The Arkansas Governor’s Mansion
The very first stop of the Garden 2 Blog experience was the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion.
This Georgian Colonial mansion is nestled in a quiet neighborhood and the gardens are exquisite. Eleven of Arkansas forty five governors have lived in the mansion including President Bill Clinton.
P. Allen Smith gives a brief history of the mansion
I was glad to learn that Allen has a huge love of history. He didn’t have to tell anyone. You can hear it in his voice when he speaks. You can tell he is passionate about preserving the past and making the most of every moment we have in the present.
The SeedKeeper Girls
Carol & Kerrie
While most of us were ohhhing and ahhhing over the splendid collection of azeleas, iris and roses the SeedKeeper girls, Carol & Kerrie enjoyed a relaxing moment on the first lady of Arkansas’ swing……
Beautiful flowers
I loved these structures Allen used in this garden for the roses to climb on….
Beautiful Wrought Iron Fountain
Southern mansions seems to bring out the need for big “pocketbooks” and wide brim floppy hats. Carri Stokes and Mary Ann Newcomer were happy to oblige. Notice the rose on the arbor; “New Dawn” I believe. They were everywhere on the streets of Little Rock….
New dawn Roses abound in Little Rock
More New Dawn roses about to burst forth with color
Chelsea Clinton’s Playhouse
When Bill Clinton was Governor of Arkansas, Chelsea was just a little girl. The good Governor had this playhouse constructed for his daughter. It even has its own landscaping… Details are everything…..
Great raised bed vegetable garden
The Governor and family enjoy fresh veggies from the raised bed garden. Everything from apples to tomatoes and strawberries were planted here. This garden is tended with the help of the Arkansas Master Gardener’s Association.
Carolyn Binder, Myself & Mary Beth Shaddix
Here I am with two of the sweetest vegetable gardeners I know: Carolyn Binder of Cowlick Cottage Farm & Mary Beth Shaddix of Bonnie Plants
P. Allen Smith & First Lady Ginger Beebe
A most gracious hostess, First Lady of Arkansas Ginger Beebe was a delightful person. A most delicious luncheon was served. Check out the beautiful centerpieces
Yellow roses welcomed us to lunch
Our luncheon was concluded with the presentation of three beautiful shrubs of ‘Sunny Knockout‘ roses to be added to the gardens at the mansion.
We were then treated to a presentation by Erik Deckers, a noted expert on Social Media.
Pie!
The conclusion of our visit was with pie. Y’all know i’m partial to dessert. This one was extra delicious and this first stop on our adventure, most enjoyable.
The Redneck Rosarian 
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What a lovely day that was. Loved getting to tour it again via your blog! 🙂
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I loved the walk through the garden; that was very special, thank you. The big purses and floppy summer hats are a real connection to my mother and grandmother that is special; I appreciated that almost as much as the walk through the garden
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Nice one Chris!
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We are remembering how special we felt siting on the First Lady’s swing in the yard of the Governor’s mansion. Surrounded by flowers and friends…what could be better! Thanks Chris, this was beautiful.
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