Clark Gardens Blog

Clark Gardens Blog http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php Clark Gardens Botanical Park welcomes visitors all year long. The breathtaking 35 acre oasis awakens the senses, stirs the spirit and relaxes the mind. From the first spring blossoms, to the colors of fall, to the stillness of winter, there is a sense of magic. en-us Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:55:35 -0700 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:55:35 -0700 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss The Garden Blog has moved! It's bigger, better, and more colorful! Please visit our new blog at http://www.clarkgardens.org/home/garden-blog.html . This blog will be maintained as an archive, but all new posts will be made on the new site. Thank you for stopping by and we hope you enjoy the new blog. http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1298908535 General http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1298908535&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1298908535 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:55:35 -0700 Book Review - Heirloom Bulbs for Today Our good friend and associate Chris Wiesinger , "The Bulb Hunter” has a new book on the market, "Heirloom Bulbs for Today." The book published by Bright Sky Press, is beautifully illustrated by Loela Barry and Johan Kritzinger , and co-authored by Cherie Colburn.  Written for both the beginner gardener and the more seasoned gardener it groups bulbs on their ease of culture and adaptability to various zones and soils. Throughout the book Chris shares his personal ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1297145383 Gardening http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1297145383&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1297145383 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:09:43 -0700 Crazy For Ducks I’ve been thinking a lot about ducks lately. Did you know that people are actually raising ducks in their residential backyards? I know, crazy, right? It’s the latest thing in sustainable living. I recently learned an abundance of information about ducks while researching beneficial critters for our Spring Festival at Clark Gardens. Expert Permaculturist Elizabeth Samudio of Fort Worth, Texas, actually prefers ducks over chickens for their ability to provide eggs, meat and elimination of unwanted ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1297144703 General http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1297144703&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1297144703 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:58:23 -0700 Winter Wonderland It is definately winter at Clark Gardens. The snow was beautiful this morning, the sun is shining and more smiles can be found. Here's some pics I thought you might enjoy!!                                    Me and my Shadow                           Finally the sun is shining (Blue Heron on Emerald Lake)                Canadian geese to the swan:                                     And you think you were cold!! "It's not cold, just put one foot in at a time"   ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1296854587 General http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1296854587&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1296854587 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:23:07 -0700 Baking Competition--Enter to win great gifts donated by Walmart Calling all cooks and bakers! Do you have a special holiday recipe, maybe Grandma’s Fudge or Aunt Theda’s Cookies? It’s time to share them with the community. On Saturday, December 18 th Clark Gardens will host our FIRST annual Baking Competition. Entries may be submitted on Saturday, December 18th from 10 am to 2:00 pm and winners will be announced at 5:00 pm. Great prizes donated by Walmart include baking supplies and espresso makers. Don’t ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291917904 Events http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291917904&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291917904 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:08:32 -0700 Holiday Shopping The shopping has started at our 2010 Holiday Festiva!! There are a lot of good deals here for all you bargain hunters!! http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291488444 Events http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291488444&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291488444 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 11:47:24 -0700 Santa's Reindeer Arrived Last Night <a href="http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291409006"><img src="http://blog.clarkgardens.org/blog/php/Carey%20and%20Reindeer.jpg" align="left" width="120px" height="90px" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 3px 4px 3px 0;"></a> One of Santa's beautiful reindeer arrived at Clark Gardens last night along with Santa.  The 3rd Annual Holiday Festival kicked off with a host of great entertainment provided by the Mineral Wells Wranglerettes, the Mineral Wells High School Jazz Band and the Mineral Wells Community Christian School Choir.  Come join us tomorrow, Saturday, December 3 from 1 pm to 8:30 pm.  You can shop with our vendors, enjoy entertainment by the Travis Cadets and the ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291409006 Events http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291409006&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291409006 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:43:26 -0700 Kaleidescope of Trees <a href="http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291325040"><img src="http://blog.clarkgardens.org/blog/php/vote.jpg" align="left" width="120px" height="160px" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 3px 4px 3px 0;"></a> I posted pictures of the entries in the Kaleidescope of Trees.  Voting starts tonight at 4:00 pm and runs through Saturday, Dec 18th at 5:00 pm.  Organizations are vying for $1000.00 in prize money.  Come out and vote. http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291325040 Events http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291325040&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291325040 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:24:00 -0700 Road Trip with Steve Chamblee Hop in the car and go for a ride down Garner Road with Steve Chamblee.  Steve is the chief horticulturist at Chandor Gardens and does an amazing job.  Parker and Palo Pinto Counties are very fortunate to have three very distinctive gardens located in their backyards-Clark Gardens, Chandor and the lovely, developing garden at the Vietnam War Museum.  I hope you make it a point to visit all three this next year. http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291303146 Gardening http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291303146&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291303146 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:19:06 -0700 Great Holiday Gifts <a href="http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291223867"><img src="http://blog.clarkgardens.org/blog/php/Chamber%20shoplocalandwin2010_LOGO_02_1f2bb05ae6.jpg" align="left" width="120px" height="64px" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 3px 4px 3px 0;"></a> Looking for that perfect gift?  