A Garden for the Whole World and Chicken Curry Pitas

by | May 2, 2009 | Arkansas, Arkansas Stories, Soups and Sandwiches | 14 comments

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Garvan Woodland Gardens
are botanical gardens owned by the University of Arkansas Department of Landscape Architecture and, fortunately, are located near our home. It is a remarkable place with an even more remarkable history. Verna Cook Garvan
was a prosperous business woman who inherited these 210 acres from her father, a purchase he made in the 1920’s. It is an absolutely gorgeous piece of property on a pennisula at Lake Catherine in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

For years, Mrs. Garvan developed the property as a private garden. She personally selected all of the trees that were to be cut, mapped out the paths that were to be made, and selected the plant varieties that were to be included. She kept detailed records of her purchases and plantings as well.

Upon her death, she gifted the property to the U of A. It opened to the public in 2002. Much of it remains to be developed, but it is already a significant attraction in the area. If you get the chance, you should visit. We went the other day hoping to catch the remainder of the Spring display of daffodils and tulips. Tens of thousands are planted each year. It is truly an unbelievable panorama.

 

While they were mostly gone for this season, the azaleas

and dogwoods were spectacular.
 
The camellias were still blossoming as well.
 
.
 
Ferns were announcing their springtime arrival and the many varieties of Japanese maples were all decked out for the occasion. This was our first trip back since the Christmas lights display.

and it was a delight to see the transformation God had for us to behold.

We try to make sure that we get there at least once during each season when the gardens are open. They generally are closed the entire month of January as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

Fall, like Spring and Summer, is a work of art.
 
Future plans include a rose garden designed by P. Allen Smith and a children’s play area. I know that my grandchildren already have enjoyed their visits. They can romp and explore until they just can’t go any longer. I absolutely love to take them.

 
 
I hope you get to make the trip soon.
Ya’ll come
.
 
During certain times of the year, Tuesday Tea is held. I’ve not yet been able to attend due to my work schedule, but I hope to do that very soon. In the South, of course, there must always be chicken salad at whatever luncheon, shower, or other function you might attend. I’m sure it has been on the Tuesday Tea menu at one time or another. Here’s a different version for you to try. We have enjoyed this on many occasions. It’s another one from Cooking Light.
 
 

This post is linked to Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer. Check it out.

14 Comments

  1. KBeau
    KBeau on at 9:23 pm

    I would love to visit Garvan Gardens. I was on the Alumni Board when they began discussions about giving the land to the University. What a beautiful piece of property.

  2. The Quintessential Magpie
    The Quintessential Magpie on at 10:17 am

    My first cousin’s wife is from Arkansas, and they’ve got a small getaway there. If I ever get over there to see them, I would enjoy seeing these gardens! They are lovely! And thank you for that delicious recipe. Makes me hungry! Loved the precious little ones (and big ones) in the pictures! 🙂

    Happy Outdoor Wednesday…

    XO,

    Sheila 🙂

  3. Cami @ Creating Myself
    Cami @ Creating Myself on at 10:28 am

    Sorry you missed the daffodil display but azaleas are beautiful too. Happy Outdoor Wednesday!

  4. Mary Ellen (megardengal)
    Mary Ellen (megardengal) on at 10:33 am

    Thank you for sharing Garvan Gardens with us! And the recipe sounds yummy- I will have to try it!

    blessings
    mary

  5. Carrie
    Carrie on at 11:18 am

    I think I have been there before….long time ago.

    Beautiful pictures!

  6. Mary @ Framed and Tagged
    Mary @ Framed and Tagged on at 12:06 pm

    Great story…great photos…and the recipe sounds great!…I will have to try this one.
    Happy Outdoor Wednesday!!

  7. Sonia
    Sonia on at 1:04 pm

    Oh I love Garvin Gardens, I visited once and enjoyed it so much! I remember the beautiful purple hydrangeas and the water features were so pretty. Thanks for reminding me of such a beautiful garden. Miss Bloomers/Sonia

  8. Regina
    Regina on at 1:37 pm

    Wonderful post.

    Happy outdoor.
    Regina

  9. Thoughtfully blended hearts
    Thoughtfully blended hearts on at 2:14 pm

    Beautiful post about an interesting garden, will have to remember this one for a future trip…

  10. Beautiful Pear Tree Lane
    Beautiful Pear Tree Lane on at 3:10 pm

    What a beautiful place to visit and to take children to enjoy, Thank you for sharing and for giving us the history behind it, I so enjoyed reading it.
    Sue

  11. Carolyn
    Carolyn on at 4:40 pm

    A garden designed by p.allensmith would have to be beautiful. I have his books.
    The recipe sounds good too.

    Carolyn

  12. Mary
    Mary on at 7:41 pm

    Thank you fro introducing me to the beautiful gardens. I love the recipe for the curried pitas as well. Thanks for sharing them with us.

  13. Marsha
    Marsha on at 9:51 pm

    These look like really beautiful gardens and I just love when someone donates them to be enjoyed by all as in this case. We have some public gardens in our state as well that started out as private and then were willed to an entity to make public. Those are truly big hearted people who want to share their love of gardens after they are gone.

  14. Kathleen
    Kathleen on at 11:17 pm

    Beautiful gardens, great the public can enjoy them!