Beautiful Garvan Woodland Gardens, 6/12/2019

Because we were in Hot Springs for the week, I did some research of things to do (in addition to the National Park). At the top of every list is Garvan Woodland Gardens. And, the bonus was that leashed pets were allowed. Perfect! 

Philanthropist Verna Garvan’s inherited the land from her father. Her love of gardening led her to create the Twentieth Century Gardens with the help of Warren Bankson (a trusted brick factory employee) on the peninsula on Lake Hamilton. Realizing that she wanted a garden on a much grander scale, Garvan contacted the University of Arkansas that led to a trust agreement (1985) with the Arkansas School of Architecture to operate the gardens in perpetuity for the people of Arkansas. By 2012, it was rated one of the Top Five Most Spectacular Gardens in America. And the architectural design of many of the features are, indeed, spectacular!

The entrance fee ($15/adults and $5/dog) is paid at the Pratt Welcome Center. A large map of the gardens with 45+ features is provided. 

The first point of interest (and one of my favorite) was the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Garden and Learning Center. A great collection of dwarf pines, elms, azaleas, junipers and other plants trained in traditional bonsai and penjing styles are on display. 

The Garden of the Wind is a gorgeous 4-acre rock and stream garden with three bridges (Sunset Bridge, Bridge of the Half Moon, and Floating Cloud Bridge), multiple cascades, waterfall, and Koi Pond. 

The Southern Inspiration Garden has been created through collaboration with local garden clubs and master gardeners. 

The Perry Wildflower Overlook was gorgeous and another one of my favorite spots in the gardens. A large flagstone terrace provides lovely view of Lake Hamilton and one acre of wildflowers (40 varieties). Restrooms and drinking water can be found here as well.

The Millsap Canopy Bridge winds through a forest of oak, hickory, pine and ash trees. We came to the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden featuring an access bridge, waterfall, cave, and maze built with 3,200+ tons of Arkansas boulders. 

The Bob and Sunny Evans Tree House opened just last year. With three levels, the learning space focuses on the study of trees. It is stunning!

Designed by renowned architects E. Fay Jones and Maurice Jennings, the Garvan Pavilion is a beautiful redwood and sandstone structure with a steel and glass ceiling. Gorgeous.

Near the Chipmunk Café is next to the Train Garden. This peacock was very vocal and seemed to enjoy hanging out with the trains. 

There was one more attraction to see, the world-renowned Anthony Chapel by architects Maurice Jennings and David McKee. Costing $5.8M (funded solely by donations), the design of native wood, glass, and stone is stunning in the wooded setting. 

The 160-seat chapel is 138’ long and 60’ high. The glass walls and skylights give the feeling that you are outside. It was established as a sanctuary for reflection and rejuvenation of the spirt to Garden visitors.

It is a popular wedding venue. Nearby is the Bride’s Hall, Groom’s Quarters, and Anthony Family Carillon (shown below).

We have been spoiled by our favorite: beautiful Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. But Garvan Woodland Gardens is a close second. This place is well worth a visit when you are the Hot Springs area. Don’t miss it!

For additional information about the gardens, including hours of operation and reservations, go to www.garvangardens.org.