Spring Settles in at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs

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Tulips are in bloom at Garvan Woodland Gardens as part of the annual "Tulip Extravaganza."

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. -- With spring weather setting in, many outdoor events and displays will take place in April at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. The garden’s well-known “Tulip Extravaganza” features more than 135,000 vibrant tulips, which also serve as a backdrop for walks, hikes and workshops.

The annual “Tulip Extravaganza” will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through mid-April. Hundreds of red, pink, violet and white azaleas, and thousands of delicate dogwood blossoms also will be in bloom.

The “Three Artists” Art Exhibit will be on display daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 1 to 30 in the Magnolia Room. Artists Marlene Gremillion, Sheliah Halderman and Linda Shearer partnered for this showcase of their various styles of work, including water media and collage, pastel and floral landscapes, pen and ink, oils, Chinese scroll paintings and rice paper paintings.

“Spring Tea” will be held at 3 p.m. April 8 in the Magnolia Room. A variety of hot teas will be served in the traditional English style, along with assorted scones, finger sandwiches and desserts.

With warming weather, the gardens also will offer a number of outdoor fitness opportunities, including guided health walks, moderate to advanced fitness hikes, a strength and balance building class on the art of Tai Chi, and a stroller strut for young families.

Two of the garden’s most avid walkers continue to lead weekly, guided health walks. Sharon Turrentine, a local fitness fan and regular performer in Anthony Chapel, will lead a three-mile moderate walk at 9 a.m. on Mondays. Paula Wallace, a staff member at the garden, will lead a one-mile beginner walk at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays. Participants can meet at the Pratt Welcome Center for these walks, which continue through June 30. They should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

Darlene Molloy will lead moderate to advanced fitness hikes from 10-11 a.m. every other Friday through May 30, with participants meeting at the Pratt Welcome Center. This one-hour hike will incorporate cardio, endurance and flexibility exercises to build on one’s overall fitness level. The hike will also include a yoga breathing exercise during the cool down.

A Garden Stroller Strut will take place from 10:30-11 a.m. every Friday through Sept. 26, with participants meeting at the Pratt Welcome Center.

Kathy Packard will lead “Garden Tai Chi for Diabetes” from 1:30-2:30 p.m. every Thursday, through May 29, on the Ellen Edmondson Great Lawn.

The Gardening 101 Workshop: “Great American Gardens: The Virtual Tour,” will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. April 22 in the Magnolia Room. Bob Byers, landscape architect at the garden and a frequent traveler, will lead a guided tour of the best botanical gardens and nature centers in the country. This virtual tour will feature a slideshow and an array of garden plants from each location to try at home.

In April, the garden will also feature various children’s programs and opportunities for families. The First Wednesday Children’s Program: “Learning to Look, Looking to See” will be held from 10-11 a.m. April 2 in the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Education Center. This interactive program will teach children to be a careful observer, to be aware of their surroundings and to recognize any part of the environment as being part of a larger whole.

The Drop-In Family Program: “Naturally Dyed Eggs” will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on three dates: April 5, April 25 and April 26. Each interactive class will teach children about certain plants that contain powerful dyes and the stunning colors they can create. Children will have the opportunity to learn about the plants and decorate vibrant eggs.

In an event being held offsite this year, Garvan Woodland Gardens and Signature Events will partner to present “Beauty and the Bride,” the 2014 Hot Springs Bridal Expo. The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. April 13 at the Hamp Williams Building, at 510 Ouachita Ave. (behind the Culinary District and across from the Garland County Courthouse). Prospective brides will have the chance to look for ideas for ceremony and reception venues, wedding attire, hair and makeup, florists and designers, bakeries and caterers, photographers and videographers, musicians and DJs, event planners, rentals and supplies, personalized gifts, accommodations, transportation and more, all in this historic venue. There will be door prizes and a wedding package giveaway.

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

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.