Classes on Culinary Gardening, Fly Fishing, Tai Chi Planned in June at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Visitors to Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs can bring fish food for the many koi who live in the half-acre koi pond.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - As summertime approaches, Garvan Woodland Gardens has a full schedule of classes on fly fishing and growing a culinary garden, docent-led garden tours and hiking and Tai Chi classes.

The art exhibit "Monday Studio" continues from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through June 30 in the Magnolia Room. This art exhibit features works by Shirley Anderson, Barbara Seibel and Caryl Joy Young, co-owners of Gallery 726 in downtown Hot Springs. Their collection, "The World As We See It," features interpretations of special places in Garvan Gardens in a variety of mediums — pastels, watercolors, oils and acrylic — as well as other scenes from their extensive travel and other experiences. This exhibit is free and open to the public.

The "Saturday Docent Tours" will take place from 10-11 a.m. every Saturday in June. Specially trained volunteer docents will lead a group through the garden's most beautiful landscapes, bringing attention each week to areas that are at their peak during that time. Visitors can learn about the history of Garvan Gardens and Lake Hamilton, interesting plants that can be grown at home and the woodlands in the state.

The "Landscape for Life Series" will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Thursday in June in Millsap Bride's Hall and on the garden grounds. This series was developed to provide training to homeowners on sustainable gardening practices. It is based on the principles of the Sustainable Sites Initiative, which is a collaborative effort between the United States Botanic Garden, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin and the American Society of Landscape Architects. There are a limited number of spaces, and they are reserved for Garvan Gardens members.

The "Janet Carson Workshop: Gardening for Pollinators" will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 in the Magnolia Room. Janet Carson, extension horticulture specialist, will present the case for attracting pollinators to home gardens. John Zawislak and Pat Gipson will join Carson as guest speakers, and the trio will explore the world of bees, butterflies and the myriad pollinators that support the ecological communities. Lunch will be included.

A Small Standard Flower Show, "Some Like It Hot," will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 13 and 14 in the Magnolia Room. This event will feature local horticulture grown by members in the area and floral interpretations of the theme "Some Like It Hot," which is reminiscent of the Roaring 1920s and the film starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. The Verna Garvan Design Study Group, a group of GWG members who enjoy studying and practicing the art of floral design, will present this show. This show is intended to educate attendees, stimulate interest in horticulture and floral design, and provide an outlet for creative expression.

Two "Fly Fishing 101" classes will take place from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-4 p.m. June 17 on the Great Lawn and the Boat Dock. Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters will present an introductory fly fishing class. Participants will learn the mechanics of casting a fly rod and practice casting in Lake Hamilton. Rods are provided, but participants may bring their own.

The "Spice Things Up: How to Grow Your Own Culinary Garden" class will take place from noon to 1 p.m. June 20 in the Magnolia Room. Minnie Shelor, Garvan Gardens horticulturist and garden manager, will present a practical guide to growing food at home. Shelor will share pointers on how to grow edibles in any space from the yard to the kitchen, including using produce "trash" to grow your own indoor culinary garden.

"Advanced Health Hikes" will take place 9-10 a.m. every Monday in June through June 19, starting in the Welcome Center. Sharon Turrentine will challenge participants on 3-mile hikes along various garden landscapes, with a different route taken each week. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.

The "Tai Chi Series: Strength in Motion" will take place from 1:30-2:30 p.m. every Thursday in June on the Great Lawn. The Oaklawn Center on Aging will facilitate this event. 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 4-12 and free for children ages 3 and younger. Some events and activities are free. Some require a fee, advanced registration or prepayment. Online registration for some events can be found on the Garvan Gardens website.

For more information about these events or to check on upcoming events, call 501-262-9300 or 800-366-4664.