[Columbia, SC] - Riverbanks Zoo & Garden will stay open late on Thursday, April 6 as part of the Botanical Garden's First Thursdays in the Garden program, sponsored by Woodley's Garden Center and scheduled now through October.

"We received terrific feedback from last year's summer series," said Melodie Scott-Leach, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden's director of horticulture. "People loved experiencing the Garden after hours. The music's great, people can grab a bite and a beer, check out local artists and just relax."

Ruby, formerly Jules Verne, an Americana band featuring acoustic renderings of feel good rock, will perform in the Old Rose Garden. Augusta-based artist and potter Sue Beasley will be on site with her raku and desert buff hand built and wheel thrown pottery, and Riverbanks horticulturists will be offering roving tours of the Garden along with spontaneous classes on bouquet design and building terrariums. Clemson Master Gardeners and Woodley's Garden Center will also be on hand to answer guests' plant questions.

In 2004, Riverbanks Botanical Garden was named one of the nation's most inspiring gardens by Horticulture Magazine and HGTV rated it one of the 20 best public gardens in America.

The Garden will be open from 6 to 9pm and admission is $2 for Society members and $4 for general admission. Beer and wine and a variety of sandwiches and wraps will also be available for purchase.