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BY KEVIN KINDER Northwest Arkansas Times

Fundraiser seeks the continued blossoming of local botanical park

For years, the Greening of the Garden event was based on hope, as money was being raised for a site that existed in plans only.

But as the fundraiser prepares to takes place for the 13th consecutive year, there is a much greater visual confirmation about what it supports. The garden had a soft opening for the 12th annual Greening of the Garden, but much of the initial construction efforts were still underway at the time.

Last year, with the promises of a functional garden sprouting up, Greening of the Garden sold out, marking the first time the event hit its capacity.

“There was just more to see,” said Sarah King, the garden’s director of community programs. “And this year, there is twice as much to see as last year. There is a beautiful setting. It really feels like a complete garden.”

Of course, no garden is ever complete. The master plan for the garden includes development of about 83 acres of the area that surrounds the current location.

Organizers of the event will try to raise $50,000 at this year’s Greening of the Garden, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at its site on Crossover Road near Lake Fayetteville.

This year’s focus will be on the live auction, said King. The items up for bid are a fantastic collection, said Joyce Jones, a garden volunteer and the event coordinator for this year’s fundraiser.

On the block are several dinner parties for groups ranging from eight to 12 members at various locations throughout Northwest Arkansas, including a brunch for 12 at the garden site. Two vacations, one to a condo in Orange Beach, Ala., and the other to Tuscon, Ariz., are for sale as well. A landscaping package, an original painting and jewelry will also be auctioned off. Another package to be sold includes meals for 12 months at a variety of local restaurants.

Many items will be awarded via a silent auction.

With admission to the event, patrons receive a meal catered by A Fare to Remember and beverages courtesy of Liquor World. John George, public address announcer for the University of Arkansas, will serve as the event’s emcee. A string quartet will perform for the duration of the fundraiser.

Several honors will be bestowed during the event, including an Ambassador of the Garden Award, Builder of the Garden Award, Horticultural Friend of the Garden Award and a Founder’s Award.

The money raised through the event will go toward the garden’s general operating fund and will continue its mission of having a beautiful space for the area to enjoy.

“It fits every family member, of every age,” Jones said. “It just really is a wonderful family event out there.”

Through the fundraising efforts at Greening of the Garden, an annual fundraiser for the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, the organization can maintain the various themed gardens at the site. Daily costs to operate the garden are about $1,500, officials estimate.

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