Where Bronze Meets Blossoms: Brookgreen’s Stunning New Chapter

Spring always seems to arrive early in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The azaleas ignite the woods in fuchsia and coral, the birds strike up their morning songs, and even the bees can’t resist the call of warm sun and open petals. But this year, there’s a different kind of blooming underway—something grander than blossoms and bolder than spring’s usual fanfare.

Just beyond the iconic gates of Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, steel beams rise where flower beds once quietly grew. The hum of construction blends with the natural soundtrack of the grounds, and soon, a new chapter will take root. Brookgreen’s Purdy Center, a striking conservatory and welcome center decades in the making, is starting to take shape—and it’s no small update. It’s a $17 million transformation.

What began as a dream some 30 years ago, then revisited during the hush of the pandemic, is becoming reality in glass, steel, and garden life. Visitors will eventually walk into a sunlit space filled with orchids—thousands of them—suspended floral baskets, and a living wall lush with tropical greenery. The building’s 30-foot ceilings will stretch above like a cathedral for nature, and the warmth and color inside will offer a year-round retreat, rain or shine.

But this isn’t just a pretty place to pause. The conservatory is also designed for life’s moments—weddings, programs, family gatherings, and quiet escapes. A coffee bar and courtyard will encourage visitors to linger. And then there’s the Gaia Walk, an accessible ramp that winds around a sculptural centerpiece and leads to a breathtaking veranda. From up there, you can see it all—the statues, the gardens, and on clear evenings, the kind of sunset you want to write home about.

There’s more to come. Plans include a butterfly pavilion and a wetlands overlook. For now, though, the excitement is in watching something beautiful grow where history and hope already run deep.

For those visiting the Grand Strand, it’s a reminder that Myrtle Beach is more than shoreline and surf. Just a short drive inland, you’ll find a garden in bloom and a vision taking shape—one that will be here for years to come.

Planning your next visit to the Grand Strand?
Make sure a walk through Brookgreen Gardens is on your list. And when the new conservatory opens its doors, you’ll know you were part of the story from the beginning.

Whether you’re planning a spring getaway or dreaming of a fall retreat, let Thomas Beach Vacations be your home base for exploration and relaxation. With cozy condos and spacious beach homes just a short drive from Brookgreen Gardens, we make it easy to enjoy the best of the Grand Strand. Book your stay today and experience comfort, convenience, and Southern hospitality at its finest.