We were anxious to hike a few trails in this gorgeous area and with any luck find some cooler spots in the forest.
I picked Hot Springs Mountain Trail because it claimed to be “one of the most rewarding trails in the park” with breathtaking vistas and beautiful hardwood forests, and bonus – the trees were starting to turn color…..Perfect……not!
The leaves were barely turning in the area of the trail and the parking lot had the best vista. Well we did get a hike in, and with what we thought was an easy trail, John’s knees are doing fine.
Not to be deterred we tried a different approach and headed for the Garvan Woodland Gardens, University of Arkansas’ Botanical Garden.
There were several different trails winding through acres and acres of beautifully crafted gardens.
The Flowering Border features mixed floral displays and at this time of year the Chrysanthemums were the dominant flower. Look at this cool tower!!! I was in heaven.
Scarecrows?!? I like scarecrows in autumn the way I like snowmen in winter!!! OOOOO how FUN!
They were scattered along the Flowering Border path.
??
Aren’t they adorable!!
Also in the Flowering Border Garden was…..
He was just a peach.
Along pathways between the different garden areas there were different kinds of metal sculptures.
Whimsical, fun Fairy Garden topiary art.
Take a close look at the fairy’s chapel. Remember this for later.
There were plenty of water features as well.
Several whimsical pathways too.
There were so many interesting plants. Not all of them were labeled so I can’t tell you what they are called.
Except this one. A tour guide was passing through with a group and named this plant….well he gave ONE of the common names for the plant. Hairy Balls.
It has many other common names and some huge long Latin name but none of them are as fun a Hairy Balls. I fondled them and yep….they felt like hairy balls.
It is actually a member of the butterfly weed family and when in bloom is a favorite of monarch butterflies. Click here for a run down on this “neighborhood conversation starter” plant.
Of course we ran across lots of wildlife but these were the most interesting.
But the most impressive structure of the garden has to be the Anthony Chapel. (remember the fairy chapel?)
It has been quite a day. I feel like Mexican….On the Border here we come!
