Garvan Woodland Gardens Welcomes Spring with Blooms, Workshops and Other Events

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens prepares for the return of spring this month with its annual Daffodil Days and Tulip Extravaganza. It is the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas and a part of the Fay Jones School of Architecture.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Garvan Woodland Gardens prepares for the return of spring with the annual Daffodil Days and Tulip Extravaganza, along with a host of other activities and events in March.

The Artistic Divas exhibit, featuring the work of Millie Steveken and Cynthia Schanink, is on display for the entire month of March in the Magnolia Room. Using their latest technique, these long-time friends pour paint on paper to produce lively results, with many of the paintings depicting garden scenery.

The annual Daffodil Days and Tulip Extravaganza celebrate the end of winter at the garden. From mid-March through April, thousands of daffodils will bloom, azaleas and dogwoods will flower and perennials will bud. With the blooming of nearly 150,000 tulips, this display of spring color is the biggest between Memphis and Dallas.

A workshop called "Just Tea Basics: 3,000 Years of Delight" will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. March 10 in the Millsap Bride's Hall. Herbalist Cindy Faulk will explain how to brew the perfect cup of tea, while participants sample oolong, green, black and herbal teas.

Immediately following this workshop, Mrs. Garvan's Tea will be held at 3 p.m. March 10 in the Magnolia Room. This afternoon tea will feature a living history presentation of Mrs. Verna Garvan, the garden's benefactress. Guests can enjoy a traditional tea fare including the new Garvan tea blend made at the workshop, all while being entertained by Susan Harper, who portrays Mrs. Garvan.

A "Beginning Jewelry Making" workshop will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. March 11 in the Magnolia Room. Artist Lynn Harris will explain simple techniques for making charms, pendants and other projects that make perfect gifts.

Two Gardening 101 workshops will be held March 17 in the Magnolia Room. For "It's Great Being Green," held from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Bob Byers will present ideas for using green to create interest in the garden. Yvonne Becker and Sherry Faulkner, both Master Gardeners, will share tips for growing fern and moss gardens. In "Daffodils for Your Garden," held from 1-3 p.m., Bonnie McClure, of the Arkansas Daffodil Society, will discuss how to grow this plant. Then, Paula Wallace, a veteran horticulturist, will present a tour of the garden's extensive collection.

"Beauty and the Bride," the 2015 Hot Springs Bridal Expo, will take place from 1-4 p.m. March 15 at the Hot Springs Country Club. This event, a joint presentation by Garvan Woodland Gardens and Signature Events, allows participants to meet dozens of vendors. Door prizes and a Hot Springs destination wedding package worth up to $20,000 will be given away with a drawing at the end of the expo.

The Muses Spring Concert, "Celtic Spring," will be presented at 3 p.m. March 15 in Anthony Chapel. This annual celebration of "St. Patrick's Day" will feature Irish harp, flute and vocals.

A "Building With Trees" workshop will be presented from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 24 in the Magnolia Room. Experts from university forestry programs, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, Arkansas Urban Forestry Council and the garden will discuss topics that include pests and new protection techniques, such as engineered soils and recycled rubber tree guards.

The two-day workshop "Picture This!" will be held from 2-4 p.m. March 25 at Oaklawn Center and from 2-4 p.m. March 26 at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Participants can learn about outdoor photography from Taylor Bellott, a professional photographer.

Just in time for Easter, children ages 5-12 can learn about colors in nature and how those colors can be applied to eggs by using natural dyes. The workshop titled "Eggs!" will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. March 19 in the Millsap Bride's Hall.

The "Eggscellent Easter!" workshop will be held from 1:30-4 p.m. March 29 in the Magnolia Room. Participants can learn about one of the world's oldest continuously practiced art forms. Pysanky, or Ukrainian eggs, are created through a simple batik process using wax and dyes, often with stunning results. This workshop is open to children ages 6 and older, with parental supervision. All supplies are provided.

During the month of March, health walks at the garden will take place from 9-10 a.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. A one-mile walk will be led by a garden staff member each Tuesday. Sharon Turrentine will lead an exhilarating three-mile hike each Monday through parts of the garden that most people never see. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

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 $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.