Visit Hot Springs' Magnificent Garvin Gardens - A Local's Guide

Nested in the Ouachita Mountains of central Arkansas, Garvan Woodland Gardens stands as one of Hot Springs' most beloved treasures. As the University of Arkansas' stunning 210-acre botanical garden, Garvan Gardens offers visitors a sanctuary of natural beauty and horticultural wonders unlike any other in the region.

From Japanese gardens to floral havens, hillside trails to arching bridges, Garvan Gardens treats its guests to a tapestry of sights and experiences. Read on for a comprehensive guide to everything that makes this remarkable attraction a must-see for anyone visiting Hot Springs.

History of Garvan Gardens

The land that is now Garvan Gardens originally belonged to an enterprising businessman named Francis Anthony Bird. In the 1920s, he purchased 168 acres in the Hot Springs area and constructed a small plant conservatory on the grounds.

After Francis' death, the property transferred to his wife Verna Garvan. An avid gardener, Verna immediately set to work cultivating various gardens across the estate. Her passion grew in 1975 following the death of her second husband, and Verna devoted herself fully to transforming the land into a flourishing botanical oasis.

For over 20 years, Verna meticulously tended her burgeoning gardens. She designed and installed scenic trails, ponds, bridges, and carefully curated plant collections. By 1985, the gardens contained over 2,000 varieties of flowers, trees, and shrubs.

After Verna Garvan passed in 1993, the property transferred to her estate. Seeking to preserve the gardens for future generations, the University of Arkansas purchased 168 acres from the Garvan estate in 1997. This seminal acquisition marked the beginnings of an exciting new chapter in the gardens' legacy.

Over the next decade, the University of Arkansas worked to protect and enhance Verna Garvan's life work. After acquiring more acreage, UA opened the gardens to the public in 2002 as Garvan Woodland Gardens.

Now under the University's management, Garvan Gardens continues to mature into an unparalleled botanical haven. The staff upholds Verna Garvan's vision through sustainable practices, education programs, and the constant cultivation of new garden features.

Major Gardens and Attractions

Japanese Garden of the Pine Wind

Considered the crown jewel of Garvan Gardens, the Japanese Garden of the Pine Wind delights visitors with its peaceful aura. Designed by renowned landscape architect David Slawson, the garden exemplifies classic elements of Japanese horticulture and zen garden principles.

Stone paths lined with moss wind through the landscape, leading visitors over arching bridges past trickling streams. Carefully placed rocks representing mountains balance pockets of immaculate raked sand. Pruned evergreens, maple trees, and cherry blossoms offer pops of color alongside traditional bamboo thickets.

At the garden's heart sits the dramatic Moon Bridge, rising regally over the pond below. Nearby, a traditional Stone Lantern and Temple contribute to the Japanese aesthetic. The thoughtful placement of each component evokes a sense of serenity and tranquility throughout the space.

The talented integration of natural and manmade elements makes this Japanese garden the 5th highest ranked in North America. It stands as one of Garvan Woodland Gardens' most popular and photographer-friendly destinations.

Bonsai Garden

Tucked within the Pine Wind Garden sits Garvan Woodland Gardens' extensive bonsai tree collection. Originating in ancient Japan and China, the cultivation of bonsai involves artistically growing miniature trees in containers.

The bonsai garden contains nearly 100 of these diminutive trees, their trunks and branches trained over decades into aesthetic shapes. Some specimens come from the original Garvan estate, tended by Verna since the 1960s. Others were donated or acquired to diversify and expand the bonsai family.

The skilled gardeners at Garvan pride themselves on the care and maintenance of these special trees. The bonsai receive vigilant watering, pruning, wiring, and occasional repotting to uphold their health. As living artforms, the bonsai exhibit a unique juxtaposition of natural form and human nurturing.

Koi Pond and Waterfall

The vibrant koi pond presents a lively counterbalance to the peaceful Pine Wind Garden. Large mature koi swim lazily about the pond, their orange, white, black and red spotted bodies gliding gracefully through the water. A gentle waterfall feeds the pond, providing ample aeration for the fish.

Visitors can observe the koi from various vantage points around the pond's edge. For the best view, venture out onto the wooden platform extending from the Oriental Bridge. Here you can gaze down into the crystal water and appreciate the koi's colors and fluid movements.

In Japanese culture, koi symbolize luck, prosperity, and perseverance. At Garvan Gardens, they add a dynamic, living element to the landscape while recalling the pond's cultural roots. They are sure to captivate both young and old visitors alike.

Stone Lantern and Inspiration Garden

Sitting at the edge of the Pine Wind Garden rests an impressive 15-foot limestone lantern sculpture. Weighing over 9 tons, the lantern was carved on site by a team of Japanese stonemasons. Its form mimics the tiered temple gateways of Asia.

Surrounding the ornate lantern lies the vibrant Inspiration Garden. Winding gravel paths cut through lively perennials in hues of purple, yellow, pink and red. Brick columns mark the four corners, topped with bronzed plant urns. Vibrant obelisks rise from the beds, contrasting with the stone lantern's neutral tones.

