A LETTER FROM DAN SHOOK, Executive Director

  If you are reading this, you are part of our family — and we are deeply grateful. Hatcher Garden is more than a place. It is a living, breathing community with intention and purpose. My hope is that this community enriches your life in ways that matter. 

     The World Health Organization definition of mental health is: “A state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”  

 Here at Hatcher Garden, I often say: 
     “This is a safe place to visit, so we can go out and do the rest of our lives.” 

We see that truth unfold every day. A child hopping stone lily pads with an ice cream cone in her hand, is a magical moment. As much as the child, who has lost a sense of control, finds solace beside a large tree because, “I know it will be in the same place.”   

      The Sensory Path was made possible by a huge gift from the Brannon family - Bob, Bladen, and Hannah. This addition has brought new depth to how we support mental health at Hatcher Garden. Through our five exterior senses that we know, to three inner senses we may not be so familiar with: balance, spatial self-awareness (where your foot is in the air), and self-regulation.  If you had a road rage incident this week, the last sense you experienced was either in your reaction or the reaction from someone else!  I watched my 18-month-old grandson go from lily pad to lily pad by stepping down and scooting his bottom and climbing the next one while a two-year-old jumped the gap. Somewhere between those months, we learn to trust that when our feet leave the earth, we will land safely. Hatcher Garden is here to nurture that process — for every age. Through play, exploration, nature, and community, we support both mental and physical well-being. 

 So we invite you: 
     Visit. Find Value. Invest.

     To donate, visit the link at the bottom of this newsletter.
     Talk with our leadership team, our volunteers, your friends — or simply yourself. Find a spiritual and restorative place here, one that strengthens your ability to meet the world with curiosity, courage, and calm. 

And then, together, let’s ask: “What is the next level we can reach — and how can we invest in the Garden so that your time here continues to grow in value and meaning?” 

 We are honored to share this journey with you,

Dan

It’s Here! The 2026 Hatcher Garden Calendar!

HATCHER HOLISTIC

We’re thrilled to announce the opening of Hatcher Holistic, a collective of like-minded individuals offering both group and private sessions centered around building community, mindfulness, and well-being. Our offerings will take place indoors as well as outside within the serenity of Hatcher Garden.

New Summer Camps For 2026

We’re thrilled to announce three summer camps for local students next year:

• Discovery Camp – For rising 3rd–5th graders, focusing on the wonders of nature and the Garden.

• Art Camp (New this year!) – For 5th–8th graders, exploring traditional art, nature-inspired creations, and some surprises.

• Trade Camp (New this year!) – For teens ages 13–17, offering hands-on experiences in a variety of skilled trades.

     If you know a student who would love these unique learning opportunities, visit our website in February to enroll.

Plan Your Visit

Imagine a place where nature's charm meets the thrill of learning, and stunning scenery provides a sanctuary for wildlife. It exists, right here, beyond the bustle of Spartanburg.

Hatcher Garden has delighted, educated, and inspired visitors for generations. Join us for an event, lend a hand, or just come stroll and unwind. Our gardens are here for you to enjoy from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, free of charge.

our newest
Garden space
in the news

Recently our Children’s Garden was featured on the Fox 21 Carolina newscast. Executive Director Dan Shook took the reporter on a tour of the newest completed additions to the Children’s Garden: including the stone sculpture, the “stone lily” and two metal sculptures; the sensory loop; plants that would be of interest to children, like peppermint; and the Alphabet Pathway, which includes Cyrillic (Russian) alphabet letters. You can watch the video below.