Butterflies, Bees and Chickens Among Themes of Events at Garvan Woodland Gardens in June

Photo Submitted

Seraphina, a 20-foot-wide "flaming" Phoenix, is the guardian of the Great Lawn at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. This is one of six exhibits that make up the "Mystic Creatures: Topiary Art Takes Flight" installation at the garden this summer.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Mystic creatures, butterflies, bees and chickens are a few themes of the events planned at Garvan Woodland Gardens in June. The following is a look at what is in store for garden visitors.

"Iris and Orchids in the Garden," a collection of silk paintings, has been on display since May 1 and will not be departing any time soon. These flowers are brought to life through silk paintings and vibrant tapestries in an exhibit of work by Jamie Kirkell. The exhibit will be on display from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through June 30 in the Magnolia Room. A two-day workshop led by Kirkell also will be held June 27-28.

"Mystic Creatures: Topiary Art Takes Flight" is an exhibit like no other. The installation features six giant "mosaiculture" topiary figures - plants in mosaic-like patterns on metal superstructures - scattered throughout the garden. Each figure was created by the garden's artisan welders to fit its designated site and to bring out a sense of imagination and enchantment with the wonder of deep forests and gardens. The 2014 exhibit attracted a record number of visitors, which makes the 2015 exhibit a must-see event. The display is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Aug. 31.

As part of the Gardening 101 workshops, "Hens in the Hollyhocks" will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon June 12 in the Magnolia Room. Dayna Carter, of Blooming Wands Farms Chickens, will discuss her experiences with chickens in the garden. Jimmy Driggers, with Garland County Cooperative Extension, and Dustan Clark, extension poultry health veterinarian, will cover the basics of keeping chickens at home. They'll discuss how homegrown eggs can go hand-in-hand with fresh floral bouquets and vegetables.

Another Gardening 101 workshop, titled "So What's All the Buzz? Amazing Pollinators," will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon June 25 in the Magnolia Room. Bees are more important than many people might think. For many food crops and plants, bees are essential in the growing process. Jon Zawislak, a bee specialist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, will discuss the world of bees, what exactly they do and how to welcome bees to personal gardens.

The workshop "Herbs for the Birds, Bees and Butterflies" also will be held June 25, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Magnolia Room. Participants can discover which herbs host caterpillars and attract and feed bees, butterflies and hummingbirds in gardens. Debbie Tripp, an herbalist, will host the workshop, and plants will be available for sale to encourage improvement and productivity in home gardens.

For the artist in the family, a two-day silk painting workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 27 and 28 in the Magnolia Room. Jamie Kirkell, a silk painting expert, will teach participants multiple techniques of painting flowers with brilliant color dyes on silk. Each participant will be able to create two scarves and paintings during the class. The workshop is limited to 12 participants.

Adults are not the only ones who can take part in the magic of Garvan Woodland Gardens this summer. Children can get an introduction to theater in "Story Time!" from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. June 9-11 in the Magnolia Room. In this three-day improvisation program, children ages 5-12 can play games using the "Mystic Creatures" display as their inspiration. Lanie Carlson will teach the playwriting basics of character, setting and plot, and also guide them in creating costumes, rehearsing and performing.

Regular exercise is an important part of staying healthy, so the garden continues to host health walks in June. Sharon Turrentine, a fitness instructor, will lead a three-mile hike on hidden pathways at 9 a.m. each Monday, and the route is always different. There also will be a one-mile walk led by a garden staff member at 9 a.m. each Tuesday for those who want to focus on the beauty of nature while exercising. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended.

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.