Memberships to Clark Gardens make great holiday gifts for aunts, grandparents, teachers, and neighbors.  During the month of December we have TWO specials:  Purchase a Clark Garden membership and while supplies last we will include our beautiful 12 month 2011 Clark Gardens wall calendar (that is a $12.00 value added gift).    Clark Gardens is a participating merchant with Mineral Wells Chamber Shop Local and Win !!!  We are offering ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291223867 General http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291223867&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291223867 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 10:26:44 -0700 Holiday Festival Opening Night Performers The grand opening of the Holiday Festival gets under way at 5:30 pm, Thursday, December 2nd. Opening night performers will include:     * Mineral Wells Wranglettes     * Mineral Wells High School Jazz Band     * Mineral Wells Community Christian School Contata     * Santa and Live Reindeer (Perfect for Photo Ops!) After the performances there will be a parade and we celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree and the Kaleidoscope of Trees. Read more about all of the Holiday Festival ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291151121 Events http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291151121&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291151121 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:05:21 -0700 Celebrate Cyber Monday--Special on Supper with Santa Reservations To celebrate Cyber Monday Clark Gardens is offering a special on this Saturday's, December 4th Supper with Santa.  Make your reservation by Wednesday, December 1st by 5:00 pm and receive a $5.00 Clark Garden Gift Shop Gift Card per reservation.  A family of four would receive gift cards totaling $20.00!!!    Supper with Santa is an annual event held each year during December.  This year you will arrive by horse drawn carriage to an indoor, heated, ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291052245 Events http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291052245&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1291052245 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:37:25 -0700 Supper with Santa--Make your reservation <a href="http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1290122561"><img src="http://blog.clarkgardens.org/blog/php/Poster%20idea4.jpg" align="left" width="120px" height="155px" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 3px 4px 3px 0;"></a>   http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1290122561 Events http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1290122561&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1290122561 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:22:41 -0700 Christmas Oil Painting class Spend a beautiful evening in Clark Gardens enjoying the array of Christmas decorations. Artist, Connie Carlisle will guide you through the painting of a night scene. Cost includes supplies and a buffet dinner. Cost: $90.00 non-members $77.00 for Clark Gardens members Date: Saturday, December 11; 5:30-9:30pm. http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1290023853 Activities http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1290023853&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1290023853 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:57:33 -0700 Amanda Shires performing at Barking Rocks This  Saturday , November 20th  Barking Rocks Winery in Granbury is hosting a great concert.  The concert will feature Amanda Shires, a local Mineral Wells girl gone Nashville, and Rod Picott.  The concert starts at 7:00 pm.  Call for reservations 8175790007.  Many of our Clark Gardens followers met Tiberia, the owner of Barking Rocks, at last years Spring Festival.  Tiberia brought along some delicious wine and he was officially adopted into the Clark Gardens family.   http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289946628 General http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289946628&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289946628 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:30:28 -0700 Fall Color It is not uncommon for the staff to be asked "When is the best time for fall color?".  That can be a difficult question to answer.  It's hard to predict when the weather will turn from summer to fall bringing us the cooler temperatures and the great display of color.   This past week we had a glorious display of fall color.  Carey, our gift shop and event manager, was out in the garden the weekend of ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289839470 Gardening http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289839470&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289839470 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:44:30 -0700 Painting Class Paint and Glaze your own Christmas Ornaments Date: Saturday, December 4, 9:00am - Noon Participants will paint three bisque-fired ornaments for glazing. A selection of Christmas-themed ornaments will be availabe. Some ornaments will feature trains. A perfect family outing. Cost: $25.00 CG members $33.00 non-member's http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289834102 Activities http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289834102&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289834102 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:15:02 -0700 Supper with Santa Supper with Santa is an event loved by children and adults alike. Reservations are now being accepted. Read more at ClarkGardens.org . http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289458584 General http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289458584&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289458584 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 23:56:24 -0700 Kaleidoscope of Trees--Great Fundraiser Kaleidoscope of Trees This year Clark Gardens is incorporating a new event into their Holiday Celebration-the Kaleidoscope of Trees .  This competition is open to all nonprofit groups and organizations.  Participating organizations will decorate trees provided by Clark Gardens. During the month of December garden visitors will vote for their favorite tree. $1000.00 in cash prizes ($500.00 for first place; $300.00 for second place and $200.00 for third place) will be awarded to the organizations receiving the ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289404141 Events http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289404141&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289404141 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:38:58 -0700 Community Wide Bake Sale Community Wide Bake Sale December 18 from 1:00 - 8:00pm   Clark Gardens will be hosting a Community Wide Bake Sale at our Holiday Festival. Homemade cakes, pies, cookies, and candies!! No charge for non-profit groups and churches. Great Fundraiser! For more information and to register, call Bev at 940-682-4856 or beverly@clarkgardens.com http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289333831 Events http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289333831&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1289333831 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 09:03:44 -0700 Glaze Painting Class On Saturday, November 13 we will be Glaze Painting with Connie Carlisle. Participants will paint a bisque-fired bowl which Connie has hand thrown. Following the firing process you will have a beautiful bowl to decorate your home or give as a gift. Date: Saturday, November 13 9:00am - 12:00pm Cost: Clark Garden Members $47.00 Non-members $55.00 All Supplies are included. Adults Only .   