Garvan Woodland Gardens Returns With Art Guild Exhibit, 'Sweethearts Dinner'

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Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs reopens to the public this Sunday for 2015. It is the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas and a part of the Fay Jones School of Architecture.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – After being closed for the month of January, Garvan Woodland Gardens will reopen to visitors this Sunday, Feb. 1, with a month-long art exhibit featuring work by the Traditional Art Guild.

The Traditional Art Guild exhibit, which will be displayed through Feb. 28, is a colorful array of works created in all types of mediums showcasing a variety of techniques by guild members. During this exhibit, the guild is holding its annual People’s Choice Contest, whereby visitors can vote for their favorite painting. The recipient of the most votes wins a cash prize.

The “Culinary Series: Ambrosia! Cupid’s Treats for a Truly Enchanted Evening” will be held from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Magnolia Room. The experts from Chiffonade Chef Services will demonstrate the perfect recipes for a romantic Valentine’s evening. Participants also will get to sample the dishes.

A “Sweethearts Dinner” will be held from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 12 in the Magnolia Room. This will be a gourmet, seated dinner with cocktails, beer and wine, as well as entertainment.

A “Feed the Birds! Treats for Feathered Friends” workshop for children will be held from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Feb. 19 in the Magnolia Room. Participants will learn how to turn pine cones, corn cobs and other everyday objects into special treats for wild birds. Ellie Elsenheimer, a retired teacher, along with other garden volunteers will show children how to make sure their feathered friends are healthy and happy during the cold weather. They’ll learn what birds eat while making their own feeder to take home.

The “Carson-Byers Workshop: Propagate!” will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Magnolia Room. Janet Carson, Bob Byers and the garden’s horticulture staff will discuss how to get free plants, allowing participants to stretch their gardening budget. From air-layering to root division and leaf cuttings, the experts will show how to propagate favorite houseplants and annuals to carry over winter or just have extras for the garden and to share. Participants in this hands-on event can see how to propagate a wide range of plant materials, plus do their own own to take home.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas.

The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and younger. Some events and activities are free. 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.