National Public Garden Days and The Peel Compton Foundation are comfortable partners in their fourth year of promoting gardens and gardening on May 10 & 11 at Compton Gardens. The annual event is sponsored by the American Association of Public Gardens and promotes the ideals of environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation, and education to families.
Compton Gardens will focus on the importance of using native Ozark plants and trees in the free public lecture on Friday, May 10, at 11 a.m. Susan Jasan, “How to Use Native Plants in Your Home Landscape,” will describe the valid reasons behind using native plants and trees. She is a local award-winning landscape designer. Jasan pointed to last year’s recording-setting summer was not only hotter than normal, but unseasonably dry.
“Using native plants or trees can help you save on your water bill, but ensure your garden is still alive at the end of a tough summer,” explained Jason, a local award-winning landscape designer.
Those attending her talk will have a chance the following day to purchase these native plants and trees on Saturday, May 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale, “The Perks of Using Native Plants and Trees”, will take place in front of the Conference Center. For those wishing to view available plant offerings in advance, go to the website, www.peelcompton.org/plantsale and budget accordingly.
The Neil Compton Exhibit Room is free and open to the public on both days. Opened less than a year ago, it features a chronological timeline of the life and significant events of Dr. Compton. Personal photos, news articles and artifacts from his career adorn the room. A short film documenting his life is also available for viewing.
Families with children can enjoy a fun-filled morning of activities devoted to teaching children about the joy and importance of public gardens by a “Hunt and Hike” with Compton Gardens Guides offered on the hour from 9 a.m. – noon. Kid–friendly art stations in the gardens will be presented by the staff of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art from 9 a.m. to noon.
Those wishing to enjoy the spring beauty of the trail system at Compton Gardens, can rest and listen to author Dawn Denton read each of her three children’s books from 9 a.m. to noon on the lower Hemlock Trail near the Azalea Garden. Her three books include Ruby and Rocket, Betzy the Bumblebee, and Oliver Toad!
For more information about National Public Garden Days or The Peel Compton Foundation, call the events office at 479.254.3870 or go to their website, www.peelcompton.org.
The mission of The Peel Compton Foundation is to provide an enduring legacy for future generations through education and the preservation of the history, heritage, and natural beauty of northwest Arkansas.