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