Located on 86 acres adjoining Lake Fayetteville, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is a relatively new addition to northwest Arkansas. Thanks to the efforts of founder and first director Donna Porter, her idea and garden dream began in 1993. A product of a grassroots effort and many volunteers, today's center features nine themed gardens, ranging from the Rose and Perennial garden to Ozark Natives. Carl Totemeier, vice president emeritus of the New York Botanical Garden, provided plenty of inspiration. His much needed experience laid out a plan for different development phases. Completed in 2005, the timber framed event hall was named in honor to the late Carl Totemeier. Thanks to charitable citizens and large corporations, grants and many donations have funded the garden's transformation into today's botanical showcase.
   Each year, thousands of students celebrate Earth Day and Butterfly Day at the gardens. Garden volunteers pass on their passions, gardening knowledge and details about the role of pollinators during guest tours.
   Future plans call for the addition of more themed gardens, class rooms, a boat rental facility and native woodland restoration. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks has earned the distinction of being a premier wedding venue in northeast Arkansas. Voted best place to get married for the last four years, the gardens offer several wedding packages. Surrounded by blossoms and the fragrances of the Rose and Perennial Garden, the Rotary Peace Arbor provides a memorable setting for a couples "big day."

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