Bledsoe to Lead Garvan Gardens

Photo Submitted

Bob Bledsoe, interim director of Garvan Woodland Gardens

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Bob Bledsoe has been appointed interim director for Garvan Woodland Gardens, the School of Architecture’s horticultural garden in Hot Springs, Ark. A nationwide search for a new director has been suspended, and further steps will be reevaluated in 18 months, said Jeff Shannon, dean of the School of Architecture.

Bledsoe has raised more than $10 million since he joined the Gardens as director of development in 2002. He has been part of an interim management team since director David Davies left 14 months ago.

“This decision is a tribute to what we’ve been able to accomplish during this time,” Bledsoe said, adding that garden director Bob Byers, marketing director Marla Crider and all staff members have been key to the Gardens’ ongoing success.

“I know that Bob Bledsoe will provide outstanding leadership during this period of growth at Garvan Woodland Gardens,” Jeff Shannon said.

New developments at the Gardens include the near completion of the 160-seat Anthony Chapel, designed in the style of the late Fay Jones by the Fayetteville architectural firm, Jennings + McKee. The first wedding in the chapel will take place in the beginning of May, with a formal dedication planned later this year. Work also is going forward on interactive features such as a cave, tree house and waterfall for the Evans Children’s Garden. Construction is expected to begin this fall on the Stella Boyle Smith rose garden designed by P. Allen Smith, the television host, writer and professional garden designer.

Verna Cook Garvan donated the 210-acre Garvan Woodland Gardens to the University of Arkansas School of Architecture in 1985. Located on 4.5 miles of Lake Hamilton shoreline, the Gardens feature more than 128 species of ornamental and native shrubs and wild flowers, 160 different types of azaleas, a four-acre Asian garden with a 12-foot waterfall, three unique bridges and a sandstone pavilion designed by Fay Jones and Maurice Jennings. For more information on Garvan Woodland Gardens, including maps and directions to the site, visit http://www.garvangardens.org/.