Garvan Woodland Gardens Returns With Fiber Art Show, Gardening Workshops

Photo Submitted

This piece is Darlene Garstecki's artistic representation of the Joy Manning Scott Full Moon Bridge at Garvan Woodland Gardens.

After being closed for a month, Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs will reopen to visitors this Saturday, Feb. 1, with an art exhibit featuring the work of Darlene Garstecki. By mid-February, more than 250,000 daffodils also are expected to make their annual appearance at the gardens.

The “Fabulous Fibers” Art Exhibit will remain on display through Feb. 28. Garstecki, an award-winning fiber and jewelry design artist, incorporates her photographs into realistic fiber art for the wall. She adds texture and depth to her pieces by using bright, clear hues and embellishments.

The “Edible Valentines” Children’s Program will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 5 in the Magnolia Room. This educational project will guide children in making a seeded pine cone Valentine to hang in their back yards at home. The event is open to children ages 3-12, and each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

In preparation for warmer weather, two different Gardening 101 workshops will be held in February. The first, “Gardening by the Moon: When to Plant, Prune and Harvest,” will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Feb. 10 in the Magnolia Room. Bob Byers, associate executive director, will discuss the theory behind the Farmer’s Almanac calendar and how the phases of the moon can help create a productive garden.

The second Gardening 101 Workshop, “Reading Your Soil Test Results: Basics of Soil Science,” will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 18 in the Magnolia Room. Bob Byers will discuss the information revealed by soil tests and explain the basic characteristics of soil.

Karen Holcomb, market manager at Spa City Co-Op, will discuss fresh produce from local growers from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 10 in the Magnolia Room. Holcomb will explain how the “online farmer’s market” works and share the benefits of buying from local farmers.

A “Valentine’s Dinner at the Gardens” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Magnolia Room. The Gardens will provide a seated dinner, cocktails, beer, wine and entertainment.

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 $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. 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.