A GARDEN FOR THE WHOLE WORLD and Chicken Curry Pitas

Garvan Woodland Gardens
are botanical gardens owned by the University of Arkansas Department of Landscape Architecture and, fortunately, are located near our home. It is a remarkable place with an even more remarkable history. Verna Cook Garvan was a prosperous business woman who inherited these 210 acres from her father, a purchase he made in the 1920's. It is an absolutely gorgeous piece of property on a pennisula at Lake Catherine in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

For years, Mrs. Garvan developed the property as a private garden. She personally selected all of the trees that were to be cut, mapped out the paths that were to be made, and selected the plant varieties that were to be included. She kept detailed records of her purchases and plantings as well. Upon her death, she gifted the property to the U of A. It opened to the public in 2002. Much of it remains to be developed, but it is already a significant attraction in the area. If you get the chance, you should visit. We went the other day hoping to catch the remainder of the Spring display of daffodils and tulips. Tens of thousands are planted each year. It is truly an unbelievable panorama.

While they were mostly gone for this season, the azaleas

and dogwoods were spectacular.
The camellias were still blossoming as well. Ferns were announcing their springtime arrival and the many varieties of Japanese maples were all decked out for the occasion. This was our first trip back since the Christmas lights display.

and it was a delight to see the transformation God had for us to behold.

We try to make sure that we get there at least once during each season when the gardens are open. They generally are closed the entire month of January as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.

Fall, like Spring and Summer, is a work of art.

Future plans include a rose garden designed by P. Allen Smith and a children's play area. I know that my grandchildren already have enjoyed their visits. They can romp and explore until they just can't go any longer. I absolutely love to take them.

I hope you get to make the trip soon.
Ya'll come.

During certain times of the year, Tuesday Tea is held. I've not yet been able to attend due to my work schedule, but I hope to do that very soon. In the South, of course, there must always be chicken salad at whatever luncheon, shower, or other function you might attend. I'm sure it has been on the Tuesday Tea menu at one time or another. Here's a different version for you to try. We have enjoyed this on many occasions. It's another one from Cooking Light.

Chicken Curry Pitas

3 cups chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 12 ounces)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons raisins (I prefer dried cranberries - NOT cranraisins or sweetened cranberries.)
1 tablespoon chopped green onions
2 tablespoons hot mango chutney
1 teaspoon curry powder (adjust to suit your taste)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
4 (6-inch) pitas, cut in half
8 red leaf (if you can get them) lettuce leaves
Combine the first 8 ingredients in a medium bowl. Line each pita half with a lettuce leaf. Spoon 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture into each pita half. 2 halves per serving (I find that one is usually enough for me.) This is equally good served on top of fresh spring mixed greens.

This post is linked to Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer. Check it out.