In Full Bloom: Arkansas' Top Gardens
No matter the season, Arkansas offers a wide variety of flowers, plants and trees year round. Plan your next outing to some of the state’s most exciting botanical gardens and featured attractions.
Central Arkansas
Bernice Garden
Bernice Garden is a unique location in Little Rock’s SOMA district. Created by Arkansas artists with recycled and repurposed materials, this garden reflects and represents the spirit, nature and history of our great state.
The Details:
-
Top attraction: The Sculpture Garden
-
Admission: This site is free and open to the public.
-
For more information, visit their website
The Old Mill
The Old Mill is best known for its appearance in the opening scene of the 1939 classic film, “Gone with the Wind.” The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park is as rich in history as it is natural beauty. The early fall season offers splendid autumn foliage along the rustic backdrop of sculptures, tree stumps and stones.
The Details:
-
Top attraction: The Water Mill
-
Admission: This site is free and open to the public.
-
For more information, visit their website
Wildwood Park for the Arts
Take your pick of natural woodlands and nature trails at one of the many gardens this park offers. From the enchanting spaces in the Asian Woodland Garden to the scenic view of Swan Lake at Butler Gazebo, this space is an oasis of serenity perfect for lovers of nature and the arts.
The Details:
-
Top attraction: The Gertrude Remmel Butler Gazebo
-
Admission: Wildwood Park is open free of admission every day except for festival weekends and some holidays.
-
For more information, visit their website
Wye Mountain Flowers and Berries
Wye Mountain offers fields of blooming flowers and berries (mid May-July) for picking. This family-owned property is primed with daffodils, zinnias and sunflowers. Be sure to check their website for updates on what flowers are available per season.
The Details:
Top attraction: Berry-Choo-Choo train
Admission: Wye Mountain is free to the general public but prices vary for flowers and berries picked.
For more information, visit their website
Northwest Arkansas
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is a hidden treasure in Northwest Arkansas. Home to twelve themed gardens and educational programs like Little Sprouts, Earth Days, Butterfly Days and Firefly Fling, this garden features a one-of-a-kind experience for nature lovers.
The Details:
-
Popular attraction: The region's only native butterfly house
-
Admission: $7 for adults (ages 13 and over) | $4 for children (ages 5-12) | Free for children 4 and under
-
For more information, visit their website
Southwest Arkansas
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a favorite of natives and visitors alike. Complete with shopping and dining areas nestled along the shores of Lake Hamilton, guests of this garden can enjoy one of many attractions including Koi Pond Waterfall, Birdsong Trail or Hixon Family Nature Preserve.
The Details:
-
Popular attraction: Evans Children's Adventure Garden
-
Admission: $15 adults (ages 13 and over) | $5 for children (ages 4-12) | Free for children 3 and under | $5 for dogs (dogs must be on a short, non-retractable leash)
-
For more information, visit their website
Cecil Traylor Wilson Garden
The Cecil Traylor Wilson Garden is a hidden treasure of the state. Located in downtown Magnolia, this landscaped area offers a unique history of the town’s native for which the garden is named. Born and raised in Magnolia, Arkansas, Winston T. Wilson, Ph. D., chose to obtain this space and dedicate it to his mother to honor her legacy of service to others.
The Details:
Admission: This garden is open and free to the public
For more information, visit their website