Garvan Gardens Welcomes Spring With Daffodil and Tulip Displays, Workshops and Other Events

Garvan Woodland Gardens staff

This is one of thousands of Dutch tulips that are part of the landscape during the annual Daffodil Days and Tulip Extravaganza at Garvan Woodland Gardens.

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 annual Daffodil Days and Tulip Extravaganza celebrate the end of winter at the garden. Thousands of blooms are on display, after starting in February with crocus, daffodils and hyacinths. Those are followed closely or even concurrently, depending on weather, by more than150,000 brilliant Dutch tulips. With the addition of spring annuals and azalea blooms, this display of spring color is the biggest between Dallas and Memphis. Updated photos and details on peak bloom times can be found on the Garvan Gardens Facebook page.

The "Collection 2016 Spring" exhibit, featuring the artwork of Jamie Kirkell, will be on display during the month of March in the Magnolia Room. The exhibit will feature hand-painted silk scarves, printed scarves and several large hanging tapestries and a quilt. Kirkell's paintings have been exhibited in the United States, Israel and Aruba. They are in collections at the Chrysler Building in New York, New York, the Aish Hatorah Library in Jerusalem, Devi Sri Hotels in Aruba and the Turnberry Isle Resort in Miami.

A "Beginner Pysanky" workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 5 in the Magnolia Room. Lorrie Popow, an Arkansas Living Treasure Award recipient, will discuss a European tradition known as pysanky. This basic class is designed for beginners to the Ukrainian egg art style, which uses melted wax and colorful dyes. Each participant will use a kit including dyes, a kistka, wax, egg holder, full-color design instructions, as well as pamphlets on symbols, suppliers and other resources on the art form.

Mrs. Garvan's Tea will be held at 3 p.m. March 8 in the Magnolia Room. This afternoon tea will feature a living history presentation of Mrs. Verna Garvan, Garvan Gardens' benefactress. Guests can enjoy tea fare while being entertained by Susan Harper, who portrays Mrs. Garvan.

The "In the Garden: Basics with Janet Carson" workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 10 in the Magnolia Room. Carson, a horticulture specialist, and her friends will present tips shared by local and regional Master Gardeners.

The "Advanced Beer Making" class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon March 12 in the Magnolia Room. Nolen Buffalo, owner and operator of The Water Buffalo in Little Rock, will cover the hardware, techniques, hints and suggestions to make beer from scratch using malted barley, hop flowers and yeast. Participants will build on the knowledge and experience shared from the "Intro to Beer Making" class. Students are encouraged to attempt to make beer before attending the advanced class. Further discussion includes topics such as brew in a bag, three-tier brewing and variations of the two methods. Buffalo will also discuss the process of putting beer in a keg versus bottling it.

"Beauty and the Bride," the Hot Springs Bridal Expo, will take place from 1-4 p.m. March 13 at The Hills at Belvedere. This event allows participants to meet dozens of vendors from around the state who can help with wedding planning. A Hot Springs Wedding Giveaway package will be awarded at the end of the expo.

The Muses "Celtic Spring" concert will be held at 3 p.m. March 13 in Anthony Chapel. The Muses Creative Artistry Project will perform the first concert of the Muses' 2016 "Art and Song" concert series. It will feature lyrical dancers with seven professional female musicians performing traditional and contemporary Irish and English ballads in solos, duets and ensembles, complete with Celtic flutes, harp and piano.

Author Stephanie Storey will present her new novel, Oil and Marble, with a book signing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 17 in the Magnolia Room. This art history thriller tells the story of a nearly forgotten rivalry between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, two Renaissance masters in early 16th-century Florence. A reading from the novel will start at 11 a.m. Books will be available for purchase.

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Concert will be held at 3 p.m. March 20 in Anthony Chapel. Conducted by Maestro Philip Mann, the orchestra returns to Garvan Gardens to present "Something Old," which will include numbers by Bach, Vivaldi, Respighi and Suk. A reception will follow in the Magnolia Room.

A Travel Abroad Interest Meeting regarding Amsterdam and Keukenhof Gardens will be held at
5:30 p.m. March 22 in the Magnolia Room. Garvan Gardens has partnered with Go Ahead Tours to coordinate a group excursion to visit Holland's Keukenhof Gardens in April 2017. Discussion will include costs, itineraries, payment plans and other pertinent details. Anyone unable to attend this meeting but interested in the trip can send an email to education@garvangardens.org.

"Herbs for Spring with Cynthia Faulk" will be held from 10 a.m. to noon March 19 in the Magnolia Room. Faulk of "C The Difference" in downtown Hot Springs will present a wealth of information regarding herbs used by former generations in making "spring tonics" and multipurpose salves. Participation includes viewing a step-by-step demonstration, receiving herbal blend recipes and leaving with a traditional folk salve.

Two "Great Doodlestones Adventure" classes will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. and from 1-3 p.m. March 21. At each class, Bryan Payne, artist and original doodler, will share his experiences with children and adults alike. Participants will create their own Doodlestones and embark on an adventure in the garden.

The "Proper Bed Making" class will be held from 10-11 a.m. March 31 in the Magnolia Room. Minnie Shelor, horticulture specialist at the garden, will discuss ways to prepare soils for planting. Topics covered include soil amendment, testing soils, planting basics and the basics of mulching.

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

The Tai Chi Series: "Strength in Motion" will be held each Thursday from 2-3 p.m. on the Great Lawn. A member of the Oaklawn Center on Aging will lead the series on this ancient, low impact practice that increases 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.

Garvan Gardens 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.