March 14 - November 14 2017

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Welcome Center

Docent training classes are designed to prepare (and refresh) individuals to serve as volunteer tour-guides. Participants may join these free classes at any time. Each seasonal class is offered twice; call to register.

• March 14 & 28 – Orientation, Early Spring Interest
• April 11 & 18 – Spring Interest
• May 9 & 16 – Flowering Border & Welcome Center
• June 6 & 13 - Summer Interest
• September 19 & 26 – Early Fall Interest
• October 24 & 31 – Children’s Garden & Nature Preserve
• November 7 & 14 – Fall & Winter Interest

April 1 - June 30 2017

Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

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.  During the months of April, May and June, every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., specially trained volunteer docents will be leading a group 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. 

The walk is included with your admission.
Members free | $15 adults | $5 ages 4-12 | free ages 0-3 | Groups are limited to 20 people

April 6 - June 29 2017

Thursdays, April 6 – June 29
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Great Lawn

Join Oaklawn Center on Aging to learn this ancient, low impact practice that increases flexibility, balance, and strength. Loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Free Members | $15 Non-members | SPECIAL: $30 any five sessions | Must pre-register in GardenShop to utilize special rate

May 1 - June 30 2017

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

Co-owners of Gallery 726 in downtown Hot Springs:Shirley Anderson, Barbara Seibel and Caryl Joy Young, share their works in “The World As We See It,” featuring interpretations of special places in Garvan Woodland Gardens in a variety of mediums -- pastels, watercolors, oils, and acrylic-- as well as other scenes from their extensive travel and experiences.

The exhibit is free and open to the public.

June 1 - June 29 2017

Thursdays in June
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Millsap Bride’s Hall and Garden grounds


This course will be completed over the 5 consecutive Thursdays in June. “Landscape for Life was developed to provide training to homeowners on sustainable gardening practices. It is based on the principles of the Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™). SITES™ is a collaborative effort between the United States Botanic Garden, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin, and the American Society of Landscape Architects.” source: landscapeforlife.org

June 19 - June 23 2017

Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design
University of Arkansas
Monday, June 19 - Friday, June 23
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day, Magnolia Room & Gardens

Design Camp offers the chance to learn about the design professions through hands-on projects, tours, presentation and discussions led by architecture, landscape architecture and interior design faculty of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty and collaborate with peers in a fun and creative studio environment while exploring the design process.

The camp is open to students going into ninth through 12th grades in fall 2017. Supplies and lunches will be provided. For more information online, see link below.

The cost is $250 for Garvan member registration | $350 for non-member registration by May 26. (Please inquire about need-based and partial scholarships.)

To register or for more information, contact Judy Stone at jkstone@uark.edu or 479-575-2399.
Website: http://fayjones.uark.edu/news-and-events/design-camp.php

June 27 

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Magnolia Room

Garvan horticulturist and Garden Manager Minnie Shelor presents a practical guide to growing food at home. From the yard to the kitchen, Minnie shares pointers on how to grow edibles in any space, including using produce “trash” to grow your own indoor culinary garden.

Free Members | $15 Non-members | Reservations Required | Reserve online or call 800-366-4664

July 1 - July 31 2017

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

Brushstrokes is an art club formed in Hot Springs Village to foster a sense of community and support for those with an interest in the visual arts. Through meetings and various programs such as demonstrations by members and guest artists, “Painting of the Month” recognition awards and opportunities to exhibit their work, Brushstrokes is able to encourage the artistic growth of all members. Brushstrokes also sponsors national and local professional artist workshops for Brushstrokes members and non-members. We hope you enjoy our interpretation and salute to nature.

The photo is the January 2017 Brushstrokes Painting of the Month by Kendall Maycumber: “Marshmallow Marsh” Acrylic.

Art exhibits are free and open to the public.

July 3 

Mondays, July 3 & July 10
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Garden streams and trails

Two identical classes available. Macroinvertebrates (organisms that lack an internal skeleton and are large enough to be seen with the naked eye) are an integral part of wetland and stream ecosystems. Participants will make observations about water quality based on the presence and absence of common macroinvertebrate species.

Free Members | Paid Admission Non-members | Space is limited, sign up early! | Recommended for children ages 8-12 | Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult | Reserve online or call 800-366-4664

July 6 

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Magnolia Room

Beat the heat at Garvan Gardens this July with a double-header lineup of Arkansas flavor. Stone’s Throw Brewing (Little Rock, AR) teams up with Loblolly Creamery (Little Rock, AR) to show your taste buds a few new ways to enjoy two things you already love!

$30 Members | $45 Non-members | Reservations Required | Register online or call 800-366-4664