Friends of Hilltop 2012 Spring Garden Trip
Sunday, March 18th – Wednesday, March 21st
Hot Springs, Arkansas
The word has spread about our plans for Hot Springs and people are already lining up to get on the bus! We will leave Sunday morning and travel by luxury coach with a stop in Monroe for a catered lunch and a visit to a wonderful, historic private garden. Although this garden was originally laid out by an intern of Frederick Olmsted (the Father of Landscape Architecture), it recently has been in the hands of our own Jeff Carbo. Enough said! The homeowner is a real storyteller and loves to share his information.
We will arrive in Hot Springs Sunday afternoon and check into the historic Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa, truly an American treasure! It has all of the ambiance and hospitality of a traditional, grand old Southern hotel, as well as the Thermal Bath House and is surrounded by a national park. The hotel has three restaurants and being in the heart of downtown there are art galleries, unique restaurants, antique shops and entertainment within easy walking distance.
 Monday morning, we will travel to the Garden Home Retreat of P. Allen Smith. Sitting on top of a ridge overlooking the Arkansas River Valley, Moss Mountain Farm includes Allen’s home ( a Greek Revival “green” Cottage), terraced gardens, a one acre vegetable garden, stone fruit orchards, and rose garden. We will be given a guided tour followed by a beautiful lunch and a chance to visit the gift shop and visit with his animals. He will also be available to sign books. Returning to the hotel, there will be time to rest, shop, or just explore the streets before dinner on your own.
Tuesday takes us to Garvan Woodland Gardens during their peak bloom season. There are lake views, bird-views, bridges, waterfalls, plantings galore including thousands of tulips, daffodils, and dogwood. The 210 acres are also influenced by the Fay Jones School of Architecture. Bob Byer, the director of the gardens and a LSU alum will give us his personal tour. For an additional fee, there are a limited number of golf carts offered. We will have lunch at the gardens as well. Still in the works is an opportunity to visit a couple of private gardens Tuesday afternoon. More on that to follow.
Wednesday morning we will check out and travel south making a stop at a private plantation known as Marlsgate which is on the National Register of Historic Places. DavidGarner, Jr. is the last living relative of the plantation. It is still a working plantation. David is the epitome of a Southern gentleman also known for his professional expertise as an artist and floral designer. He will give us a tour of the gardens and the house. The 32 room mansion is shaded by ancient oaks and a pecan grove overlooking the waters of Bearskin Lake. We will also be his guests for a seated luncheon with the menu reflecting what is grown on the plantation. This stop will surely provide a quiet and genteel atmosphere with a gracious welcome and genuine southern hospitality.
While a full, hot breakfast and lunches are included each day, dinners will be on your own. I have built in free time in the late afternoons and evenings for you to enjoy as you see fit. I will also provide you with a list of recommended restaurants from casual to fine dining or you may just want to stay at the hotel and relax. I dare say no one has been known to go hungry on these trips!!
Member Cost:
$550 (double occupancy)
$700 (single occupancy)
Non-members please add $35 dollars
Save your spot now with a $150 deposit.
Call Paula Dillemuth at Hilltop 767-6916
hilltop@tigers.lsu.edu
Hilltop Arboretum is located at 11855 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
between Bluebonnet Blvd. and Siegen Lane.
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