Utah Native Plant Society

Garvan Woodland Gardens

By Ramona Borkman, Magazine Editor

Founded by Verna Cook Garvan, Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210 -acre site, recognized as Arkansas’ premier botanical garden. It is located near Hot Springs National Park, one of the oldest parks in the nation. Though the garden site was purchased in the 1920s, Garvan began to develop it as a show garden in 1956. Within a span of 40 years, the garden became charming with an impressive collection of plants and flowers such as camellias, magnolias, azaleas, and roses of antique varieties. Presently, it is home to hundreds of natural and exotic plants. In 1983, Garvan donated the land under a trust agreement to the University of Arkansas School of Architecture, and she maintained control of the property until her death in 1993. It now functions as an independent department of the U of A School of Architecture.

In April 2002, the garden was opened to the general public, thereby fulfilling Garvan’s dream to utilize it for educational purposes and serve the people of Arkansas. Garvan Woodland Gardens is noted for its floral landscapes, freeflowing streams and waterfalls, as well as breathtaking architectural structures in a natural woodland setting.

Reference: https://www.u-shistory.com/pages/h2525.html