March 2 - May 25 2013

Looking for something relaxing and fun to do on Saturday mornings?  Do you want to show off one of the best attractions in the area to friends and family when they visit?  Garvan Woodland Gardens now has the perfect way to do either.  Beginning again on March 2, every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., specially trained volunteer docents will be leading groups through the Gardens’ most beautiful landscapes, bringing attention each week to areas that are at peak for your visit.

Learn about the history of the Gardens and Lake Hamilton, interesting plants you can grow at home, and about the wonderful woodlands that grace our state.  Come often and you’ll see the progression of the seasons as you’ve never seen it before.  Or, as an added bonus, get some exercise in one of the best places around for walking. You might even make some great new friends.

No reservation is required and there is no extra charge for Saturday Strolls for a limited time. Tours on a first-come, first-served basis are open to the public. Children able to walk for an hour or so are welcome. As always, Members enter the Gardens free. Beginning September 1, the regular admission rates for non-members will be:  adults $10, seniors $9, children $5 ages 6-12, and free for 5 and under. Groups will be limited to 20, so come early and don’t miss out.

May 1 - May 31 2013

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily - Magnolia Room

The Arkansas Pastel Society is a regional organization of artists who work in either soft or oil pastels. They were organized in 2004 as a non-profit, educational art association to provide networking opportunities for pastel artists, conduct exhibits, shows, sponsor workshops on use of pastels, earn a signature membership, and educate the general public about pastel painting. Their show will demonstrate a variety of techniques and subjects in pastel. Their meetings are held in Little Rock. Their website is: www.arkpastel.com

May 1 - September 30 2013

It’s a summer of glorious glass! The Gardens will sparkle with the unique art glass creations of James Hayes splashed across the 210-acre peninsula on the shores of Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

James Hayes, a Pine Bluff native, has created approximately 225 pieces of multi-colored art glass exclusively for this unprecedented exhibit at the Gardens in a myriad of shapes and styles to amaze and delight visitors to the Gardens. The exhibit will reside in thirteen areas in the Gardens, with glass creations depicting flowers, onions, mushrooms, and vines as well as some of James Hayes’ traditional bowls and chandeliers. Marvel at Hayes’ unique art installed in fanciful settings throughout our beautiful woodlands.

Many of the works for Splash of Glass are still available for sponsorship. Sponsors will take ownership of their artwork at the conclusion of the exhibit. Contact Kristin Mangham, Special Events Director, for more information on sponsoring/purchasing a James Hayes piece at 501.262.9615 or email at kmangham@garvangardens.org.

View James Hayes works at hayesartglass.com.

Regular Gardens admission will apply to see the installation. Special group rates available. Call the Gardens at 501.262.9300/800.366.4664 for more information on visitation.

May 23 

9:30 a.m. - 12 noon - Magnolia Room

A complete garden is composed of a variety of plants, and shrubs are one of the major players in spring and summer gardens. Join Associate Executive Director Bob Byers to learn about viburnams and other shrubs that shine in the summer garden. Admission is free to GWG members; regular Gardens admission for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Please call 501.262.9300/800.366.4664 to register. Space is limited.

May 30 

9:30 a.m. -3 p.m. - Magnolia Room

Perennials are plants that come back year after year. Come learn about tough perennials for the sun and shade garden, plus how to plant and care for them. From designing a small woodland garden to incorporating perennials into an existing landscape, you will learn which plants can take the heat and which need to be babied.

Learn about new introductions and old, tried and true plants. Lunch provided by the Chipmunk Café is optional, or bring a lunch from home. The cost to participate in the workshop is $35 for GWG members and $45 for non-members. Advance reservations and pre-payment are required. Please call the Gardens at 501.262.9300/800.366.4664 to register. Space is limited.

June 1 - July 31 2013

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily - Magnolia Room

Bart Soutendijk, originally from Holland, will exhibit his drawings of native American plants. His botanicals have been featured in the 2012 issue of the Native Plant Society of Texas, as well as the Illustrated Flora of East Texas, published by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.

