Ft. Smith

Posted on October 20, 2019 by wedd4780

Ft. Smith was an overnight stop on the way to Bentonville. Early the next morning after we arrived, we walked around downtown to see some of the large murals on buildings. We didn’t see all the murals because of time constraints.

Ft. Smith is actually the second largest city in Arkansas with a population of just under 90,000, but little appreciated, in my opinion. Lacking the natural beauty of the mountains and greenery of the northern part of Arkansas, they found a way to add interest to the city. The art festival and projects have brought new life and recognition to the city.

Sidewalk art, probably by children and teens, was on a wide walkway in front of a small park area.

The numbers on each picture suggested contest entries.

The focal point in this small park was this fountain in the center.

The downtown area with older buildings, some of which were undergoing renovations, was clean and neat. Since it was early, we were about the only ones walking around.

It was evident that the artists were professionals.

Not a big fan of modern art and wonder about the symbolism, but I certainly appreciate the talent to produce this quality of art, especially on a large scale.

We wondered if these people were prominent past citizens. Since it was too early for the Visitor’s Center to be open, we didn’t have access to information about the murals.

This one speaks to the western history of the area.

For some reason, this one disturbed me, but the detail was excellent.

On a long wall, two almost mirror images faced each other.

Could not begin to interpret this.

Huh?

I salute any town or area that works to improve their aesthetics. Unfortunately, sometimes, it is too costly to be done. Good job, Ft. Smith.

“Improvement begins with I.” Arnold H. Glasow

More Gardens at Moss Mountain

Posted on June 17, 2016 by wedd4780

Last post from Moss Mountain near Little Rock.

We leave the house heading to the vegetable gardens and the rose garden. The wood on the front of this buggy is so polished that it is a mirror for some bushes.

These are the bushes reflected on the buggy. Unusual containers – usually hanging wire baskets are filled with sphagnum moss to hold in the soil.

We walk on a road by the parking lot…

past some fields for sheep. These are the Katahdin breed of sheep that don’t have wool but hair, so they don’t have to be sheared.

The entrance to the vegetable garden.

These small buildings are probably tool sheds.

The light was strong by late morning and washed out the pictures. Different kinds of lettuce along with chives? In the background is a long wire archway. It is tall enough to walk through, like a tunnel. If you have watched P. Allen Smith’s TV show, you know he uses these to grow vine plants, like squash.

The plant growing up the pole is Hyacinth Bean. I asked the young girl who was our escort if they were edible. She replied that she guessed so since they were planted in the vegetable gardens.

I have only seen them grown for the beautiful flowers in summer, so I looked on the internet. From what I gleamed, if you eat the beans when they are young and green, that’s okay. But older dry bean have a high amount of cyanogenic glycosides, which are not good for you. However, these are also found in seeds of some fruits, in some vegetables, and nuts. Mature or dry beans should not be eaten raw. The process to cook them sounds a lot like boiling pinto beans. All this is from a book Eat the Weeds.

More than you wanted to know?

Kale

As we leave the vegetable garden, we pass between two stag statues and walk down a steep path towards the rose garden.

This overlook is at the end of the gravel path. To the left and right are arching walkways down the hill.

This view looks back up to the lookout spot.

The rose gardens are formal with an European look.

This was early May, so some of the roses were not in full bloom. Maybe that’s why I didn’t find any scented ones.

Really like this feature – a castle look.

Leaving the rose garden, we take a lower pathway back to the house.

It seems that much thought was put into the views of the house from all angles.

The screened porches on the first and second floors at back of the house.

I hope you have enjoyed the pictures from this part of our trip. Thanks for taking the time to look at my blog.

“Know who you are and be who you are.” P. Allen Smith

Upstairs at Moss Mountain

Posted on June 13, 2016 by wedd4780

As we head upstairs inside the house at Moss Mountain, notice the pictures on almost every wall.

Lovely staircase that almost makes me want one, except that I’d have put these poor old knees through torture every day.

At the top of the stairs is a collection of Native American pictures.

Off the main hallway is a guest powder room.

A guest bedroom has two twin beds: one on either side of a medal trunk used as a table.

In the hallway landing is a mini study with book shelves and eclectic items. If there had been more time, I could have stood in this area and read book titles and studied pictures for hours.

