GardenGrrl's WunderBlog

Garvan Gardens, Hot Springs

Posted by: GardenGrrl, 8:25 AM GMT on October 28, 2007

Just came back from a "mini-vacation" in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Below are some pictures from a relatively new botanical garden in Hot Springs just off Lake Hamilton. Here are some excerpts from "History of Garvan Woodland Gardens". Along the dramatic ridges of a forested peninsula jutting off of Lake Hamilton, 210 acres showcase Garvan Woodland Gardens which combine the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains with a display of both native and exotic plants, preserving as much of the lands natural character as possible. Originally named the Twentieth Century Gardens, it was the dream of a local business woman Verna Cook Garvan. She invested large amounts of her time and a great deal of her fortune to create the Gardens. At her death in 1993, Mrs. Garvan donated the property to the University of Arkansas School of Architecture which administers the Garden today. The University did not actually start working with the Garden until 2000 due to the property being in probate. During that time they drew up a 25 year master garden plan and have been procuring development funds. Currently the Garden hosts several miles of ADA accessible trails, as well as, winding stone paths for the adventurous. The ebb and flow of the garden paths through perfect woodland areas balanced with native and exotic plantings gives the impression of an older established Japanese Garden. Bridges, placement of boulders and trees are all done with such a subtle harmony that it is much like walking through a fairy tale perfect forest. In keeping with the Japanese theme they have added a Bonsai Garden with some western changes incorporating natural elements from Arkansas. Vertical sandstone slabs replace traditional stucco backdrops and square cut boulders of quartzite sandstone replace the traditional wooden display pedestals. There are plans for building a traditional bonsai shed and expanding the Bonsai Garden. Another unique feature of the Garden is a scale model train display that is landscaped with live plants. The Garden has displays for all seasons and currently the Camellia Trail is awash in color from these cool weather blooms.

Garvan Gardens

Updated: 8:31 AM GMT on October 28, 2007

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Mr. Bunny Returns!

Posted by: GardenGrrl, 4:01 AM GMT on October 18, 2007

Wow, did it ever rain Monday morning! The gauge was holding nearly four inches of water. The deluge also brought Mr. Bunny back to the higher ground of my raised garden. Earlier this summer Mr.Bunny just showed up and became a fixture in my yard. Kind of like a mobile lawn ornament that ate zinnia's. An adorable nemisis that would follow me around the garden like a curious puppy and periodically stop to munch my flowers. Yes I cussed complained and then bought bunny food. Eventually he was captured by neighbors who built him a nice fenced area with some shelter. Considering Mr.Bunny could leap two feet of garden wall to take up residence under the Japanese lantern, I figured if he didn't like his new accomadations, he would be back. Life must of been good at the neighbors house because he stayed in the pen. Atleast until this big rain came. Ofcourse I fed him again, but haven't left food out. The grounds a bit drier now and there's a little girl a few doors down that probably misses her bunny. I know I did.

Bunny in the House

Bunny Returns

Mr. Bunny

Updated: 4:05 AM GMT on October 18, 2007

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Spring in the Garden....or

Posted by: GardenGrrl, 9:46 AM GMT on October 07, 2007

(late)Spring in the Garden, or also known as I finally got high speed internet and can upload my pictures. This spring the Larkspur were their usual exuberant selves and took over the garden. The Iris'es were quite happy this year and shoved their way through the throng to sport some gorgeous blooms. In the quiet shade of the gnome garden, the House Angel's wings played in the shadows of the elm tree. Meanwhile, come May, the pot of sunflowers was being upstaged by the brilliant yellow of the prickly pear cactus blooms. The red tissue paper petals of the double Hollyhock also did it's best to herald it's contribution to spring.

Updated: 9:52 AM GMT on October 07, 2007

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Men Can Get Breast Cancer

Posted by: GardenGrrl, 11:17 AM GMT on October 04, 2007

I just got back from a class where my MALE instructor told his story of being a breast cancer survivor. He asked us to spread the word for cancer awareness. He had noticed a small somewhat painfull lump in his breast when his grandson smacked into him. He said over time it got bigger and continued to be uncomfortable. His wife made him see a doctor who at first thought it was cyst and wasn't concerned. After some thought the doctor called him back to have it biopsied and it was cancerous. He had it and a large part of his chest removed and then had chemo-therapy. He says presently he is okay. So men, if you have a lump in your breast or discharge from nipples, get it checked and tell the doctor this story in case your doctor is not enlightened.

Okay, back to the earlier blog.
These are the sunflowers that re-seeded themselves over the summer. A bit smaller than the originals, but I'm tickled to have a second round. There is also some Sweet Basil in there that migrated over from it's pot to the sunflower barrel. We got half an inch of rain yesterday so the garden is quite happy right now. Okay, this is too funny. These are actually pictures that I took and they don't have Photo by Gardengrrl pasted across them. Unlike the deer and bunnie photos which no matter what I tried, ended up with my name on them.