Garvan Woodland Gardens Hosts Trash Bash, Ballet and Halloween Events in October

Photo by Garvan Woodland Gardens

These replicas of Hot Springs bathhouses are part of the Fairy Garden, which was dedicated recently at Garvan Woodland Gardens. A team of volunteers spent 21 months designing the space, which features a collection of whimsical structures made from found objects and plants.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Fall has begun, and Garvan Woodland Gardens has planned many events and activities to celebrate the season.

The "Arkansas Pastel Society" art exhibit will be on display from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 1-31 in the Magnolia Room. The exhibit features the works of a regional group of artists who work in soft and oil pastels. This exhibit will demonstrate the use of many techniques to portray scenery and subjects in pastels. The art can also be found at www.arkpastel.com.

The annual "Trash Bash," a cleanup event for the entire family, will be held Oct. 3. Participants will meet at 8 a.m. at one of the designated locations. The event will take place from 8-11 a.m. along the area lakes and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Klipsch Amphitheater in the garden. There are multiple check stations where participants can get supplies, trade in their collected trash for raffle tickets and hang out. A free T-shirt, barbecue lunch and admission to the Gardens are included. Check stations are located around Lake Catherine, Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita.

"Ballet and Blooms," a Ballet Arkansas event and reception, will take place at 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Anthony Chapel and the Garvan Pavilion. The evening will include cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment, as well as a specially tailored performance by Ballet Arkansas.

"A Matter of Balance," a series of eight classes, will be offered from 1:30-3:30 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday from Oct. 5-28 in the Magnolia Room. Kathy Packard of the Oaklawn Center on Aging will teach exercises and techniques centered around gaining balance and addressing the changes people's bodies experience as they age.

"Not Just for Jack-o-Lanterns: Succulent-Topped Pumpkins" is a two-day event planned from 1-4 p.m. Oct. 10 and 11 in the Magnolia Room. Minnie Shelor, a horticulturalist and garden staff member, will demonstrate how to turn an ordinary pumpkin into a fall arrangement or centerpiece using moss, succulents and seasonal dried materials from the garden. Attendees are asked to bring their own pumpkins, from 10 to 14 inches in diameter.

The workshop "Greek or Irish? Labyrinths and Celtic Knots" will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 18 in the Magnolia Room. Led by Roxana Rose, an artist and naturalist, this workshop will include everything from small finger labyrinths to full-scale garden designs. Hands-on activity and creativity are required, but drawing experience is not.

"Pysanky in the Gardens" will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24-26 in the Magnolia Room. The event will demonstrate one of the oldest art forms using Pysanky, or the Ukrainian Easter egg, a folk art that uses intricate geometric, floral and animal designs, as well as beeswax and dyes. Artisans from around the world will work and display finished eggs, and some will be for sale.

"The Sweet Life," part of the Diabetic Empowerment Series, will continue from 2:30-4:30 p.m. October 1, 8, 15 and 22 in the Magnolia Room. Kathy Packard from the Oaklawn Center on Aging will share tips and techniques to help make living with diabetes more fulfilling and joyful.

"Strength in Motion," in the Tai Chi Series, continues from 1:30-2:30 p.m. every Thursday through Nov. 5 on the Great Lawn. Representatives from the Oaklawn Center on Aging will show attendees how the ancient, low-impact practice of tai chi can increase flexibility, balance and strength. Loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas and part of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. 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.