Garvan Woodland Gardens Celebrates Summer with Hikes, Classes, Workshops in June

Garvan Woodland Gardens

The Perry Wildflower Overlook provides a western destination in Garvan Woodland Gardens with sweeping views of Lake Hamilton, including Electric Island and Mount Riante in the distance.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Garvan Woodland Gardens welcomes summer with day camps, classes, workshops and hikes — and a peek at the new tree house in the children's garden.

The "Celebrate Summer!" event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 30. Children's craft booths will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The tree house in the Evans Children's Adventure Garden will be open for viewing — and possibly for a walk-through if the construction schedule allows. The Means of Grace coffee and tea truck will sell beverages beginning at 9 a.m. A beer garden featuring Bubba Brews, food trucks and music will open in the Garvan Pavilion at 11 a.m.

Members of the Ouachita Artists Gallery and Studio will exhibit their work in the "Ouachita Artists Art Exhibit" in the Magnolia Room through the month of June. Based in Mount Ida, the gallery features art in many mediums, as well as crafts in wood, iron, jewelry and other forms.

The "Bonsai Essentials Series: Techniques and Summer Care" will be held from 10-11 a.m. on June 2, July 7 and Aug. 4 in the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Learning Center. Bryan Carlan, Garvan horticulturist, will review seasonal care, tips and techniques for budding bonsai gardeners.

The "Horticulture 'Minnie' Series: Container Garden Make and Take" will culminate in a final workshop from noon to 2 p.m. June 12 in the Magnolia Room. Attendance at the previous session in April is a prerequisite.

The "Janet Carson Farewell Tour: Propagation Workshop" will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 18 in the Magnolia Room. Participants will learn about various plant propagation methods, such as dividing, layering, and softwood cuttings. Industry professionals will provide assistance as students try the various techniques. Students will leave with propagated plants from the garden.

A "Tree ID Hike" will start at 9:30 a.m. June 30 at the Welcome Center. Victor Ford of the Cooperative Extension Service will provide a personal and memorable approach to tree identification. The hike is geared for children and adults alike.

"Fly Fishing 101" will be held from 10-11 a.m. June 16 in the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Learning Center and Great Lawn. Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters will present an introductory class for the beginner fly-fisher. Following a brief discussion of commonly used flies, participants will be instructed in proper casting technique.

"Natural State Ecology Day Camps" are slated for June 19-21, July 17-19 and Aug. 7-9 in the garden. The conservation-themed camps for children ages 8-12 will feature hiking, interactive science lessons, art and design projects and more. Students will explore the ecology of Arkansas while learning about stewardship of natural resources. Participants should pack bug spray, sunscreen, lunch and a water bottle.

A "Children's Art Day" will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 2 in the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Learning Center. Ginger Ladehoff, local artist and nature enthusiast, will provide individualized instruction in various painting techniques, with students drawing inspiration from the garden. Students will leave with a finished work of art. The class is geared for children 12 and younger. Children younger than 8 require parental supervision.

"Garvan Rocks for Kids!" will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. June 16 in the Magnolia Room. Sissy Hubbard will share the tradition of drawing on stones in a class geared for children. Participants will create their own Garvan rocks and hide them in the garden for others to find.

"Garvan Rocks for Grown-ups!" will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. June 26 in Millsap Bride's Hall. Sissy Hubbard will share the tradition of drawing on stones with adults. Participants will create their own Garvan rocks and hide them in the garden for others to find.

The Tai Chi Series: "Strength in Motion" will continue from 2-3 p.m. Thursdays through June 28 at the Great Lawn and Garvan Pavilion. The Oaklawn Center on Aging leads this ancient, low-impact practice that increases flexibility, balance and strength. Loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable footwear are recommended.

"Group Health Walks" continue at 9 a.m. three days a week through June 29. On Mondays, Sharon Turrentine will lead a three-mile walk in 52 minutes. On Wednesdays, Dee Garrett will lead a two-plus-mile walk at a comfortable, conversational pace. On Fridays, Ginger Ladehoff will lead a two-plus-mile walk at a challenging pace. Groups meet first in the Welcome Center, and pets and strollers are welcome.

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.