November at Garvan Woodland Gardens Brings Fall Splendor, Start of Holiday Lights Display

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Pumpkins and potted plants provide fall décor on the walkway near the Garvan Pavilion at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — As the days and nights grow cooler, Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs has several workshops and events geared toward the changing seasons and the upcoming holidays.

An exhibit of artwork by Brenda Bennett will be on display from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 1-30 in the Magnolia Room. Bennett, of Hot Springs Village, will present her works in oils and acrylics. Bennett's work consists of still lifes, landscapes and various forms of portrait work. Her work has been shown at auctions, national juried shows, gallery shows and state fair exhibits in California.

The "Fall is for Photos" workshop is a two-day event for the photographer in the family. It will be held from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Magnolia Room and from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 5 on the garden grounds. Taylor Bellotte, a professional photographer, will present tips on capturing the brilliant colors of fall foliage.

As part of the Gardening 101 workshop series, "A Tree of One's Own" will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 9 in the Magnolia Room. Larry Morphew, a media personality, will present his favorite Japanese maple varieties and demonstrate how to use a twig to graft a tree.

"Mrs. Garvan's Tea" will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 10 in the Magnolia Room, with traditional tea fare provided. Susan Harper will give a living history presentation of Verna Garvan, benefactress of the garden.

A workshop called "Have Yourself a Rosemary Little Christmas" will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Magnolia Room. Cindy Faulk will show attendees how to make Rosemary Kissing Balls, using seasonal greenery, sugared fruit and rosemary. She also will demonstrate how to make an easy and elegant centerpiece.

The annual Holiday Lights will be on display nightly from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 21 through Dec. 31, excluding Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. More than 4 million bulbs will transform some 17 acres into an impressive animated display. The Chipmunk Café will be open from 3-9 p.m. each day during the display, and complimentary hot chocolate will be served. Dogs will not be allowed in the garden during Holiday Lights, except for the Jingle Dog Pup Parade on Nov. 30.

The Village Big Band from Hot Springs Village will perform holiday songs to kick-off the Holiday Lights season. This concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 in the Anthony Chapel.

A workshop called "An All Arkansas Holiday" will be held from 1-4:30 p.m. Nov. 22 in the Magnolia Room. This holiday program will be presented by Janet Carson, a garden staff member; Karla Nardi, former culinary instructor; Angela Nardi, Superior Bathhouse and Brewery chef; and Audrey House, of Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards. Participants can learn to decorate using materials from their own gardens and to entertain guests with a meal that uses locally grown Arkansas products.

The Hot Springs Children's Dance Theatre Company, under the direction of Edmund Cooper, will present The Nutcracker at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 at Anthony Chapel. Magical toy soldiers, sparkling snowflakes, mischievous mice and all the enchanting inhabitants of E.T.A. Hoffmann's whimsical world will be showcased in this performance, which features music by Tchaikovsky. The company is the first organization to give the Hot Springs community the opportunity to generate and participate in its own production of a ballet that features both local talent that has gone on to successful professional careers, children of all levels who are interested in the performing arts and professional guest artists from around the country.

The Jingle Dogs Pup Parade will be held at 5 p.m. Nov. 30 on the Great Lawn. For one night only, dogs will be allowed admission into Holiday Lights. The parade starts at 5 p.m., and photos of dogs and Santa will be taken from 6-8 p.m. Each dog also will receive a treat from Santa.

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.