In the world of gardening, shady areas are often described as difficult to design or as
troublesome spots where few plants will grow. If this sounds familiar take heart because
there is a beautiful woodland garden in Hot Springs, Arkansas, that illustrates just how
easy it is to have a gorgeous landscape without full sun.
Garvan Woodland Gardens is the legacy of Louise Cook Garvan, who began designing and
planting the site in 1956. Since her death, the gardens have continued to flourish
under the guidance of the University of Arkansas’ Department of Landscape Architecture.
Garvan is designed to fit harmoniously with the natural setting and has something to
behold in every season.
What’s Cool About Garvan Gardens
- An extensive collection of rare shrubs and trees selected and planted by Mrs. Garvan; some are over 40 years old.
- Over 2,000 azaleas. Imagine that in spring!
- 300-plus varieties of blooming perennials and groundcovers.
- Garden Pavilion designed by nationally known architects E Fay Jones and Maurice Jennings.
- Close to three miles of walking paths.
- Tulip Extravaganza with 90,000 blooms from early March through April.
- Two-acre wildflower meadow.
- An enclosed one-acre children’s garden featuring a cave, maze, treetop boardwalk and stone climbing slopes.
Hours
- Open Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. February through mid-November; 12 noon to 9 p.m. mid-November through December 31
- Holiday Light Display: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Saturday before Thanksgiving through December 31) *Note: Special admission rates apply at 5 p.m. when lights are switched on.
- The Garden is CLOSED Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and the entire month of January.
Prices
- Adults $8.75
- Seniors 55+ $7.75
- Children under 12 $4.50
- Children under 5 Free
- Dogs $4.50