An interesting greeter.

Not sure what this light fixture was originally or what object it is supposed to look like.

Allen likes his books. As do I.

The master bedroom is spacious.

A desk in the corner with more pictures.

Still in the master bedroom.

And an en suite bath.

At the back of the house is a screen porch with beds for guests.

And, of course, a wonderful view.

At one end of the room is a metal tub. Not sure if it is actually functional or decorative. There are towels hanging on a small ladder to the left.

This casual living area is on the third floor.

Where there is a large bedroom with four beds for Allen’s nieces and nephews.

Cute. It seems he enjoys whimsy.

I like the beaded boards on the walls and ceilings everywhere on the third floor.

Another view of the Arkansas River.

As we head down the stairs, more pictures and busts of American founding fathers or composers?

That concludes the tour of the house.

“Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy as though it t’were his own.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

House at Moss Mountain

Posted on June 4, 2016 by wedd4780

The visit to Moss Mountain near Little Rock included a house tour as well as all the gardens and animal pens.

The group is gathering to hear the introduction to the tour and how it will all unfold. With 80 attending, 40 go inside the house at a time.

The house has three stories and a basement, where media equipment is kept and the editing is done for his shows.

Notice that the entry door is on the left side of the house. Also, there is a bumped out room to the left of the house and one to the right side.

Built in the Greek Revival style that was popular in the US during the 1800’s, a pedimented or triangular gable can be seen at the top of the side of the house. Other characteristics include the symmetrical overall shape and the columns on the front porch.

A wide hallway runs to the back of the house with two large living areas on the right. At the back of the house is a large screened porch that stretches across the width of the house.

Just as we entered the door, to the left is a small area that gives the first clue to P. Allen Smith‘s interests. He is obviously a collector of colonial style pictures and artifacts.

With 40 people in the house, my pictures will definitely include people. The front living room has a rather formal feel.

True to the Greek Revival style, no crown molding is used.

The three small pedestal tables between the couches are interesting, but no history was given. Many sofas and chairs are slip covered.

Tucked under the window is an antique tea caddy. Because tea was a valued commodity, it was kept in a locked container. The lady of the house carried the key and unlocked it when needed.

Pictures and books are everywhere. The apple picture is one of Allen’s. He painted other similar pieces of fruit.

In the corner is a pear painting from that series.

Looking from the living room into a more casual area that I would call a den, note the thickness of the wall. The heating and cooling return ducts are above the doorway. On either side are storage closets. Clever.

In the more casual living space.

On the right is a glimpse of the screened porch.

The picture on the left shows Allen with Presidents Clinton and Bush. On the right, he’s with Prince Charles and someone I don’t recognize.

The kitchen is in the room on the right side of the house. This kitchen is different than the one used on his cooking shows on HGTV. So I’m guessing that kitchen is in one of the buildings behind the main house.

Fresh flowers in vases scattered around the house.

The screened porch has a fantastic view. Several zinc covered tables are placed around the property, including outside, indicate either that he likes them a lot or that zinc is very sturdy and long lasting. Maybe it is both.

These plantation style shutters block out the west sun.

I didn’t count the number of dining tables in the house, but there are at least three.

At the far left side of the porch is this small sofa. It is set back into a nook that protects it from the weather.

Walking back out into the main hallway.

On the left side of the house is a studio. This part is storage for vases and other decorating items.

Beyond that, under the staircase is a small guest bathroom.

Across from the staircase. The living space is spacious and contains many items of interest. It seemed to reflect a man with many interests and talents.

This is just the first floor. Another post will feature upstairs.

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” George Moore

Moss Mountain

Posted on May 26, 2016 by wedd4780

The next stop on our trip early in May was Moss Mountain, the farm of P. Allen Smith. He is considered a plant and animal guru. His program on HGTV features short vignettes about flower and vegetable gardening as well as raising farm animals and cooking.

The large post oak in front of the house is named Big Sister.

On specific days each month, tours of the farm and house are open to the public. Reservations are necessary, and it’s not cheap.

Allen was not there that day, but the whole day was orchestrated very well.

Lunch was served at noon. We ate in a room in the barn that had round tables to accommodate 80 people. The large white tent has long tables for larger groups.