For more information and to register, call Beverly at 940-682-4856 ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288793289 Activities http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288793289&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288793289 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:33:41 -0600 BOOtanical--A fun time for everyone The weather was fabulous, the gardens were gorgeous and over 1400 guests enjoyed an evening at the BOOtanical Festival.  Three truck loads of food were donated to the area food banks.  The staff at Clark Gardens thank all those who came out to participate, especially the volunteers.  This event would not be possible without the volunteers.  Approximately 50 volunteers came out to man the booths, greet the guests, entertain, and help judge the costume competition.  ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288714512 Events http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288714512&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288714512 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:16:13 -0600 Starting to look alot like BOOtanical The gardens are beginning to look pretty scary...   BOOtanical is this Sunday, October 31st from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm .  Admission to the event is a nonperishable food item.  There are games, arts and crafts and even "A Walk on the Wildside" featuring our very own Mineral Wells High School Drama Dept.  This is a great event and a safe way to enjoy Halloween.  Pet and people costume competitions start at 5:30 pm.  Grab ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288196914 Events http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288196914&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288196914 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:28:34 -0600 Basket Weaving Class We excited about our Basket Weaving Class . We will be learning about grasses, vines, trees, and shrubs that we will be using to weave our own baskets from nature. Each student will take home their own basket--a work of art. Date: Saturday, November 6; 9:00am - 4:00pm ( Bring a sack lunch ) Cost: $60.00 Clark Garden members $75.00 non-members For more information and to register, call Beverly at 940-682-4856     http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288187938 Activities http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288187938&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288187938 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 07:58:58 -0600 Fall Floral Design Class Ever wanted to make your own Thanksgiving or Holiday centerpiece but didn't know where to start? In this class we wil go out into the garden and harvest natural materials to make a beautiful and natural centerpiece. Bring your favorite container and you'll make your very own design to decorate your home.   Date: Tuesday, November 2; 6:30pm - 8:30pm Cost: $15.00 Clark Garden members $22.00 non-members **Fees include Park Admission Fees. http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288022080 Activities http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288022080&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1288022080 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:54:40 -0600 Oil Painting Class Does an Outdoor Oil Painting class sound interesting to you? Acclaimed artist Connie Carlisle is here at Clark Gardens in October offering a Plein-Air Workshop. That's French for painting in the open air. If that sounds delightfully refreshing to you, please join us for a day of creating with oil paint. Date: Saturday, October 23; 9:00am - 3:00pm Cost: Clark Garden Members $90.00 Non-members $100.00 Fees include Admission to the Park Bring a sack ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1287000751 Activities http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1287000751&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1287000751 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:12:31 -0600 Nature Photography Class Rob Robbinson is back at Clark Gardens to teach another Nature Photography Class. This class is designed to give people of all ability levels the opportunity to improve their outdoor photography. Date: Thursday, October 14 6:00pm - 8:30pm Cost: Clark Garden Members $12.00 Non-members $17.00 Fees include admission to the park. For more information and to Register call Beverly @ 940-682-4856.   http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1286999225 Activities http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1286999225&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1286999225 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:00:09 -0600 Great post by Chamber Director Beth Watson Beth Watson, friend and Chamber Director wrote a great piece about Clark Gardens on her blog .  It's beautifully written.  Thanks Beth!!! http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1286979249 General http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1286979249&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1286979249 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:14:09 -0600 Pottery Class Connie Carlisle    is back teaching another pottery class at Clark Gardens! In the spirit of Fall we will be sculpting terracotta pumpkins and incorporating botanical elements into the designs. This project is appropriate for all ages. Date: Saturday, October 9, 9:00am - 12:00pm Cost: $37.00 for Clark Garden Members $45.00 for non-members For more information or to register, call Beverly at 940 - 682-4856. http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1286395230 Activities http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1286395230&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1286395230 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:02:48 -0600 "The Bulb Hunter" at Clark Gardens this Saturday Clark Gardens is pleased to host Chris Wiesinger, The Bulb Hunter this Saturday at 1:30 pm.  The Fort Worth Star Telegram ran a great article about Chris on September 23rd.  Clark Gardens will have available for purchase some of Chris' favorite bulbs and garden guests will be able to preorder his book, Heirloom Bulbs.   There is lots of family activities this Saturday at Fall Festival--clowns, face painting and pumpkin painting-- just to name a ... http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1285618435 Gardening http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1285618435&comments=comments http://blog.clarkgardens.org/documents/blog.php?entry_id=1285618435 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:24:01 -0600