Patrons 'green' garden: BGO benefit reset from May

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville is a little greener thanks to the long-anticipated 25th annual Greening of the Garden, rescheduled from May to become a sold-out success Oct. 1.

Linda and Bob McMath served as honorary chairmen of the benefit, which included live music, drinks and dinner. Guests were able to enjoy the event virtually with the option of getting their meals to go or delivered or partaking in person on the garden's great lawn.

Liz Atwell, communications coordinator, says, "As a result of covid-19, many garden events and activities were canceled this year. This fundraiser is vital to sustain the garden and its programs for the coming season.

"We've put into place the most recent local and CDC safety protocols for all our protection, and experts tell us being in the outdoors and safely socially distancing ourselves from others is a secure place to be."

Next up at the garden will be Little Sprouts Halloween Costume Parade from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 27. Organizers say: "If you're looking for a safe way to still get into the Halloween spirit this year with your family, this is a great option! Wear your costumes, play and explore in the garden, and we will hand out goody bags with treats and coupons as you leave."

For the health and safety of all guests, masks are required upon entry to the garden for everyone ages 10 and up, as according to the State of Arkansas mandate.

This event is free for garden members with a family membership. For nonmembers, there is no admission charge for children 4 and under. Admission for children 5 and older is $4, and $7 for adults accompanying the children.

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is a member-supported nonprofit in northern Fayetteville. Sitting on 44 acres on the east side of Lake Fayetteville, the garden includes 12 display gardens and the state's only butterfly house. In 2019, the garden hosted approximately 18,000 adults and children for various educational programs. The BGO opened to the public in 2007 and attracts more than 80,000 visitors each year. For more on the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, go to www.bgozarks.org.

For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.

Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].

Bob and Linda McMath, Greening of the Garden honorary chairmen, welcome guests to the 25th annual benefit for the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks on Oct. 1. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Susan Bolding (from left, volunteer (from left); Charlotte Taylor, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks executive director; Tresha Jacky, volunteer; and Catherine Hipp, board member, welcome guests to the Greening of the Garden. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Nan Ginger (from left), Michael Moyer, Judy Cowan and Molly Cook help support the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks on Oct. 1. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Tamara Gilmour (left) and Cookie Redfern enjoy the Greening of the Garden. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Bill and Nika Waitsman enjoy the Greening of the Garden. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Karen Harmon (from left), Katie Oliver, Shannon Raffaelli and Tana Dawson enjoy the Greening of the Garden. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Carla Crawley and Joel Freund (from left) and Doris Patneau and Jeff Stripling gather at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Diane Bryant (from left) and Christine Haller attend the Greening of the Garden. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)