The house was built in 2007-2008 in the Greek Revival style, which was popular in the south during the mid 1800’s.

I had assumed that the property was inherited, but it was found by his friend who had flown a plane over the area and described it to Allen.

A dry rub of sulfur was put on the brick to provide an old house look. The room protruding out on the left side is an art studio. He also does some painting.

The room on the right side of the house is the kitchen.

Behind the house in the gardens are three other buildings. One is seen here.

My pictures don’t do justice to the gardens. Behind the house are two parallel walkways through the bushes, flowers, and trees. They are on different levels since the ground slopes down towards the Arkansas River.

Most of the flowerbeds were designed like this one with tall shrubs in the back, shorter ones in front of those, and low annuals in front. Lots of manpower needed to plant all those flowers.

This is the side door into the art studio.

A corner bed where a pathway from the house joins another walkway. The lime green plant is Stonecrop Sedum. It was used in several places to frame a bed.

Gerbera Daisies with Petunias

We did not go into the two smaller houses in the back because the doors were closed.

This shows the slope down to the first path behind the house.

I was surprised that pots around the garden contained agaves. That area is in the same plant zone I’m in: 8a, used to be 7b. Some years during cold winters, they would freeze. Maybe they do bring them inside, but that looks like a heavy metal container.

Allen designed these white towers.

Although I don’t know the size of the gardens around the house; I’m guessing it would be two or three acres.

Most of the rose bushes around the house appeared to be Knockouts.

This hexagon or octagon (can’t remember) building was on lowest side of the garden paths.

There was straw on the floor, but I don’t know the building’s purpose.

In the background is the river. Many of the gardens are organized and neat but informal in the plantings.

Pathways led to some garden rooms or sections that are somewhat closed off.

As I remember, these are testing beds. There were small signs in several beds throughout the gardens that indicate that different growers had provided plants.

These gates open to a more formal garden style.

This grassy area is between two rows of trees leading to this statue and hedge.

One of the amazing things about Moss Mountain is how much has been accomplished in a few years. There will be more posts about this tour.

“It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.” Old Cowboy Adage

Garvan Gardens, Part 2

Posted on May 17, 2016 by wedd4780

Garvan Gardens outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a serene, calming place. Because there were few people visiting that day, it seemed like we were alone in forest far from civilization.

Some workers were constructing this exhibit out of brush. This art installation by W. Gary Smith is to last for a year.

Miniature fairy gardens created in pots are a current fad, but this Fairy Garden was built using tree stumps.

Each one stood about 3 or 4 feet tall.

A small patch of Oxblood or Schoolhouse Lilies (Rhodophiala bifida) make an impact statement.

Very tall Pinks or Dianthus in a semi-shady spot.

The Children’s Garden entrance is below this metal twig looking bridge.

Everything we saw in this part of the garden is mostly rocks to climb on and secluded small areas to explore.

The boulders were intriguing with the quartz in the stones forming sharp ridges. Over time, the rock, whatever type it is, has eroded, while the quartz remained intact.

Some of the Children’s Garden might be intimidating to young kids.

Back on the main trail …

we continue past this small pond with water Iris.

Although this peacock was alone, his loud mating cries broke the silence of the forest. Guess he just wanted some attention.

Another pergola leading to a grassy area surrounded by flowerbeds.

Alliums towering above other flowers, like these Pansies. I really wanted some Alliums and tried them once, but they didn’t come back the next year. Don’t really know what the problem was. Too hot, too cold, soil too alkaline?

More Dianthus

Delphiniums, maybe?

Just outside the Chipmunk Cafe were several miniature trains at different levels circling around a tree.

Anthony Chapel is a wedding chapel with construction similar to the Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I think this chapel was built in 2006 while ThornCrown opened in 1980.

The wood is southern yellow pine.

Anthony Chapel is a wedding chapel. Lovely setting.

There is a separate building for wedding party members with a bridal changing chamber. It can be rented for an additional cost.

The whole intent of the design with 55 feet tall windows is to have full view of the surrounding woods. The handcrafted scones are made of oak.

Heading to the parking lot takes us past more trees and bushes. This looks like Coral Honeysuckle.