He makes full color drawings of native Texas plants using photographs as his resource. He takes photos of plants on and around his land in East Texas, then assembles them on a computer and uses the result as his guide to draw and color the final digital illustration. His work has been purchased by collectors from all over the world. He is a member of Texas Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, and the Native Plant Society.

June 5 

10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Magnolia Room

Join Education Director Megan Bradshaw for this fun, hands-on activity! What’s a terrarium, you say? A terrarium is a way of growing plants in an enclosed or partially enclosed container usually made of glass or plastic. They have gone in and out of popularity since the 1800’s, enjoying a particular hay day in the 1970’s, and are again returning to popularity. Have fun making your very own terrarium to enjoy at home!

$5 per child per class. Parents admitted free, but must accompany children. Each class is limited to 15 children. All materials provided unless indicated. Advance registration and prepayment required. Call the Gardens at 501-262-9300/800-366-4664 to register.

June 6 - September 26 2013

June 6, July 11, September 26

Enjoy summer breezes and join us for two special “Glorious Glass” Garden Parties, featuring special menus from popular Hot Springs dining spots, along with enticing beverage pairings. Come early and stroll through Splash of Glass, then find your seat in the Garvan Pavilion, marvel at a James Hayes creation overhead, and enjoy a delicious evening of al fresco dining at a great price. A great Date Night or Girls Night Out with your favorite girlfriends!

Bleu Monkey “Margaritas and Tex-Mex”
June 6, 6-8 p.m.
The Bleu Monkey will serve up several of their signature Tex-Mex menu items which bring together many different flavors from around the world. Beverages included are soft drinks and beer. Several of Bleu Monkey’s signature margaritas will be available at a cash bar.
$30 members/$35 non-members.

Smokin’ In Style “Beer and BBQ”
July 11, 6-8 p.m.
Follow up the July fourth holiday with some award winning Southern BBQ pork, brisket, chicken and all the fixings, including their “nearly famous” banana pudding, with plenty of beer to quench your thirst. This one’s for the guys, too!
$30 members/$35 non-members.

“Glorious Glass Gala”
September 26, 6-9 p.m.
Save the date for the Glorious Glass Gala to conclude Splash of Glass. In the Gardens’ gala tradition, this will be a festive event with gourmet food, beverages, live music and dancing, all on the Garden grounds and Pavilion. More details coming this summer . . . stay tuned!

Advance reservations and pre-payment required. Call the Gardens at 501.262.9300 / 800.366.4664 to make reservations.

June 8 - August 17 2013

June 8, July 20, and August 17
10-11:30 a.m.
Klipsch Amphitheater

Join Alan Vandenbergh as he continues his monthly yoga classes at the Klipsch Amphitheater. This quiet venue with views of Lake Hamilton through the trees is the perfect setting for experiencing the relaxing effects of yoga.
The classes are geared toward the beginner in yoga, with hands-on instruction. Alan is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. He operates a yoga studio in Hot Springs Village and also teaches at Balance Yoga and Wellness in Hot Springs.

Participants should wear clothes geared for comfortable movement and bring their own mats and an old bath towel or other protection to use under the mat. Each session builds on previously-learned skills.

Classes open to ages 13 and up, which makes this a great Saturday morning family activity.

$15 per class. For families of 3 or more, $10 per person per class. Registration is non-refundable except in case of inclement weather. Any refunds issued will be for cancelled classes only. Call the Gardens at 501-262-9300/800-366-4664 to register.

June 16 

3:00 p.m. - Anthony Chapel

Make plans now to celebrate Dad with a Broadway Favorites Concert on Sunday, June 16, at the second series concert by the Muses at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Anthony Chapel. Father’s Day will sparkle with classic tunes from the musical theatre stage, including songs from “The King & I”, “My Fair Lady”, “Sound of Music”, “West Side Story”, “Phantom of the Opera”, and many more. Bring the family and enjoy the fun of live performance in the Chapel in the woods.

Tickets for the Muses four-concert series "Four Seasons in Art and Song 2013" are available for $80, or can be purchased individually at $25. Tickets can be reserved by contacting the Muses at 501-463-4514 or www.themusesproject.org