Nature Photography Exhibit, Holiday Lights Among November Events at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Chrysanthemums are blooming in a range of hues this fall at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – A photography exhibit, gardening classes, concerts and the start of the Holiday Lights display are among the fall activities planned in November at Garvan Woodland Gardens.

"Arkansas Images: Flowers, Feathers and Fur by Sid Gipson" will be on display from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 1-30 in the Magnolia Room. This art exhibit will feature the photography of Gipson, a self-taught photographer who is a native of Benton. This exhibit will reveal the beauty of nature from a simplistic standpoint while giving viewers an up-close view of wildlife. To show his commitment to nature preservation, Gipson is donating all proceeds from the sale of images in this exhibit to Garvan Gardens in support of its mission.

The "Hydroponic Gardening" class will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in the Magnolia Room. Nolen Buffalo, of The Water Buffalo in Little Rock, will demonstrate the various forms of hydroponic gardening, a gardening technique that does not require soil. Buffalo also will discuss issues new gardeners may face and the nutritional needs of a garden. 

"Mrs. Garvan's Tea" will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Magnolia Room. This afternoon tea features a living history presentation of Mrs. Verna Garvan, the garden's benefactress. Susan Harper, who portrays Mrs. Garvan, will entertain guests as they enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.

"Children's Art Exploration with Sissy Hubbard" will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 12 in the Magnolia Room. Hubbard's class will allow children to show their artistic abilities on canvas as she teaches them techniques used in painting with acrylics.

Dee Garrett will host "Art and Wine" from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Magnolia Room. Garrett, a local artist, will present a beginner-level acrylic painting workshop. With the garden setting as inspiration, the participants can enjoy complimentary wine and cheese while practicing their techniques as they create an 8-by-8-inch finished piece.

The "Herbs for Winter" workshop with Cindy Faulk will take place from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Magnolia Room. Faulk, of "C the Difference," will discuss cultivating, cooking and the medicinal uses of herbs. She'll teach participants how to use herbs as remedies for many cold weather-related illnesses.

The Champion Chorale will perform at 3 p.m. Nov. 13 in Anthony Chapel. The 30-voice group is a newly formed ensemble made up of students and friends of Champion Christian College in Hot Springs. Under the direction of Tom Bolton, they will present sacred choral and instrumental music in their debut performance in Anthony Chapel.

Through Nov. 14, health walks will take place at the garden each Monday from 9-10 a.m. Sharon Turrentine will lead an exhilarating three-mile hike along various garden landscapes. Participants should meet at the Welcome Center and wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

Rush Fentress, the garden's director of education, will lead "Plant ID Hikes" from 8-9:30 a.m. on Thursdays through Nov. 17. These hikes are for Garvan Gardens

members only, and participants will meet in the Welcome Center beforehand. Each hike will wind through the Evans Children's Adventure Garden and the Hixson Nature Preserve. Participants are encouraged to share their knowledge of native botanical species while learning from others.

Linda Williams Palmer, author of "Champion Trees of Arkansas: An Artist's Journey," will have a book reading and signing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Magnolia Room. This coffee table book explores the state's natural beauty, culture and people through drawings, photographs and stories. Published by the University of Arkansas Press, the book includes 67 full-color images.

Two classes, called "Soaping 101: A Glimpse into Basic Soap Making," will take place at noon and at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Magnolia Room. The team at Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium will present this soap-making class for beginners, demonstrating a melt-and-pour technique. Participants will receive samples, recipes, instructions, tips and a "soap bag" with all the materials needed to make soap at home.

The 2016 Holiday Lights display will come to life starting Nov. 19 from 5-9 p.m. They will light up the gardens at the same time every night through the end of the year. More than 4.5 million lights across 18 acres will be part of the holiday display, one of Arkansas' most anticipated annual events. Complimentary hot chocolate will be provided.

The Village Big Band from Hot Springs Village will perform various holiday pieces at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Anthony Chapel, to celebrate the beginning of the Holiday Lights season.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas and part of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. Regular garden hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. From Nov. 19 through Dec. 31, garden hours are noon to 9 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). 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.