Garvan Woodland Gardens Hosts Mount Vernon Expert, Rhododendron Society in November

Photo Submitted

Chrysanthemums and pumpkins decorate the pathways at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The array of fall color continues into November at Garvan Woodland Gardens, with the vibrancy of the Japanese maples and the glow of the entire hardwood forest. Thousands of radiant annuals and perennials, including the garden’s annual mum fest, also are part of this year’s “Fall in the Woodlands,” available to visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily throughout the month.

In addition, the works of photographic artist Mary Jayne White will be exhibited for the month of November in the Magnolia Room. White uses a variety of photographic techniques and styles to capture the colors and beauty of birds, flowers and landscapes. The exhibit will feature framed photographs, as well as prints on canvas, and will be available for viewing 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Garvan Gardens will present an American story by special guest Dean Norton, director of horticulture at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon is the historic home of George Washington and one of the most accurately restored 18th century estates in America. The presentation will discuss the importance and preservation of Mount Vernon’s gardens and landscape. Norton is responsible for applying the latest plant science and management techniques to horticulture in a historic setting. His presentation will take place at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at Anthony Chapel, with a reception and book signing following directly afterward in the Pratt Welcome Center.

The Ozark Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society will hold its annual fall meeting and workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 in the Magnolia Room. Buddy Lee, developer of the popular Encore Azalea series, will discuss new plants for the all-season garden as well as exciting species currently under development for gardeners in the South. Bob Byers also will give a brief introduction to the garden’s azalea, rhododendron and maple collections and lead a tour of fall highlights following the lecture.

A workshop titled “Adding Color to Your Fall Garden” will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Magnolia Room. Janet Carson, with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, and Bob Byers, associate executive director of the garden, will explain how to maintain color in the home garden until the first hard frosts and beyond. The workshop will teach what to plant and how to take care of the plants to end the year with color. Chipmunk Café will provide a box lunch.

In “Leaves! Wednesday Children’s Walk-In Program,” children ages 5-12 can learn basic facts about leaves, including why they are so important to the planet. Children also will be given an art project to take home to reinforce the lessons they learn. The class will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 5 at the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Center.

In the Culinary Series class “Elegant Edibles,” Eve Baum, a chef and culinary instructor, will discuss how to mix flavors and textures to create taste sensations to start any gathering off right. Participants will learn how to make exciting treats such as roasted tomato soup shots with candied bacon, feta cream tartlets and mini vanilla panna cotta. The class will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Magnolia Room.

A Gardening 101 class titled “Life in the Greenhouse” will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 18 in the Magnolia Room. Yvonne Becker and Lin Johnson, veteran greenhouse growers and Master Gardeners, will teach about various types of home greenhouses and how to use them effectively. Becker and Johnson also will show types of greenhouses used locally by home gardeners and answer questions about what has worked successfully in this area of the state. Directly afterward, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Becker will lead the “Your First Orchard” class. She will discuss how the natural habitats of orchids influence the light conditions, temperature, water, fertilizer and potting media needed to grow beautiful orchids at home. She also will demonstrate the proper techniques for repotting and maintaining orchids.

“Mrs. Garvan’s Tea” will provide a living history presentation of Verna Garvan, the benefactress of Garvan Woodland Gardens at 3 p.m. Nov. 11 in the Magnolia Room. Susan Harper, who portrays Mrs. Garvan, will give a humorous and informative talk about the history of Garvan Gardens and its colorful namesake.

Guided health and fitness group walks will allow participants to admire the acres of colorful seasonal plantings and scenic views while getting regular exercise. Through Nov. 23, the intermediate fitness level walk (three miles) will take place Mondays at 9 a.m., and the beginner fitness level walk (one mile) will take place Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Good walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended.

In a Health Series program called “Tai Chi in the Gardens,” Kathy Packard of the Oaklawn Center on Aging will teach the practice of Tai Chi. This exercise is an ancient low-impact, safe method for staying flexible and toned. The classes will be held Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn through Dec. 4 (except Thanksgiving Day). In case of rain, classes will be moved to the Garvan Pavilion.

Dancers from Ballet Arkansas will be featured in the third annual performance of The Nutcracker at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Magnolia Room. Children and adults will have the opportunity to mingle with the dancers as well as take pictures following a short performance and the reading of The Nutcracker story.

Four million brilliant bulbs will transform approximately 17 acres into an animated holiday display for the 2014 Holiday Lights event. The display will be available for viewing nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 22 through Dec. 31. Complimentary hot chocolate will be provided, and the Chipmunk Café will be open from 3-9 p.m. each day. The Village Band will perform holiday pieces in an opening-night concert to kick off Holiday Lights at 6 p.m. Nov. 22 in Anthony Chapel.

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.