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Garvan Woodland Gardens
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to visit Garvan Woodland Gardens in
Hot Springs. What a wonderful place this is in our own backyard! It is Arkansas'
only botanical garden and the only botanical garden that is located on an entire peninsula in a major body of water, Lake Hamilton. Garvan is home to a unique variety of native plants, exotic plants and animals. A visit
to Garvan is an ideal family outing for both children and adults.
It you have not yet visited this horticultural achievement, you will be impressed with its design, execution, and size. It is located on a 210 acre forested site so be sure to dress appropriately for weather and wear comfortable shoes since most of the garden is reached via wide pathways. For
the more sure-footed, there are steeper paths leading down to several water falls and bridge areas for close-up views.
Keep in mind this is a "woodland" garden anchored by native pine and hardwood trees. Nonetheless, it includes 128 species of ornamental shrubs and wildflowers and 260 varieties of flowering perennials and ground covers. You will also enjoy about 65 different types of Asian maple trees most of which
are Japanese maples. One of the volunteers who introduced our party to the garden, since this was our first visit, strongly recommended a return visit
in late March or early May to see great spring colors from azaleas, dogwoods, redbuds and daffodils. Fall is another excellent time during Mumfest from October 17-19. From November 22 thru December 31 they have a special display of Christmas lights.
Those of us who have either grown up in Arkansas or chosen this state as our home should be very proud of this creation of the University of Arkansas School of Architecture. It is truly a showcase of floral landscapes, waterfalls, streams, and architectural structures. A chapel, children's
educational garden and further expansion of the Hamilton Woods Bird Sanctuary are in the planning stages while an expanded food service and picnic area are currently under construction. Golf cart guided tours are also being expanded.
Garvan operates year-round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. It is open 7 days a week, April 1-October 31, 9am to 6pm. From November 1-March 31 the hours are 10am to 5pm. Admission fees are: adults $7.00, seniors (55 and older) $6.00, children (6-12) $4.00 and
children 5 and under are free. Parking is free.
All of us are indebted to the vision and generosity of Verna C. Garvan for
donating this woodland sanctuary to the U. of A. Department of Landscape
Architecture in 1985. It was the first step toward helping her preserve and
protect this magnificent garden site for future generations to enjoy. It is a
work in progress and is now well on its way to becoming a world-class botanical
garden which was her ultimate goal. For more information:
info@garvangardens.org
and http://www.garvangardens.org
By Gerald L. Wood
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