Beautiful bloom on an Oakleaf Hydrangea (‘Hydrangea quercifolia’).

Thanks for reading our visit to Garvan Gardens.

“The only limit to your garden is at the boundaries of your imagination.” Thomas Church

Garvan Gardens

Posted on May 12, 2016 by wedd4780

On a recent trip one of our stops was at Garvan Woodland Gardens just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is the 210 acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas in the Ouachita Mountains.

Most of the acres are a naturally wooded area of tall pines.

Pathways lead guests to a variety of sights.

Shaded areas are filled with abundant under story trees and shrubbery.

Although it was the tail end of the blooming season for Azaleas, some flowers remained.

A heavy crop of berries on some kind of holly.

Few of the plants had identification labels.

In a few sunny clearings were some grassy areas circled by flowerbeds and flowerpots. Begonias, Spider Plant, and Caladium make an attractive arrangement.

Several vine covered pergolas open to patio like settings with flowers and seating.

This is a purple Columbine, but I don’t know the variety.

Pretty Pinks or Dianthus

Love the color and design of this three foot tall pot. The requisite three elements are there: thriller (don’t know the name of the plant); filler (petunias), and spiller (a variegated ivy).

Lots of large beds were filled with annuals such as pansies. There were both staff members and volunteers working in the gardens.

Another bed with these newly planted small plants, probably annuals.

Loved this bush, but don’t know what it is.

Four and a half miles of shoreline on Lake Hamilton provide wooded views of the lake.

Euphorbias in bloom.

As we leave the lake observation point and head back into the wooded gardens, there are what look like native blooming plants.

Several nice bridges in the gardens lead to new surprises.

This shrub was about six or seven feet tall with arching branches.

Gorgeous flower clusters. Wonder what it is.

My next post will finish the Garvan Gardens visit. Thanks for taking the time to scroll through all the pictures.

“Your value does not decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.” unknown

Peel Mansion Gardens

Posted on January 22, 2016 by wedd4780

This should be the last post from our autumn trip to Arkansas. The Peel Mansion was built in 1875 by Colonel Samuel West Peel. His wife used the garden areas for food crops to feed their nine children and staff.

Colonel Peel, a pioneer businessman and US congressman, traveled on business and to Washington often. So his wife ran the homestead and farm, which included a 180 acre apple orchard.

We did tour the house, but I didn’t take pictures inside. The house is in the left side of this picture. It was definitely a grand house, even for today. It lay in disrepair for many years after their deaths but has renovated with the original woods cleaned up and shining.

The Maidenhair Tree or ‘Ginkgo biloba’ is the oldest known species of trees on earth. I’ve always loved the leaves on this tree and wish they would grow here in our clay and hot climate. Just have to enjoy them when I have the chance to see them.

This was my kind of garden that meanders around with all different kinds of trees, shrubs, and flowers growing. There seemed to be a surprise around every turn.

I love the tall Spider Flower (Cleome hassleriana). Some internet sources state that it survives in zones 8 – 10, while another sources says all zones, and even other sources say a tender annual. So it’s a mystery.

The beds were filled with all sorts of flowers. I love the red leaves that are scattered through the garden. The source of them will be seen shortly.

Black and Blue Sage (Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’) is hardy in zones 8 – 10. I bought one at a garden club meeting in Waco, so they must have it in the ground there. But, I plan to grow it in a pot.

This looks like a Dahlia to me. They don’t survive in our Texas Fire Breathing Dragon sun.

This is the tree responsible for those brilliant red leaves – a gorgeous Sugar Maple.

From another angle, the bright red tree can be seen from many parts of the garden.

I drool over this tree.

This looks like it’s in the Coxcomb or the Gomphera family.

Love the color of these zinnas.

Chinese Lantern Plant or Strawberry Ground Cherry (Physalis alkekengi) has a unique look.

I recognize the Castor Bean plant (Ricinus communis) from my childhood in West Texas. So I’m sure it would grow here. This plant is the source of castor oil: that dreaded remedy for colds we were given as kids. Yuck. That dates me, for sure.

Guess it’s because spiky plants are common here, but the twisted branches of this little tree appealed to me.

If you know the names of any of the plants I did not try to identify, I’d love to hear what they are.

