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The perennially popular OMNI Peace Garden Tour celebrates its 11th anniversary this year and welcomes the public to explore a variety of garden themes and displays.
The tour is from 10 a.m to 3 p.m Saturday, May 28.
One $15 ticket includes admission to any or all nine host gardens. Tickets will be available the day of the event at each Peace Garden, or in advance through The Omni Center. Meet these dedicated Peace Gardeners and enjoy all the beautiful ecology and variety in a casual day of tour. Refreshments will be offered at some gardens and local musicians will be performing at different locations along the tour.
The Omni Peace Gardens Network was established to promote a stewardship of nature and the resulting benefits of providing the beauty of flowers, producing the bounty of food, and establishing environments of peace. The first Peace Gardens Tour was held in 2006. Proceeds benefit Omni Center programs.
For more information, contact 479-935-4422 or visit omnicenter.org.
Here’s a preview of the featured gardens:
A Little Peace of Our Heart Garden —1007 S. Morningside Dr., Fayetteville 72701
Peace Gardeners: Kate Conway and Ralph Nesson
“Welcome to our little world of perennials, annuals, bulb plants and blooming trees. In the front yard, sip a cup of tea and surrender to the beauty of larkspur, hollyhock, four o’clocks, clematis, peonies and zinnias. Wander the footpath to the back where purple coneflowers, marigolds, snow on the mountain, snapdragons, roses and more clematis rise from the earth, and where you and your children can play on a treehouse!”
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Bamboo Peace Garden — 1039 E. Overcrest St., Fayetteville 72703
Peace Gardeners: Hamsa and Moshe Newmark
“Our graceful forest of bamboo populates the grounds with a variety of species including Phyllostachys Atrovaginata (“Incense Bamboo”) which can reach 35 feet tall. Bamboo sways without breaking in strong winds and bends without cracking under snow and ice; we admire these qualities of strength and flexibility, spiritual attributes that have been revered in the East. Features include an octogon cedar meditation temple, created for contemplation of peace, and benches in which to enjoy different views.”
Garden of Many Memories — 1111 N. Valley View, Fayetteville 72701
Peace Gardener: Jordan Williams
“Witness to the laughter of children, grandchildren and many dear friends, this yard has been lovingly tended for the past 45 years. Memories include a wedding, a failed veggie garden, numerous cats and dogs, horseshoe games, trampoline, large oak tree lost in the great ice storm, and a rosebush descended from one brought to Arkansas in a covered wagon. Past visitors to this sweet and humble garden include poets, musicians, and one very great President.”
Harmony Gardens — 8779 W. Forest Hills Drive, Fayetteville 72704
Peace Gardener: Calvin Bey
“Calvin Bey has a large organic/natural backyard garden that he developed over the last 15 years. A retired USDA scientist with a strong belief in following the Ways of Nature, he grows 25 different crops & emphasizes the production of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. He uses no-till practices, raised beds, plus lots of cover crops and biodiversity. Calvin will be in the garden to answer questions and offer gardening tips. He has taught gardening classes to beginners through advanced gardeners for 15 years.”
Moon In The Water Peace Garden — 335 E. Baxter Lane, Fayetteville 72701
Peace Gardener: Dwain Cromwell
“An Ozark-Zen shade rock garden with many varieties of Japanese maples, hostas, peonies, lilac, lilies, herbs and various other plantings. And NEW this year, a commissioned ‘Dangling’ from noted glass artist Ed Pennebaker hanging from the bird feeding station. Also: winding paths and a Zen meditation rock area.”
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Peace In My Backyard Garden — 508 N. Sequoyah Drive, Fayetteville 72701
Peace Gardener: Janet Titus
“After retirement, I have had time to give my yard and garden more than ‘a lick and a promise.’ Come explore my initial efforts to create a sustainable urban homestead. In front, the focus is on developing a low maintenance, perennial deer-resistant landscape using native plants whenever possible. In the middle yard you’ll find fruit trees, berry bushes and vegetable beds. In back are more fruit trees, berries, space for future chickens, and my large vegetable garden.”
Storla Memorial Garden & Grounds — 901 W. Cleveland St., Fayetteville 72701
Peace Gardeners: John King & Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fayetteville volunteers
“Site of one of Fayetteville’s early peace poles, the grounds of the UUFF are thriving under the stewardship of John King. The Storla Memorial Garden, where some from the congregation have their ashes interred, is an especially calm and contemplative woodland setting tucked into this quiet neighborhood near the University. There is also a rain garden in development and ongoing work to rehabilitate our section of an urban creek.”
The Gratitude Garden — 885 N. Fritz Drive, Fayetteville 72701
Peace Gardeners: Donna and Kelly Mulhollan
“Our garden has grown into a full-fledged rain garden inspired by Rita Ward, an amazing artist & teacher of gratitude. Ben Buonaito, local stone mason artist, created terraced garden spaces with urbanite (recycled sidewalks) based on a design by architect Michael Cockram. Master gardener Lissa Morrison advised on native plants. Donna spends mornings watering and playing banjo — a great deer deterrent. Put a wish in the giant wishing ball at the garden’s center, tour the Ozark Ball Museum after you enjoy the garden.”
World Peace Wetland Prairie — 1121 S. Duncan Ave., Fayetteville 72701
Peace Gardeners: Lauren Hawkins & Friends of World Peace Wetland Prairie
This unique city-owned, neighborhood-maintained park is a sanctuary for human beings and all living things in the upper White River basin, and one of hundreds of peace gardens worldwide. Wetland Prairie is a remnant of Northwest Arkansas’ once abundant wetland prairie ecosystem, and is free to everyone sun up to sun down each day. Make sure to visit anytime.
