Project Revitalize

On Saturday, November 5, 2011 Clemson University students within the Communication Studies program will host Project Revitalize, a volunteer-day in the South Carolina Botanical Gardens.   These students, some in a Creative Inquiry class and others in a major class, along with Dr. Dylan Wolfe, created and planned this event, specifically pertaining to the NatureBasedArt Program in the SCBG.  The goal of this event is to “revitalize” five sculptures within the Botanical Gardens: Devotion of the Sunflower, Crucible, Ochun, Time Capsule, and Sittin’ Pretty.  All of these sculptures are in good condition, despite several years of evolution and possible decay.  Essentially, the goal is for each sculpture to regain it’s glory in whatever state of evolution it may be in.  Obviously, because all of the sculptures are made through various facets and tidbits of nature, erosion and decay do take place.

The Devotion of the Sunflower is the main concentration for the day. The first shift of volunteers will cut away the tarp from the petals and clear away the site  for planting. The second shift will be planting the thyme, brown-eyed Susans and rosemary. For each petal, three thyme plants will be planted arranged around the bottom half in thirds. The brown-eyed Susans and rosemary will be planted above the petals and when transplanted from the plants, they should not be planted above or below the soil line in the pot. The third shift will spread mulch. Essentially, the prime objective of this is to plant certain types of  plants that will be more weather resistant and friendly. As for the others sculptures, the main objective is to “tidy” them up and spread mulch around them, to make them look more presentable.  The SCBG and Clemson University are proud to have this special type of NatureBasedArt program, which is why this revitalization project is taking place.  Members of different on-campus organizations (Horticulture, Greeks, Athletic teams) are coming out to work in the gardens that day.  At the moment, the estimated number for volunteers is between 150 and 200 individuals.

Look out for another update and pictures after the volunteer day! Come out to the Botanical Gardens and look at all the hard work!