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Master Gardeners: The Tree That Owns Itself

Georgia’s Champion Tree – The Tree That Owns Itself has a wonderful history. By Julia Milano Trees are precious and those containing history are even more so. Arkansas has bestowed the classification “Champion” on a very special group of historically significant trees.  In Athens, Georgia, there is a tree that owns itself. Its limbs stretch from one side of the road to the other. A man named William H. Jackson

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Master Gardeners: Tea Hibiscus

Hibiscus blooms – while rich in acid, antioxidants, and pectin, the calyxes are also used for preserves and relishes. By Debbie TripWho doesn’t love hibiscus with over 200 species, both tropical and hardy? Let’s focus on the wonderful heirloom tea type, Hibiscus Sabdariffa, or Roselle. When you see the plant and its blooms, it is obvious that it is related to Rose of Sharon (hibiscus syriacus) and Okra (hibiscus esculentus)

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Lambert Named Arkansas Rookie of the Year

Master Gardeners gathered to congratulate Joan Lambert for being chosen as Garland County Rookie of the Year. By Hilde SimmonsA small contingent of the 230 Garland County Master Gardeners recently came to the Extension Office to greet Berni Kurz, State Master Gardener Coordinator, and Mike Wilbanks, the County 76 publicity chair, and his wife Christy. They were there for the awards presentation to honor the Garland County Rookie of the

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Master Gardeners: Ginko – The Ancient Golden Tree

Ginko biloba trees have the most interesting fan-shaped leaves, and are versatile and resilient, adapting well to Arkansas. By Sharon DentGinko (Ginko biloba) is one of the oldest tree species on earth. It is a deciduous conifer that can be found all over the United States, but it is native to China where there are living examples over 1,000 years old even though it is a slow-growing tree. They have

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Master Gardeners: Dirty Minded Gardeners

Whether it’s hanging from a tree or built-in, outdoor showers are an added convenience for avid gardeners. By Lin JohnsonA beautiful day spent mulching ends with beautiful beds and very dirty bodies. That stuff gets everywhere! And it is the very best reason to have an outdoor shower. I have had several outdoor showers over the years—one beside a very private hot tub, one built specifically in a lean-to, one

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Master Gardeners: My Favorite Plants – Hardy Ferns

Ferns – elegant, lush, and long-lived, any variety can be a lovely addition to your yard or garden. By Yvonne BeckerDryopteris championiiIt would be difficult to select my favorite fern because I change my mind from month to month. During the winter months, it would be one of the evergreen ferns. Dryopteris ludoviciana is the largest followed by Dryopteris championii. They both grow in clumps rather than sending out numerous

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Master Gardeners: Miscanthus – Gracillimus: A Garden Jewel

This hardy grass is also low maintenance. by Ruth SiebelsMiscanthus – Gracillimus is a genus of one of 20 species of deciduous or evergreen maiden grasses, both clumping and arching stems. This is a particularly attractive grass with white mid-ribs that has silvery or pinkish plumes as seeds mature in the fall. It becomes bronze in winter to continue to provide interest. Miscanthus – Gracillimus (hardy in zones 5 – 9) is a

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Call for Artists for Arts & The Park Festival

The Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance (HSACA) is excited to announce multiple opportunities for artists, art lovers, and supporters, during Arts & The Park, the annual 10-day spring art festival, held April 30 – May 9. HSACA is placing a call for artists with three different opportunities, as well as seeking artists who wish to participate in the Artist Studio Tours. Art Springs: May 1-2, kicks off Arts & The

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Should I Trim or Braid or Do Nothing?

It’s simple! Do Nothing! By Berni KurkThese questions are often asked about this time of year as daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs finish blooming. The answer is quite simple but most often not adhered to. Allow bulb foliage to mature naturally without disturbance. The time required depends on the species. Tulip foliage dies five to six weeks after flowering. Daffodil foliage may persist for 10 to 12 weeks. If

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Master Gardeners: Time to Cut Back Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses like elephant grass, add interest to an otherwise barren landscape in winter. By Lin JohnsonLate winter is the perfect time to cut back ornamental grasses. When left to stand in the fall and early winter, ornamental grasses can provide great interest in the landscape. Although grasses can be cut back safely anytime from fall to late spring, allowing them to stand through most of the winter has advantages. The

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Master Gardeners: Saving Money When Starting Seeds

Use paper towel and toilet paper rolls and egg cartons as seed starting containers. Clip the bottom as shown below. By Lin Johnson You can save money starting your own seed, especially when you can make seed starting containers with recycled materials. Homemade trays are easy to make by recycling commonly used items around the house. Here are 3 options for making homemade seed starting containers using recycled materials –

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Master Gardeners – Kissing Under the Mistletoe

Tis the season to kiss under the mistletoe. By Lin JohnsonKissing under sprigs of mistletoe is a well-known holiday tradition, but its history as a symbolic herb dates back thousands of years. Many ancient cultures prized it for healing properties. The Greeks used it as a cure for everything from menstrual cramps to spleen disorders, and the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder noted it could be used as a balm

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August brings a special kind of cheer to our quirky little town, as we celebrate two remarkable milestones: the City of Hot Springs’ 150th birthday and the 37th birthday of Gallery Walk. Together, they mark generations of creativity, community spirit, and the enduring belief that art belongs to everyone.  For 37 years, our artists,

Yoga: Finding Balance Through Dancer Pose  

Can you find this mural? Text us a selfie with it in the month of August and receive a free drop-in! 501-651-0545. Hint: Donuts on Park Avenue. Photo by Missy Conry & Melissa Stevens  By Missy Conry & Melissa StevensYoga is often described as the practice of finding balance—both on and off the

Save the Date: Gudrun Mountain Bike Festival   

Registration is now open for the Eighth Annual Gudrun Mountain Bike Festival on Hot Springs’ acclaimed Northwoods Trails. The mountain bike extravaganza annually attracts hundreds of bikers of all abilities to Northwoods, which has been voted the No. 1 trail system in Arkansas six times. There are events geared for professionals, novice

Vibrant Nightlife in The Spa City 

When the sun dips below the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs reveals a vibrant and surprisingly diverse nightlife scene waiting to be explored. From cozy dive bars and bustling craft breweries to cocktail lounges and venues pulsing with live music, there’s an after-dark adventure suited for every mood.  Whether you’re looking