Garvan Gardens Hosts Wine and Beer Tastings, Gardening Workshop, Critter Crawl in July

Garvan Woodland Gardens

The Perry Wildflower Overlook at Garvan Woodland Gardens offers sweeping views of Lake Hamilton, including Electric Island and Mount Riante in the distance. The 1,500 square-foot flagstone terrace extends about 30 feet into a 1-acre planting of more than 40 different varieties of wildflowers.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Summertime means a variety of activities and events at Garvan Woodland Gardens, including a workshop on planting in shady areas, wine and beer tastings, and a Critter Crawl.

The July art exhibit, "Garbanzo Gardens," will be on display from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 1-31 in the Magnolia Room. This art exhibit features artwork by members of the Brushstrokes art club from Hot Springs Village. The work in the exhibit interprets and celebrates nature.

Two "Macroinvertebrate Stream Study" sessions will take place from 8-11 a.m. July 3 and 10 in the garden's streams and trails. Participants will make observations about water quality based on the presence and absence of common macroinvertebrate species, which are an integral part of wetland and stream ecosystems. This class is recommended for children ages 8-12.

An "Ice Cream and Beer Pairing with Loblolly Creamery" will take place from 6-8 p.m. July 6 in the Magnolia Room. Stone's Throw Brewing and Loblolly Creamery, both based in Little Rock, are partnering to introduce attendees to new ways to enjoy their creations.

"Fairy and Wizards Tea" will take place at 3 p.m. July 11 in the Magnolia Room. In the traditional English tea style, assorted scones, finger sandwiches and desserts will be served along with a variety of hot and cold teas. Children are encouraged to dress as fairies or wizards for this fantasy-filled afternoon. The garden's own "Tea Fairy" will entertain with a short lesson in tea etiquette, followed by stories to delight the young fairies in attendance.

A "Wine and Beer Tasting with Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards" will take place from 6-8 p.m. July 13 in the Magnolia Room. Stone's Throw Brewing and Chateau Aux Arc will offer attendees various beverages crafted in Arkansas.

Nolen Buffalo, of Water Buffalo in Little Rock, will present sessions on beer and cheese making July 15 in the Magnolia Room. The first class, "Cheese Making - Chevre and Farmhouse," will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. Buffalo will make Chevre cheese in class from locally sourced goat milk. He also will discuss making Farmhouse style cheese, and attendants can sample some made a few days beforehand.

For "Beer Making - Advanced Brewing Techniques," held from 1-3 p.m. July 15, Buffalo will demonstrate the process of making beer using grains and no additional extract sugars. The entire process of converting starches from grains into sugar, rinsing those grains of the sugars, and then adding hops to a boiling pot is referred to as "all grain" brewing. Each step will be covered from both a scientific and practical perspective. It is highly recommended that participants have either attempted to make beer using extract methods or have read extensively about the beer making process.

"Beat the Heat: Gardening in the Shade" will be held from noon to 1 p.m. July 18 in the Magnolia Room. Minnie Shelor, Garvan horticulturist and garden manager, will discuss plants that flourish in shade and offer recommendations for southern gardening.

Two "Critter Crawl" events will take place from 8-9:30 p.m. July 20 and 27 in the Pratt Welcome Center and garden grounds. Lydell Lively, Garvan naturalist, will lead a night hike through Garvan Gardens, observing the sights and sounds of the natural state's nocturnal community. Native species that might be observed could include owls, fox, raccoons, deer and bullfrogs.

"Art and Wine with Dee Garrett" will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. July 21 in the Magnolia Room. Garrett, a local artist, will present an acrylic painting workshop for artists at the beginner level. Participants may arrive early to stroll the gardens and find inspiration from seasonal blooms. The subject for this class will be derived from what's blooming in the garden. Participants may enjoy complimentary wine and cheese as they practice their techniques and create an 8-by-10-inch finished piece on canvas. All materials are provided. Participants must be 21 or older.

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.

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