Lake City’s hidden garden glows in autumn.
Nestled just beyond Lake City, Moore Farms Botanical Garden is one of the Pee Dee’s most enchanting destinations. Though technically outside Florence, this hidden oasis feels worlds away. The garden blends horticultural excellence with artistic creativity, offering visitors a memorable and immersive escape. In fall, the grounds come alive with blazing foliage, crisp air, and whimsical details that turn every stroll into an adventure.
Fall is arguably the best time to experience Moore Farms. Brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold transform the trees, while late-season blooms bring unexpected vibrancy to the cooler days. Carefully placed pumpkins, ornamental kale, and seasonal plantings highlight the festive spirit of autumn.
Adding to its charm are the whimsical sculptures tucked among the hedges and groves. These pieces surprise and delight visitors, reminding them that the garden is as much about imagination as it is about plant life. Each turn of the path offers something new—sometimes a burst of color, other times a quiet artistic moment waiting to be discovered.
Unlike traditional botanical gardens, Moore Farms is designed as a living, evolving canvas. Landscapes are crafted with creativity, blending native plants with global species to spark both learning and wonder. Visitors often describe it as stepping into a storybook garden, where art and nature exist in perfect harmony.
This balance makes the garden appealing to a wide range of visitors. Plant enthusiasts appreciate the variety of species, families enjoy the playfulness of the sculptures, and artists or photographers find endless inspiration in its seasonal displays.
This year, autumn at Moore Farms brings more than just dazzling color. On Friday, October 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the garden will host its annual Fall Plant Sale. Guests can browse a wide selection of seasonal flowers, ornamental plants, and native species cultivated by the garden’s expert horticultural team.
The plant sale is an opportunity to bring a touch of Moore Farms home. Shoppers will find unique plants not typically available at local nurseries, and staff will be on hand to share tips and guidance on plant care, design, and landscaping. With fall foliage as the backdrop, it’s an ideal way to combine a day of inspiration with a chance to enhance your own garden.
One of the most unique features of Moore Farms is that it operates by reservation only. This ensures an intimate experience free from crowds, giving visitors the chance to connect deeply with the gardens. Booking early is essential—especially in autumn, when the foliage is at its peak and tours fill quickly.
Guided tours provide a rich experience, offering background on the garden’s design, history, and ongoing projects. This insider perspective adds depth to each visit and makes the encounter more memorable.
For travelers and locals alike, Moore Farms Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination. It’s a place where horticulture, art, and tranquility converge. Whether you are a devoted gardener, a casual visitor, or someone simply seeking inspiration, the garden provides a unique experience that lingers long after you leave.
Pairing a trip here with nearby Lake City attractions—such as local galleries and cafés—creates the perfect fall day in the Pee Dee.
Moore Farms Botanical Garden is more than just a destination; it is an immersive autumn retreat. With its vibrant foliage, whimsical sculptures, thoughtfully designed landscapes, and special events like the Fall Plant Sale, it offers visitors a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the season. For those who plan ahead and reserve their tour, this garden reveals itself as one of the Pee Dee’s most extraordinary treasures.
