Even the heat couldn’t keep Fayetteville’s finest garden enthusiasts from winding down the day on Wednesday at this year’s Sunflowers and Sangria event at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.
Sunflowers and Sangria is part of the garden’s Summer Cocktail series, where the garden pairs a flower and a beverage and invites the public to enjoy its featured flower in bloom while strolling the grounds.
JoAnn Wardein and her husband, Jim, are proud members of BGO.
“We’ve been members since the beginning. Since there was nothing here except people promoting it,” JoAnn said with a beaming smile, “I am so proud of Fayetteville!”
The couple said that the garden is a great way to bring serenity and beauty into your life.
Jim said it best, “It is a well kept secret. A place just to be peaceful.”
Sangria is served!
The event offered guests the chance to check out the different gardens while sipping on a greatly appreciated cold beverage and light appetizers. Tickets were $20 for members and $15 for non-members and the proceeds went to help preserve and improve the garden.
Julian Gray surprised his fiancé, Candice Evans, with the night out to the garden. “We are big fans of Sunflowers and Sangria,” Gray said.
Gray called the Botanical Gardens a great alternative to Dickson Street.
“It’s very Fayetteville. It’s an expansion on the square.” Evans said. “They’ve got the same flowers and it’s not as organized or strict as the Tulsa gardens.”
BGO has offered great activities this summer for people who are trying to tighten their budgets. And there are still some things to catch before the summer is over. On Friday, August 28th Backporch Bluegrass will perform in the garden’s third and final Summer Concert. Admission is free and picnic baskets encouraged.
The last Summer Cocktails event will be Moonflowers and Margaritas on Wednesday, September 9th.
Whether you think BGO is the best-kept secret, a hidden treasure, or you haven’t had the chance to check it out, go to the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks to see just another reason why Fayetteville rocks, or blooms!
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Mary Robbins is a guest contributor for the Fayetteville Flyer. Mary declared Fayetteville as her hometown upon moving here for college. She is a Journalism graduate who enjoys live music, the outdoors and attending city council meetings. For more of Mary’s contributions, visit her author page.
