Urban Research and Demonstration Area
The Urban Research and Demonstration Area is part of Clemson University's Coastal Research and Education Center located at 2865 Savannah Highway in Charleston, SC. It was established in 1975 by Dr. Wayne Sitterly to teach plant ID to landscapers and Master Gardeners, to introduce the public to new plants, to let home gardeners see new ideas or what specimens would look like before planting them in their garden. There is a map located at the central kiosk where visitors can find common and scientific names of plants located within the garden. Labels indicating bed numbers and plant common and scientific names can be found throughout the garden. Visitors can see the butterfly garden, heritage garden, herb garden, vegetable garden demonstration, crepe myrtle collection, shade garden, native garden, edible garden and a new small fruit tree demonstration. There are also many large shrub specimens, an arboretum and a rain garden. The area is maintained by the Charleston Tri-County Master Gardeners Association in cooperation with Coastal Research and Education Center staff. Master Gardeners meet here on Mondays from 9am-11am (weather permitting).