Stop and smell the flowers this spring!
Spring is in the air! What better way to enjoy the lovely and long-awaited season than to get outside and attend an outdoor garden festival. Four big ones are on the horizon.
Daffodil Festival
First up is the 46th annual Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival from March 2 to 10 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Located at the Wye Mountain Community Church (22300 Arkansas 113, Bigelow), this event is free to the public.
Janet Styer, event organizer, says, “This year you can expect more flowers and more vendors. We are opening up vendor space indoors in the parsonage this year.”
Indoor vendors, a concession stand and soup kitchen will be open daily, while outdoor vendors and food trucks will only be available on the weekends. Proceeds from the concession stand and soup kitchen benefit the church. facebook.com/wyemountainchurch
Jonquil Festival
Down south in Old Washington, they are celebrating the 56th annual Historic Washington State Park Jonquil Festival from March 15 to 16. Located at the Historic Washington State Park (103 Franklin St., Washington), the event is open both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free; parking is $5.
In addition to fields of beautiful flowers, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, food vendors and tours of the historical buildings are available.
Facility Manager Ashley Martin says, “We will also offer surrey rides from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days for $5. And we will also have historic demonstrations with people dressed in period costumes.” facebook.com/jonquilfestival/
Tulip Extravaganza
Garvan Woodland Gardens (550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs) is the premier garden in Arkansas. Located in the Ouachita Mountains on Lake Hamilton, the gardens are beautiful year round, but they are at their peak during the Tulip Extravaganza, which begins in early March and extends into mid-April, weather permitting.
With over 150,000 tulip bulbs planted this year, you will be overwhelmed with the stunning displays of color. Prior to the showstopping tulips, you will be delighted with daffodils and hyacinths, along with azaleas, dogwoods and much more.
Susan Harper, special events coordinator, says, “We are also planning several events during this time. We have a special tea party on March 12.”
Garvan Gardens is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 4 to12. Save $5 per ticket by purchasing online. Online tickets are $20 and $10, respectively. Determine peak bloom times by following the Facebook page at facebook.com/garvangardens. garvangardens.org/.
Moss Mountain
Moss Mountain Farms (23700 Ross Hollow Road, Roland) celebrates daffodils this month. A variety of guided tours begin March 7 and continue on and off throughout the month. Over 1 million daffodils are planted on Daffodil Hill. Tours cost $99 and include lunch. pallensmith.com/tours/