We’ve certainly had some chilly temperatures the last few weeks in Hot Springs. It’s been nice to cuddle up beside the fireplace– just ask our recent guests! But now that Phil has decided that Spring is closer than we knew, it is time to start thinking about Springtime. The gardens at Lookout Point will be in bloom before you know it, with splashes of vivid colors all around. We can’t wait for all those early Spring bulbs! It’s just so exciting. Our friends over at Garvan Woodland Gardens have emerged  from a month long rest to prepare for “Daffodil Days” in which they will have over 230 different species of Daffodil.

Narcissus

Just imagine! A 300+ acre botanical garden with over 200,000 of the  jonquil blooming bright and cheery in yellows and oranges. The daffodils will take center stage at Garvan Gardens from February 21st to March 20. Come stay with us at our Hot Springs bed & breakfast and we will make sure to give you a delightfuly splendid retreat!

Here’s an easy trick for keeping poinsettias looking fresh and beautiful for the entire month, and beyond.  Ice.  That’s it.  Simply place 1/2 cup of ice on each poinsettia in place of water.  Do not even think about watering these beautiful plants!

I learned this trick years ago when serving the church, and we had hundreds of poinsettias.  Most of the plants die, or begin looking wilted, from too much water.  They don’t like wet feet.  The ice slowly melts, providing a more constant source of nourishment.

Almost daily guests ask how we keep the poinsettias looking so lovely, and we’ve had the flowers for 3 weeks already.  Sometimes I think if I know something, then the entire world probably knows it.  Yet I’m learning this tip may not be so widely known.

I would love to hear your helpful hints for the holidays!  What makes your life a wee bit easier this month?

Kristie

It it such a great feeling to be a part of a couple’s special day, and this day was very special for Stephanie and Rodney Gibbs.  According to the family of this recently married couple, their marriage has been a long time coming.  The couple has been dating since they were fifteen years old, which is a trend in the family, because Stephanie’s brother and his wife also started dating when they were fifteen.  An intimate ceremony took place on the peaceful labyrinth and the reception followed in the dining room.  A beautiful bride and her handsome groom both gleamed with joy as members of the family came forward and toasted the newlyweds.  It was a lovely wedding for this sweet couple and their loving family!

We wish you two the best of luck and a happy marriage filled with lots of love and gorgeous children.  Also, best of luck with the twin girls on the way!

Fall is finally here.  The leaves are starting to change and the weather is just beautiful!  This atmosphere is perfect for the Garvan Woodland Gardens’ sixth annual plant and landscape sale.  This event is where gardeners and novices can purchase hard-to-find plants, trees, bushes, and bulbs from over 25 nurseries and garden related vendors from around the state.  Also several vendors will set up booths displaying food products such as specialty salsas, marinades, meat rubs, herbs, jams and jellies.  This Earth and Epicurean Experience will be open starting tomorrow from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and last until October 11th.   The admission for this event is the same as general admission to the gardens.  Don’t miss out on fun in Hot Springs this weekend and a great getaway at Lookout Point!

 Rain rain go away.  Come back another day.  Even though the rain  was greatly needed to drown out the pollen in the air, it makes for icky days outside.  Even with all the rain, the spirit of our guests is not soggy.  Just this morning we had a couple interested in hiking in the rain.  We suggested they take a trip to Lake Catherine and hike to the beautiful waterfall.  Since we have had so much rain the past few days, the waterfall should be flowing and make for a great place to hike to.  Speaking of hiking, mentioned in an earlier Lookout Point blog, we introduced our newest package, the “waterfalls and picnic package.”  This package is a very adventerous one that leads to many of the great waterfalls in Arkansas.  Even though this package is intended for the sunny days of the season, it goes to show that even rainy days are great for waterfall exploring as well.  Call the inn (501-525-6155) to reserve your Waterfalls & Picnic Package!

-Kyrie

spring 2009 002
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

We are doing the happy dance as signs of approaching springtime are popping out in the gardens. The phlox are in full bloom, daffodils proudly produce yellow trumpets, yellow buds dot the forsythias, and even the weeds are a welcome sign of new life.

To top off this glorious day, the annual mallards (Ricky & Lucy) appeared during breakfast today. Guests were taking lots of photos, as the male and female ducks fed underneath the bird feeder. These ducks stay until late fall, and last year they nested and laid eggs. Maybe this year some will actually hatch!

We hope this day has been filled with love for all of you! Happy Valentine’s.