Garvan Woodland Gardens Prepares for Spring with Workshops and Art Exhibit

Garvan Woodland Gardens

A cherry tree blooms on the banks of the koi pond at Garvan Woodland Gardens last winter. Each year, it's always the first to bloom in the garden.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Garvan Woodland Gardens prepares for spring this month with workshops on grafting Japanese maples, growing bonsai trees and creating mosaic birdhouses as art. An exhibit featuring the work of two artists — one an oil and acrylic painter, the other a fiber artist — continues.

The "Bonsai for Beginners" workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 22 in the Magnolia Room. Bryan Carlan, Garvan horticulturist, will discuss plant selection, container and materials sources and techniques for producing a healthy bonsai specimen. Participants will leave with a potted bonsai-style tree.

The workshop on "Japanese Maple Grafting" will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 24 in the Magnolia Room. Larry Morphew, an Arkansas native, will explain the motive and methods for grafting Japanese maples and assist participants in producing their own grafted specimens. Rootstock, scion and grafting tools will be provided.

A two-day "Mosaic-Making Workshop" will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 27-28 in the Magnolia Room. Suzie Burch, a local artist and Garvan staff member, will lead participants in designing and creating a multi-dimensional mosaic birdhouse art piece. All materials will be provided, but students are encouraged to bring old trinkets, stones and other small pieces to include in their finished work.

The art exhibit, "Two Artists — Two Mediums," will continue to be on display through February in the Magnolia Room. Brenda Bennett is an award-winning oil and acrylic painter, whose canvases depict a variety of subjects, including landscapes and wildlife. Darlene Garstecki is an award-winning contemporary fiber art designer from Hot Springs Village, whose passion for nature, travel and photography inspires her artwork.

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.