Frequently Asked Questions: Visit the Gardens

Gardening 101 Workshop

March 12, 2010
Topic: Daffodils and a Garden Walk - Magnolia Room and Garden - 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon.
Topic: Lovely Lavender - Millsap Bride’s Hall - 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Gardens’ Resident Landscape Architect Bob Byers will discuss in the morning session the many varieties of daffodils that prosper in the Central and Southwestern part of Arkansas and share images of the vibrant, early spring blooms. After the discussion, Byers will escort participants to Daffodil Hill and other locations to view this year’s daffodil displays. The day-long 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 $8.75 for adults, $7.75 for seniors. The session 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 $8.75 for adults, $7.75 for seniors.

Garland County Master Gardener and herb guru, Carol Scholp, will discuss the many uses of lavender and demonstrate cooking with lavender, as well as using luscious lavender plants in homemade spa products. The cost of the lavender session is $15 per person that will cover price of materials and purchase of a lavender plant that each participant will take home. Advance reservations and pre-payment are required for the lavender workshop that is limited to 15 people. Reservations are recommended for the daffodil workshop. Call the Gardens at 501-262-9300 / 800-366-4664 to reserve space.
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Gardening 101 & 102 Workshop

March 16, 2010
Magnolia Room

Topic: Plant Propagation (201) -- 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon
Topic: New Annuals (201) -- 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Topic: Gardening for your Health (101) -- 2: 00 to 3:00 p.m.

The Gardens’ senior horticulturist, Paul Wallace, will discuss during the morning session when and how to propagate plants -- a project that you can undertake in your own home garden. In the first hour of the afternoon session, Sabrina Childs, a Ball Seed Company representative, will discuss the newest annual plants you will be able to purchase this spring at local nurseries. The second afternoon session will feature Dr. Ryan Johnston, Hot springs’ newest chiropractor and natural health specialist. He will demonstrate how the body’s biomechanics break down and what can be done to increase your longevity when working in the garden. All sessions are free to GWG members and regular Garden admission applies to non-members. Reservations for the sessions are highly recommended. Call 501-262-9300 / 800-366-4664 to reserve space.
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Tulip Extravaganza

March 24 - April 4, 2010
Approximately 100,000 vibrantly hued tulips will grace the Flowering Border and Camelia Trail. This lavish floral display is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Call for estimated peak bloom date(s) and don't forget the camera!
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Vegetable Gardening Workshop

March 25, 2010
Magnolia Room; 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Learn tips for planting and maintaining a garden during this day-long workshop featuring U of A Cooperative Extension Service Horticulturist Janet Carson. Carson will provide the basics for vegetable gardening, while guest presenters Bob Byers, Betsy Spetich, Bob Warner, and Briana Moore lecture on an array of topics such as composting, worm farming, landscaping with herbs, and organic vegetable gardening. Registration is limited and pre-payment will be required. Cost is $45 for GWG members and $55 for non-members. Lunch is included. Call the Gardens at 501-262-9300/800-366-4664.

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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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Gardens?

From Rt. 270/MLK Ex-Way - take the #7 exit (Carpenter Dam Rd), go 3.5 miles. Turn RIGHT on Arkridge Rd., go 1 mile to Garden entrance.

From Malvern Ave/Rd - Take Carpenter Dam Rd. (Rt. 128) SOUTH 5 miles. Turn RIGHT on Arkridge Rd. Go 1 mile to Garden entrance.

From Rt. 7 SOUTH - Turn EAST/LEFT on Hwy. 290. Go 6.5 miles. Turn LEFT on Carpenter Dam Rd. (Rt. 128). Go 1-2 blocks, Turn LEFT on Arkridge Rd. Go 1 mile to Garden entrance.

From I-30 - Take Exit #97. Follow Lake Catherine State Park signs. Take Rt. 171 WEST to Rt. 290 WEST (TO HOT SPRINGS). Go 3.5 miles to Carpenter Dam Rd. Turn RIGHT. Go 1-2 blocks to Arkridge Rd. (first LEFT). Go 1 mile to Garden entrance.

Is there an admission? How much?

The admission is $8.75 for Adults, $7.75 for Seniors (ages 55 and older), $4.50 for Children ages 6 to 12, and Free for Children 5 and under.

Do I drive through the Gardens?

No. We offer a self-guided walking tour of the Gardens. Total walking distance is 1.8 miles on the main trail and takes 1 to 1.5 hours to walk. Overall, there are 2.5 miles of trails through 40 landscaped acres.

Are there accommodations for people who have difficulty walking?

Yes. For a fee of $6.50 per person, you can ride in a golf cart driven by a GWG staff member or trained volunteer. Each golf cart can take 3 or 5 passengers. We do not take reservations for the golf cart rides. They are available on a first come first served basis.

Are dogs allowed in the Gardens?

We do allow dogs in the Gardens. We charge $4.50 per pet and they must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the Gift shop. Visitors must keep pets on the pathways and clean up after them. Please be aware there will be other guests in the Gardens. If your pet is nervous or aggressive, perhaps you would prefer leaving your pet in our free kennel during your visit.

Do you have a restaurant at the Gardens?

Yes. We have an outdoor café, which serves sandwiches, hot dogs, soups and salads. Hours vary with the season, so please call our office to check current opening times at 501-262-9300. The Gift Shop also sells beverages and ice cream throughout the year.

Can I bring a sack lunch?

Yes. There are many places in the Gardens to enjoy a sack lunch, including our designated picnic area. We do not allow ice chests or lawn chairs and ask that you please put your trash in the many cans located throughout the Gardens. Groups of 20 or more should contact our Group Sales Coordinator, Robin Steigler, at 501-262-9609 for lunch options.

Do you allow weddings at the Gardens?

Yes. Our Wedding Coordinator is Suzie Burch. She may be contacted at: 501-262-9604 and sburch@garvangardens.org. If you will provide a mailing address, we can send you an informational brochure about our wedding policies or you may check our wedding section in this site.

Do you offer group rates?

Yes. Please go to the Groups link on our web site. You can contact our Group Sales Coordinator, Robin Steigler, at 501-262-9609 or email her at rsteigler@garvangardens.org.

When are you open?

We are open every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and the month of January. Our hours of operation change with the seasons. We are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October 1 to March 31. We are open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM from April 1 to September 31. Our Holiday Lights season begins mid-November, when we are open from Noon to 9:00 PM through December 31.