As the spring air brings us out of hibernation, we look for opportunities to get outside again.

Spring is also an excellent time to visit Garvan Woodland Gardens and see the multitude of flowering plants.

“From March to May, Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs becomes a kaleidoscope of color as the traditional flowers of spring bloom, including daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, dogwoods, redbuds, camellias, and over 150,000 Dutch tulips,” said Sherre Freeman, marketing director, at Garvan Gardens.

Garvan Gardens preserves and enhances a unique part of the Ouachita Mountains. Developing and sustaining gardens and landscapes surrounding exceptionally designed and aesthetic structures, Garvan Gardens provides visitors with peace and serenity.

“There is nothing like walking along Garvan’s secluded tree-lined trails, seeing the tulips sway in the gentle breezes of spring, and experiencing the sheer joy these flowers bring. Kids love the tulips, parents show up with cameras, getting those priceless spring shots,” Freeman said. “Couples holding hands and families out to enjoy the warmer weather after a long cold winter are familiar sites at Garvan in spring.”

Garvan Gardens is a botanical garden and part of the University of Arkansas. It also has 4.5 miles of wooded shoreline on Lake Hamilton.

April brings dogwood blooms, Kurume and species azaleas, tree peonies, wildflowers, camellias, Southern indica, Glenn Dale azaleas, deciduous shrubs, rhododendrons, and early rose blooms.

Flowers blooming in May include roses, Satsuki and Tisbury azaleas, irises, spring perennials, wildflowers, spring flowering shrubs, roses, and hydrangeas.

June brings Stewartia, daylilies, hydrangeas, wildflowers, and summer annuals and perennials.

As part of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas, Garvan Gardens is home to many unique and beautiful structures. The Anthony Chapel Complex is comprised of four structures with the glass chapel being the crown. The complex is a popular wedding spot and also consists of the Millsap Bride’s Hall, Evans Grooms Quarters, Anthony Family Carillon, and the Evans Celebration Garden.

Other unique architecture includes the Garden Pavilion, Bridge of the Full Moon, and Millsap Canopy Bride.

The Evans Children’s Adventure Garden is a great place to let children be children. The Children’s Garden has more than 3,200 tons of Arkansas boulders for children to play on. There is also a 12-foot waterfall that cascades over the entrance to a man-made cave that is ADA accessible.

In addition to being a place to connect with nature, Garvan Gardens holds many fun, educational, and social events. Events include Bonsai Essentials, Photography Workshops, Tai Chi Classes, and a Fly Fishing Expo, among others. A full schedule of events can be found on Garvan Garden’s website, www.garvangardens.org.