Garvan Woodland Gardens Continues Outdoor Display, Hosts Other Events in August

Photo Submitted

This is a detail of the Fairy Gourdmother house, part of the "Mystic Creatures" exhibit that continues through Aug. 31 at Garvan Woodland Gardens.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Arkansas has had a fairly mild summer thus far, which means Garvan Woodland Gardens continues to be a perfect option for outdoor events and workshops.

Continuing this month, the “Mystic Creatures” exhibit is a collaborative project between the garden’s design and fabrication teams and landscape architecture students from the Fay Jones School of Architecture. The designers have challenged the traditional art of topiary in this display that features four main pieces, each of which was first crafted from light metal, then filled with soil and planted with colorful foliage and flowers. It remains on display through Aug. 31.

Photographer Tim Gorman, originally from Forrest City, will present a selection of his works in an exhibit titled “America’s Splendid Nature” from Aug. 1-31. These pieces feature nature and floral beauty from his travels across America, though many of his favorites were taken in Arkansas and include some taken at the garden.

Gardening expert Janet Carson and landscape architect Bob Byers will lead a workshop on basic landscape design from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both Aug. 4 and Aug. 18 in the Magnolia Room. Participants should arrive with a site in mind, and the instructors will discuss how to prepare a base map, the basics of selecting the right plants, how to design for beauty and low maintenance, and the basic rules of success from the great gardening traditions of the world. An optional question-and-answer session begins at 9 a.m. both dates.

Adam Webb and his colleagues from the Garland County Library will teach gardeners how to make use of the library’s new seed bank program in a workshop called “Seeds for Change,” held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 14 in the Magnolia Room. Gardeners may check out seeds at planting time and return a portion of their crop for the next year’s supply of fresh seeds for other gardeners.

An event called “Worms! Nature’s Best Composters” will be held from 10-11 a.m. Aug. 6 in the Magnolia Room. Children can watch a real vermicomposting bin at work, learn about earthworms and why they’re efficient composting machines, and take home their very own worm castle.

Also, Anthony Chapel will be closed from Aug. 10-22 for routine maintenance and cleaning. Only authorized personnel will be allowed access during this time.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas, as part of the Fay Jones School of Architecture.

The garden is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, free for children ages 5 and younger, and $5 for dogs. Some events and activities are free, while some require a fee, advanced registration or prepayment.

For more information about these events or to check on upcoming events, call (501) 262-9300 or (800) 366-4664.