can get involved in your own backyard. The all-star lineup of local professionals and activists includes:
Guinn Wallover, Mt. Pleasant Waterworks
David Quick, Mt. Pleasant GREEN Commission
Zack Snipes and Nick Wallover, Shoreline Restoration Group
Michelle Stress, Green Neighborhoods Work
Paula Carr, S.C. Native Plant Society
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 10/31 and 11/5 @ 8 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 11/8-11/9
Weekday: 11/10-11/11
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.
Native Plant Sale: Midlands SCNPS
Date: Sunday, October 26, 1:00-5:00 PM
Location: Hunter-Gatherer Brewery @ the Hangar (1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia)
Host: Midlands Chapter of the SC Native Plant Society
Free and open to the public
Native Plant Sale: Grand Strand SCNPS
Date: Saturday, October 11, 9:00 AM — 1:00 PM
Location: Memorial Park (410 Surfside Drive, Surfside Beach)
Host: Grand Strand Chapter of the SC Native Plant Society
Free and open to the public
Native plant pre-orders for pick-up
Place your order via the NPTTP online store: Between 10/24 and 10/29 @ 8 PM
Select your preferred James Island pick-up window during checkout:
Weekend: 11/1-11/2
Weekday: 11/3-11/4
The pick-up address will be included in the confirmation email.
Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after ordering, please check the junk mail or promotions folder in your email account.