Rock and Water Garden

Find the boardwalk that leads to the Rock and Water Garden. This bridge is over a bio-swale or bioretention swale. This is a slightly sloped channel that collects heavy storm runoff, redirecting the water, and protecting the garden from flood damage. Along the edges of the bio-swale are plants that survive in wet or dry climates. These plants, such as the willow tree, also suck up large amounts of water in the rainy season, drying the soil back out quickly. You can read more about bio-swales on the sign near its start. 

The Rock and Water Garden beyond the boardwalk features many large limestone rocks. 90% of all rock in Arkansas is limestone, which is formed after hundreds of thousands of years of compressing shells and corals into stone. In the water, among these stones, you might see a frog on a lily pad or a turtle basking in the sun. Look. What do you see?

Also notice the small rock garden on the left just before you reach the terrace. Here are some plants that need well drained and can grow in very rocky areas. This garden serves as inspiration to gardeners who have rocky and sandy soil.