Thank you for reading my blog. I enjoy hearing from you.

“If you have a garden and a library, then you have everything you need.” Cicero

Compton Gardens

Posted on January 17, 2016 by wedd4780

Our autumn trip last year included a visit to Bentonville, Arkansas. Yes, the home of Walmart. It’s actually a very pretty town with a small town feeling and lots of nice, older homes surrounding downtown. Just a block or so from the center square is Compton Gardens and Conference Center. It was originally the home of Dr. Neil Compton, a prominent physician who is credited with saving the Buffalo River, which had been threatened with destruction when the US Army Corps of Engineers renewed plans to build dams on the Buffalo River at Gilbert and Lone Rock. Eventually, it became part of the National Park Service.

After serving in WWII, Dr. Compton returned to his hometown and opened a gynecology and obstetrics practice.

After his death, the house was renovated into a conference center. The six and one half acres surrounding it are a refuge for the local citizens.

Being there in the fall, the trees were the most prominent feature.

But there were a few plants still blooming.

This American Beauty Berry (Callicarpa americana) still had berries but no leaves. It’s a lovely bush that requires shade and non rocky soil.

There was no sign providing information about this statue.

A very serene and calm place to stroll around.

Most of the trees were unknown to me.

Pretty little flower, but I don’t know what it is.

This was very peaceful place to enjoy nature.

“No one has ever injured his eyesight by looking on the bright side of things.” unknown

Quigley’s Castle

Posted on January 12, 2016 by wedd4780

Quigley’s Castle outside of Eureka Springs is one of those odd tourist attractions that makes one curious enough to stop.

Elise Quigley had described her vision for the house, but had to make a miniature model before her husband Albert and an architect could understand what she wanted. Using lumber from the property, Albert and a neighbor built the house in 1943.

Elise and her children made the bricks for the outside from the collection of rocks she had accumulated since her childhood.

On two sides of the two story home are large windows to provide light for tropical plants that grow in a three foot deep gap between the windows and where the flooring begins. So the plants grow directly in soil.

This shot looks up to the second story garden space. Planks were laid to create shelves for pot plants.

This picture was made from the second floor looking down in the growing space.

In one corner upstairs is a collection of shells and plants.

Some of the plants reach up to the second story. I think this one is a Hibiscus.

On one wall hung a collage Mrs. Quigley created from butterflies and shells. It looks like some kind of resin was poured on top since it has a reflective finish.

It actually works like a mirror: The window and railing are behind us as I take the photograph.

It’s a small house, so it’s amazing that they had five children living there. Although two sons were serving overseas in WW II, so I’m not sure they ever lived there.

The kitchen seemed especially claustrophobic to me.

Although Mrs. Quigley lived for forty years in this house, it is amazing how much hand rock work was done in the yard.

I also don’t know if this was done completely by her or if her family helped.

Mr. Quigley inherited the 80 acres from his father and continued the lumber business of his family.

How was she able to get all that cement during the war and the years following it?

Look at the size of these rocks. It makes my body ache to just think of the heavy lifting involved.

All kinds of trees with intertwining vines grow on the property.

A sign by this furnace provided the following information. In 1998 the brick chimney in the kitchen began to leak smoke, so this furnace was installed. It heats the whole house, two outbuildings, and the hot water heater in the house. The fire in the furnace burns a little over a half cord from October to mid-April.

Since Mrs. Quigley died in 1984, someone else must live in the house now or maybe it’s heated for the tourists.

Just think of the time involved in all of these projects.

Loose stacked rock fence.

Hens and Chicks growing in this planter.

The tall slim towers are a puzzle. There must be some kind of poles inside to keep them upright.

Pyracantha bushes at the back of the house.

I do like the small rock baskets. Chrysanthemums and Pansies add some color.

Periwinkle or Vinca flowers scattered throughout the yard brightens up an autumn scene.

Next to the parking area is an interesting tree with a burl.

The bright red tree is a Sugar Maple, I think.

This house and the yard may seem tacky to many people. But I was impressed with the work behind it all. It’s important to have a passion about something. And it’s obvious that that she loved nature, specifically plants and rocks. So I applaud her for living her dream.

“Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.” Lorraine Hansberry