Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Garden

Charlotte Bailey Rierson Watercolor Exhibit & Reception

June 20 - July 31, 2008
Artisan Charlotte Bailey Rierson of Fairfield Bay will exhibit a collection of watercolor portraits depicting life in Arkansas in the Magnolia Room through the month of July. Rierson's paintings have been selected to be in the permanent collection of the Historical Arkansas Museum, University of Central Arkansas, Clinton Presidential Library, Arkansas Art Council’s Small Works on Paper, Ozark Medical Health Center, and private collectors nationally.

There will be a meet and greet reception for the artist on Thursday evening, July 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Magnolia Room. Cookies and punch will be served.
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Tuesday Tea: "All-American Tea"

July 8, 2008
Celebrate Independence Day (a little late) at this star-spangled tea party! We'll serve specialty teas, gourmet scones, finger sandwiches, and an array of scrumptious desserts in the Magnolia Room or on the Garden veranda (weather permitting). Tea time is 3:00 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. Price for GWG Members is $15 and Non-Members $18 (plus applicable tax). Seating is very limited so make your reservations early by purchasing tickets online or by calling 501-262-9300/800-366-4664.
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Gardening 101: Shrubs and Ornamental Grass

July 10, 2008
Exploring the intricate makings of a beautiful garden is the aim of a series of free workshops being held in the Gardens' Magnolia Room through November.

Shrubs, morning session: 9-11:30 a.m. Presenter: Jimmy Robbins
Ornamental Grass, afternoon session: 1-3:30 p.m. Presenter: Gene Lichliter

The workshop is free of charge to GWG members or those previously registered as volunteers at the Gardens. The public will be subject to Garden Admission fees, which are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors. Space is limited. Register today by calling the Gardens’ administration office at (501) 262-9300 or (800) 366-4664. Don't forget to bring a sack lunch!
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"Cultivating a Field Guide" - Sunday Summer Learning Lessons for Kids

July 13, 2008
3-5 p.m.
Garvan Pavilion

Part of the Sunday summer learning series, Birds, Bees, Butterflies, and Blossoms – Pollinating Positive Partnerships. During this exploration of the Gardens children will chronicle the places where pollinators get their food, shelter, and water in a discovery journal. They will also look at sites where pollinators reproduce.

Pre-register for the Free lesson by calling the administration office at 501-262-9300. Registration is for one child and two adult family members.

The series of educational lessons were made possible thanks to a grant from the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation. The grant was given in honor of Pat Lile, recently retired president and CEO of the Arkansas Community Foundation.

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Garvan Woodland Gardens
550 Arkridge Road - P.O. Box 22240
Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913
800-366-4664 or 501-262-9300
gardeninfo@garvangardens.org

Discover the Gardens > Paul W. Klipsch Amphitheater | Message from the Garden Director Gardening From the Gardens

Bonsai Garden

Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Garden

The Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Garden serves as a wonderful introduction to the large Asian Garden area that is a key feature of the display gardens. Two generous grants by the Weyerhaeuser Foundation have allowed designer David Slawson, working with staff, to design a showplace for bonsai. Bonsai (bone-sigh) is translated as 'tree in a tray' and is the ancient Japanese art form of dwarfing and styling various potted plants to mimic their much larger counterparts in nature.

Unique features of the bonsai garden are the large, vertical sandstone slabs, which serve as a backdrop for specimens on display. This more natural material is a better fit for the Gardens aesthetic character than the traditional white stucco backdrop. The design team also decided to use native stones as the pedestals for the trees and to set their height at a level where the trees are properly placed for viewing in a seated position, the typical Japanese practice.

Upcoming improvements include additional display space and landscaping and a small 'teaching pavilion' nearby which will allow a variety of educational sessions sponsored by the gardens and other groups. This new building will also house the equipment needed to properly perform the many intensive maintenance operations necessary to create and preserve outstanding bonsai specimens.