As one of the original gardens from Verna Garvan's earliest cultivations, the Inspiration Garden exhibits a charmingly lush and bold personality. It also offers photographers an eye-catching backdrop guaranteed to enliven any portrait.

Scenic Bridges

One of Garvan Garden's most iconic features is its selection of picturesque pedestrian bridges. From the bold red Twin Falls Bridge to the elegant multitiered Full Moon Bridge, each structure frames gorgeous views of the natural surroundings.

The Sunrise Bridge extends dramatically over a reflecting pool, creating a favorite photo backdrop. Meanwhile, the Vine Bridge's wooden planks wind through verdant forest like a scene from a fairy tale. Even the architecturally simple Canyon Bridge charms visitors with its hilltop views.

These functional but beautiful bridges exemplify Garvan Gardens' dual nature as both landscape and artform. More than just access points, they intentionally amplify visitors' engagement with the scenery. Crossing each bridge feels like crossing into another world all together.

Wildlife at the Gardens

Beyond its cultivated gardens, the vast natural acreage of Garvan Gardens harbor plentiful wildlife. Deer, red foxes, rabbits and groundhogs all call the Ouachita foothills home. So too do nearly 100 species of birds, attracted by the forests and flowering plants.

Turtles, frogs and koi fish inhabit the ponds and streams threading through the mountains. Careful observers may even spot a shy mink or river otter playing in the water! Given the diversity of habitats, wildlife sightings delight visitors year round.

The Gardens' staff actively protects and monitors sensitive natural areas. Conservation initiatives like invasive plant removal and controlled burns help preserve native flora and fauna. Watch for wildlife crossing signs, and remember proper etiquette like staying on marked paths.

For memorable animal encounters, head to Anthony's Overlook around sunrise or sunset. Here you'll often glimpse deer, rabbits, and birds feeding and traveling to and from cover. Just remember to respect their space and not approach or feed them.

Sustainable Practices

Committed to ecological stewardship, Garvan Gardens has implemented numerous sustainable initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Water conservation is a major priority, addressed through rainwater harvesting, erosion controls and moisture probes to minimize irrigation.

Across the grounds, permeable pavers and retention ponds capture stormwater runoff and rainfall to filter back into the landscape. Solar panels offset electrical usage, while an onsite composting program recycles green waste from the gardens.

The staff vigilantly tracks energy consumption, emissions and recycling rates to find new efficiencies. Careful chemical management also reduces dependence on pesticides and fertilizers. Thanks to these comprehensive efforts, Garvan Gardens earned the coveted Platinum Level certification from Audubon International's Sustainable Sites Initiative.

Events and Education

Beyond its natural scenery, Garvan Woodland Gardens hosts a myriad of events and educational offerings throughout the year. The Garden's Performance Series brings live music, theatre and dance to an open-air amphitheater surrounded by gorgeous views.

From spring concerts to fall holiday programs, the performances infuse artistry and culture into the botanical setting. Full Moon hikes, Plein Air festivals and outdoor movie nights also grace the event calendar.

For hands-on learning, the Gardens provides a rich assortment of horticulture and photography classes. School programs, lectures, and workshops allow community members to gain new skills while connecting to nature. With so much to experience, each visit promises something for discovery.

Visiting Garvan Gardens

Ready to plan your trip to Garvan Woodland Gardens? Here are the key details for making the most of your visit:

• Garvan Gardens is open daily from 10am - 6pm, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Standard admission tickets cost $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12.
• Leashed pets are welcome to accompany you provided they remain on marked trails.
• Parking is available onsite, including ADA accessible spaces. Golf cart shuttles are available if needed.
• Food and drinks are available for purchase from the Garden Cafe and gift shop.
• Photography and picnics are encouraged - just follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out any waste.
• The terrain includes gravel paths, hills, and stairs. Mobility devices can access key areas.

Located 15 minutes from downtown Hot Springs, Garvan Woodland Gardens offers a convenient natural escape from the city. Simply follow scenic Highway 270 east until you see the distinctive Garden sign.

Once inside, give yourself 2-3 hours to explore the major gardens and trails at a leisurely pace. Arrive early in the day to avoid afternoon heat, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

From koi ponds to moon bridges, inspired landscapes to quiet forests, Garvan Gardens promises wonder for all your senses. Stroll through Arkansas nature at its finest when you visit this Hot Springs treasure.

For beauty, artistry, culture, and nature - Garvan Woodland Gardens encompasses it all. As Hot Springs' resident botanical garden, it offers visitors a living museum to savor through sight, sound, and spirit.

Whether you seek picturesque scenery, peaceful trails, or fascinating gardens, Garvan's diversity delights. Come experience Japanese inspiration, flourishing flora, lively wildlife and enriching events against the backdrop of the Ouachita foothills.

At the intersection of horticulture and art, Garvan Gardens presents the best of Vernon Garvan's vision for all to enjoy. Let this comprehensive guide equip you to plan your own memorable journey through an Arkansas gem.