Editing Sumter, South Carolina (section)

== Swan Lake Iris Gardens ==
[[Swan Lake Iris Gardens]] is the only public park in the United States containing all eight known species of [[swan]]. The lake is dotted with islands and wildlife. The park is also home to some of the nation's most intensive plantings of [[Iris (plant)|Japanese Iris]], which bloom yearly in mid to late May and last until the beginning of June. The garden is also planted with camellias, azaleas, day lilies, and Japanese magnolias. A Braille Trail enables the sight-impaired to enjoy the scents and sensations of the gardens.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swan Lake/Iris Gardens, Sumter |url=https://cityseeker.com/sumter/824946-swan-lake-iris-gardens |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=cityseeker |language=en}}</ref>

This area was first developed in 1927 as a private fishing retreat by Hamilton Carr Bland, a local businessman. At the same time he was developing the {{convert|30|acres|abbr=out}} of swamp on what is now the north side of West Liberty Street, he was landscaping the grounds of his home with [[Japanese iris]]. They failed miserably, and after consulting expert horticulturists from as far away as New York, he ordered his gardener to dig up the bulbs and dump them at the swamp. The following spring, they burst into bloom.

The park is host to events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual "Iris Festival" which is held every [[Memorial Day]] weekend in May. The gardens also host a Christmas event with the nighttime Fantasy of Lights display, featuring more than 1,000,000 varicolored lights. It also hosts an annual Earth Day celebration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://carolinaliving.com/heartlands/sumter-sc|title=Sumter SC {{!}} Carolina Living|last=Pettit|first=Katherine|website=carolinaliving.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922195105/https://carolinaliving.com/heartlands/sumter-sc|archive-date=2019-09-22|access-date=2019-09-22}}</ref>