Fayetteville’s Botanical Garden of the Ozarks Is More Than Plants
Sept. 11, 2008
*****
Jill M. Rohrbach, travel writer
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
The place is abuzz with the flight of the bee and alive with the lilting of butterfly wings. It breathes through fleshy green leaves and emits soapy, earthy, minty and citrus-y scents. It has united lovers until death do they part and delighted children with the night lights of fireflies and opportunities for dirty hands. A year old come Oct. 1, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville has become so much more than its plants.
Although plants it does have in nine theme gardens: Japanese, Vegetable and Herb, Children’s, Four Seasons, Shade, Ozark Native, Sensory, Rock and Water, and Rose and Perennial. The site also contains The Great Lawn, Rotary Peace Arbor, Founders Garden, Gate House, Entry Garden, Pinetum and Dwarf Conifer Collection and the timber-framed Totemeier Horticulture Center.
“We are a young garden, so we’re a very sunny garden,” said Sarah King, director of community programs. Many of the plants are excellent hosts for butterflies. Fall is the high season for these delicate, winged creatures.
“September and October are wonderful times to visit,” King said. “That’s why we decided to have a two-month-long butterfly festival.” During the festival, visitors can learn about common butterflies, houseplants that welcome butterflies and garden host plants. Custom book covers are free to any child that visits. The covers, imprinted with a picture of butterflies on a plant, can be colored by the children.
A new display case contains caterpillars. Visitors can watch them change from a caterpillar to a chrysalis, the cocoon form of the insect when between the larval and adult stages. “And if you have enough patience [you can watch it change] into a butterfly,” added Paige Mulhollan, the volunteer executive director.
In addition to the garden flora that is the focus for many visitors, humans and bugs alike, the botanical garden also hosts many special activities.
Upcoming events at the garden include: Pops in the Garden; annual Fall Plant Sale; Guest Speaker Mary Ann King on native Arkansas plants; classical youth ballet performance on site; and Chefs in the Garden. “Pops in the Garden, it brings out something beautiful in the garden and something beautifully in the music,” King explained.
Little Sprouts Garden Time allows preschoolers to participate in a nature-based activity outside in the garden, which also hosts school children each year. “It’s wonderful to be that sort of educational resource,” King said.
The garden and the timber-frame event hall and terrace are also available for rental for club or corporate meetings, weddings, and other special events. “We have weddings almost every Saturday,” said King. “We do a lot of special events.”
“We also focus on wellness here,” King said. Some people come and walk the garden grounds. Tai Chi on the lawn will soon be offered.
“The garden is so much more than plants,” King said. “It’s a gathering place. It’s northwest Arkansas’s front yard.” She said it is a place for families, for arts, for personal wellness, for solitude and quiet, and for celebrations.
“The garden is something different for everyone that visits,” King explained. “It’s what you make it and we’ve provided these beautiful spaces for them in whatever way they like to experience it.”
King pointed out that a person doesn’t have to be a gardener to be a member. Membership at The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks includes free admission for one year, four coupons for one-time free passes for guests, the quarterly newsletter Garden Elements, and special invitations and discounts to events and classes.
Another benefit is free admission to more than 210 gardens nationwide, including Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Powell Gardens near Kansas City and Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. Fayetteville’s botanical garden has a reciprocal admissions program with members of the American Horticultural Society. A brochure, available at the office, lists gardens, arboreta and conservatories throughout North America where members can receive special admission privileges in addition to discounts on gift shop purchases and special events.
“It’s a nice perk,” Mulhollan said. “It’s a really good value for people that like botanical gardens.”
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks also has plenty of room to grow in future years. “We have developed only eight of almost 90 acres on the banks of Lake Fayetteville,” King explained. Located in the urban core of northwest Arkansas on the eastern shore of the lake, the gardens are a perfect place to watch the sunset as well as take advantage of the multi-use trail that encircles the lake.
“We have dreams and right now we’re revisiting the master plan developed in the 1990s now that we see how people are using the garden,” King said.
While the ribbon cutting for the Botanical Garden was Oct. 1, 2007, the horticulture center and phase one gardens of the master plan were dedicated on Oct. 6, 2006 with retired U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers providing the keynote address.
For more information on events or membership, visit www.bgozarks.org or phone 479-750-2620.
Upcoming Events:
Butterfield Stagecoach Stop, 3:30 p.m., Sunday, September 14
The Butterfield Stagecoach route once passed through the land that became the Garden. Meet the stage once again as it passes through on its annual voyage. Some lucky visitors may have the chance to hop aboard the stagecoach.
Pops in the Garden, 6 p.m., Sunday, September 14
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of classical music in a beautiful setting.
