Greg and I journeyed to southwest Arkansas this morning, to meet up later in the day with Cousin Pam. While waiting for her to be available, we checked the Rogers area, looking for a park to walk in.
Using Google, I discovered the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, located a bit further south near Fayetteville. As I scrolled down through the Garden’s info, I saw they were featuring an art exhibit called Reclaimed Surfaces. The artist’s name leapt out at me and I laughed. We had found the perfect place to spend a couple of hours.
The featured artist was Gregory Moore.
Greg initially thought I was playing a trick on him, when I showed him the exhibit and the featured artist. Then he agreed we had to explore the garden and check out this artist’s paintings.
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, located at 4703 N. Crossover Road in Fayetteville, is laid out with unique, individual gardens around the perimeter of a huge grassy lawn. There are 12 distinct garden areas, and 11 other points of interests including a children’s play area, a butterfly pavilion and a peace arbor. Tickets are $7 per person to tour the gardens.
The Japanese Garden.
The Vegetable & Herb Garden
Can you find the “kid” in the Children’s Garden entrance?
I found much to delight me…in the Children’s Garden! It was so whimsical, so playful. There weren’t any kids around, since this was a school day, so we played. I climbed into the treehouse while Greg checked out the barn loft.
I rescued the crawdad, pictured above on the rock, after nearly stepping on him. He was far from the water, crossing a hot sidewalk. I returned him to water’s edge.
Greg posing with a Gregory Moore painting.
Reclaimed Surfaces Collection by Gregory Moore.
The Four Seasons Garden. That’s wisteria covering the tall dome.
Shade Garden
Dogwood in bloom
Rock & Water Garden
I’m so glad we found this gorgeous place. The skies were overcast and the breeze pleasant, creating the perfect conditions for strolling through the various gardens. I inhaled the sweet fragrances of showy flowers and inhaled the beauty as well. How restorative a garden is.
Greg and I sat for a time, on a huge wooden swing overlooking the Ozark Native Garden. I felt inspired by the creativity expressed around me. I gathered ideas to take home with me, rather than flowers. My garden is small, compared to this sprawling place, and yet it offers beauty and peace and inspiration as well.
I will return to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks soon, to be further enchanted.
