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Groundbreaking news
The topiary work pictured here was created by Columbia’s Mike “Gibby Siz” Gibson. | Photo via COLAtoday
Looking to refresh your garden beds and boxes this spring? With temps already warming in Columbia and our average last freeze around Monday, March 24, now’s the time to plant ahead. Several local plant sales — including a few with presales — are coming up soon, and the best picks tend to go fast. Here are five to put on your radar before your favorite blooms, natives, and veggies start selling out.
Stock up on fruits and veggies for your garden at the Historic Columbia annual spring sale. | Photo by Historic Columbia
Historic Columbia Plant Sale | Thursday, April 9 (HC Members only) through Saturday, April 11 | Love the plants you see at Historic Columbia’s gardens? Now’s your chance to take some home, with a wide selection of locally grown heirloom varieties, perennials, and garden staples for sale.
Boone Fox Farm Spring Plant Sale – Presales are open now for this spring plant sale, featuring heirloom veggies like Sea Island Red okra and Black Krim tomatoes, plus a wide variety of flowers perfect for bouquets and indoor cuttings.
Summer just got more colorful — and inspiring — for young artists. | Photo provided by Columbia Museum of Art
The Columbia Museum of Art offers summer camps that combine hands-on art making with access to world-class collections. Kids can create in fully equipped studios while exploring masterpieces that spark their imagination.
Highlights include:
Guided, high-quality art instruction
Inspiration from the museum’s world-class collections
Gamecock guard Raven Johnson has been named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. She becomes the fourth Gamecock to earn the honor. Five members of Dawn Staley’s starting lineup also received All-SEC recognition, matching a league record. (The State)
Transit
Construction is underway to widen Broad River Road between Royal Tower Drive and Dutch Fork Road. The project will expand the corridor from two lanes to five and add sidewalks, bike lanes, and intersection upgrades. Work is expected to continue through 2029. (WLTX)
Number
$765,000 — that’s how much USC’s Dance Marathon raised for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands during its annual Main Event. More than 1,000 students participated in the fundraising effort supporting pediatric treatment + family resources.
Art
See where local artists create their masterpieces at Columbia Open Studios on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29. The free, self-guided weekend invites the public into 65+ local artists’ private studios across the city.
Try This
The City of Columbia is seeking volunteers to help conduct pedestrian and bicyclist counts at 36 locations this spring. Participants will commit to a two-hour shift on select dates between Saturday, April 11, and Saturday, April 25, to help guide transportation planning and safety decisions. (WLTX)
Cause
Taste of the Vine returns Thursday, March 19, to Central Energy, benefiting Transitions Homeless Center. Now in its fifth year, the wine fundraiser features 18 tasting tables pouring nearly 100 wines, bites from Loosh Culinaire, and a silent auction for rare bottles.
Film
Experimental filmmaker Jodie Mack will make an appearance at The Nickelodeon Theater during Femme Film Fest: Taking Up Space. The program features a curated selection of 16mm and digital works, including “Yard Work is Hard Work” and “Dusty Stacks of Mom,” followed by a conversation with the artist.
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Post of the Day
Hooo you lookin’ at
One of the treasures of living in Columbia is our access to nature and Congaree National Park. Carolina Outdoor Adventures offers hiking, canoe, and kayak tours there, along with Lake Murray and Dreher Island, so you can get a first-hand look at nature.
On last week’s tour at Congaree, the group spotted Barred Owls, water snakes along the banks, their first water moccasin of the season peeking from a tree hollow, and even a beaver that led the group downstream for nearly 10 minutes like an honorary guide. Bookings are open if this kind of nature adventure floats your boat.
A 4.5-star rated practice golf mat. It simulates a real hitting experience with three different mat options so you can practice driving, chipping, putting, and more.
Backyard Saturday is happening Saturday, March 7, with a book-themed morning in the park. Held on the first Saturday of each month, the program features Ranger Rachel’s Storytime and hands-on nature activities, with March featuring “The Mosquito Burrito.” Grab the kids, pay the $5 parking fee, and meet at the Cattail Shelter to kick off your weekend.
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