Members-Only Plant Sale Preview and Reception, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26 Garden members are invited to have a sneak peek--and first pick--of the fall plant sale. BGO staff will be on hand to answer plant questions. Light refreshments will be served.
Annual Fall Plant Sale, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Sept. 27
Choose from an array of plants including native plants, new introductions, and plants that have been standouts in the gardens. The fall sale highlights native plants and bulbs for fall planting. The horticulture staff will be on hand to answer questions. These nurseries will also be selling plants: Between the Rivers Nursery, White River Nursery, Pine Ridge Gardens, Fresh and Green.
Bringing Natives Home with Mary Ann King, 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27
Mary Ann King, proprietor of Pine Ridge Gardens, will speak about the value and beauty of native Arkansas plants. After her formal presentation in the Totemeier Center, she will lead a garden walk.
Gregory Moore Exhibit, Saturday, Sept. 27
The works of Fayetteville artist Gregory Moore will be displayed outside in the garden. Moore’s botanical images are brought to life on reclaimed surfaces including enamel tabletops and panels salvaged from airplanes.
Classical Youth Ballet Performance, 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28
Classical Youth Ballet Company, a division of Classical Ballet Academy of Bentonville, will perform selections from its repertory. Eighteen ballet dancers ranging in age from 9 to 17 will perform dances staged for Classical Youth Ballet Company by three guest choreographers: Karina Sturdevant of Iowa, Aaron Girlinghouse of Houston, and Michelle Brekelbaum of Fayetteville. Other classical ballet solos will be included in this presentation.
Chefs in the Garden, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9
Enjoy the richness of the harvest season with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wine pairings. Special guest, Swiss Chef Bruno Wehren will prepare a unique creation especially for the occasion. Chef Bruno's dishes have been enjoyed by people around the world, including American presidents and international heads of state. Chef Bruno will be joined by area chefs from Ella's, Cafe Rue Orleans, Pinnacle Country Club, Soul, A Fare to Remember, and Shelby Lynne's Cake Shoppe. Music will be provided by Ultrasuede. Each guest will receive a goodie bag and a chance to win culinary door prizes.
Still on the Hill's Ozark Celebration in Song, 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1
Still on the Hill will present original songs about the Ozarks from their new CD.
####
Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-7606
E-mail: [email protected]
May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:
"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"
*****
Jill M. Rohrbach, travel writer
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
The place is abuzz with the flight of the bee and alive with the lilting of butterfly wings. It breathes through fleshy green leaves and emits soapy, earthy, minty and citrus-y scents. It has united lovers until death do they part and delighted children with the night lights of fireflies and opportunities for dirty hands. A year old come Oct. 1, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville has become so much more than its plants.
Although plants it does have in nine theme gardens: Japanese, Vegetable and Herb, Children’s, Four Seasons, Shade, Ozark Native, Sensory, Rock and Water, and Rose and Perennial. The site also contains The Great Lawn, Rotary Peace Arbor, Founders Garden, Gate House, Entry Garden, Pinetum and Dwarf Conifer Collection and the timber-framed Totemeier Horticulture Center.
“We are a young garden, so we’re a very sunny garden,” said Sarah King, director of community programs. Many of the plants are excellent hosts for butterflies. Fall is the high season for these delicate, winged creatures.
“September and October are wonderful times to visit,” King said. “That’s why we decided to have a two-month-long butterfly festival.” During the festival, visitors can learn about common butterflies, houseplants that welcome butterflies and garden host plants. Custom book covers are free to any child that visits. The covers, imprinted with a picture of butterflies on a plant, can be colored by the children.
A new display case contains caterpillars. Visitors can watch them change from a caterpillar to a chrysalis, the cocoon form of the insect when between the larval and adult stages. “And if you have enough patience [you can watch it change] into a butterfly,” added Paige Mulhollan, the volunteer executive director.
In addition to the garden flora that is the focus for many visitors, humans and bugs alike, the botanical garden also hosts many special activities.
Upcoming events at the garden include: Pops in the Garden; annual Fall Plant Sale; Guest Speaker Mary Ann King on native Arkansas plants; classical youth ballet performance on site; and Chefs in the Garden. “Pops in the Garden, it brings out something beautiful in the garden and something beautifully in the music,” King explained.
Little Sprouts Garden Time allows preschoolers to participate in a nature-based activity outside in the garden, which also hosts school children each year. “It’s wonderful to be that sort of educational resource,” King said.
The garden and the timber-frame event hall and terrace are also available for rental for club or corporate meetings, weddings, and other special events. “We have weddings almost every Saturday,” said King. “We do a lot of special events.”
“We also focus on wellness here,” King said. Some people come and walk the garden grounds. Tai Chi on the lawn will soon be offered.
“The garden is so much more than plants,” King said. “It’s a gathering place. It’s northwest Arkansas’s front yard.” She said it is a place for families, for arts, for personal wellness, for solitude and quiet, and for celebrations.
“The garden is something different for everyone that visits,” King explained. “It’s what you make it and we’ve provided these beautiful spaces for them in whatever way they like to experience it.”
King pointed out that a person doesn’t have to be a gardener to be a member. Membership at The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks includes free admission for one year, four coupons for one-time free passes for guests, the quarterly newsletter Garden Elements, and special invitations and discounts to events and classes.
Another benefit is free admission to more than 210 gardens nationwide, including Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Powell Gardens near Kansas City and Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. Fayetteville’s botanical garden has a reciprocal admissions program with members of the American Horticultural Society. A brochure, available at the office, lists gardens, arboreta and conservatories throughout North America where members can receive special admission privileges in addition to discounts on gift shop purchases and special events.
“It’s a nice perk,” Mulhollan said. “It’s a really good value for people that like botanical gardens.”
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks also has plenty of room to grow in future years. “We have developed only eight of almost 90 acres on the banks of Lake Fayetteville,” King explained. Located in the urban core of northwest Arkansas on the eastern shore of the lake, the gardens are a perfect place to watch the sunset as well as take advantage of the multi-use trail that encircles the lake.
“We have dreams and right now we’re revisiting the master plan developed in the 1990s now that we see how people are using the garden,” King said.
While the ribbon cutting for the Botanical Garden was Oct. 1, 2007, the horticulture center and phase one gardens of the master plan were dedicated on Oct. 6, 2006 with retired U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers providing the keynote address.
For more information on events or membership, visit www.bgozarks.org or phone 479-750-2620.
Upcoming Events:
Butterfield Stagecoach Stop, 3:30 p.m., Sunday, September 14
The Butterfield Stagecoach route once passed through the land that became the Garden. Meet the stage once again as it passes through on its annual voyage. Some lucky visitors may have the chance to hop aboard the stagecoach.
Pops in the Garden, 6 p.m., Sunday, September 14
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of classical music in a beautiful setting.
Members-Only Plant Sale Preview and Reception, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26 Garden members are invited to have a sneak peek--and first pick--of the fall plant sale. BGO staff will be on hand to answer plant questions. Light refreshments will be served.
Annual Fall Plant Sale, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Sept. 27
Choose from an array of plants including native plants, new introductions, and plants that have been standouts in the gardens. The fall sale highlights native plants and bulbs for fall planting. The horticulture staff will be on hand to answer questions. These nurseries will also be selling plants: Between the Rivers Nursery, White River Nursery, Pine Ridge Gardens, Fresh and Green.
Bringing Natives Home with Mary Ann King, 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27
Mary Ann King, proprietor of Pine Ridge Gardens, will speak about the value and beauty of native Arkansas plants. After her formal presentation in the Totemeier Center, she will lead a garden walk.
Gregory Moore Exhibit, Saturday, Sept. 27
The works of Fayetteville artist Gregory Moore will be displayed outside in the garden. Moore’s botanical images are brought to life on reclaimed surfaces including enamel tabletops and panels salvaged from airplanes.
Classical Youth Ballet Performance, 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28
Classical Youth Ballet Company, a division of Classical Ballet Academy of Bentonville, will perform selections from its repertory. Eighteen ballet dancers ranging in age from 9 to 17 will perform dances staged for Classical Youth Ballet Company by three guest choreographers: Karina Sturdevant of Iowa, Aaron Girlinghouse of Houston, and Michelle Brekelbaum of Fayetteville. Other classical ballet solos will be included in this presentation.
Chefs in the Garden, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9
Enjoy the richness of the harvest season with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wine pairings. Special guest, Swiss Chef Bruno Wehren will prepare a unique creation especially for the occasion. Chef Bruno's dishes have been enjoyed by people around the world, including American presidents and international heads of state. Chef Bruno will be joined by area chefs from Ella's, Cafe Rue Orleans, Pinnacle Country Club, Soul, A Fare to Remember, and Shelby Lynne's Cake Shoppe. Music will be provided by Ultrasuede. Each guest will receive a goodie bag and a chance to win culinary door prizes.
Still on the Hill's Ozark Celebration in Song, 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1
Still on the Hill will present original songs about the Ozarks from their new CD.
####
Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-7606
E-mail: [email protected]
May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:
"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"
Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-7606
E-mail: [email protected]
May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:
"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"