Secret Gardens of Fayetteville

It’s no secret, The Secret Garden is one of my all-time favorite books. Early on, it helped shape me and became part of my personal narrative. Because of that, it probably comes as no surprise that I always notice secret gardens wherever I go.

My definition of a secret garden: a tucked away, enchanted green area. It may be located behind a garden gate, in an unexpected corner of a commercial space, growing wild along the ditch bank . There may be faeries present for those who believe.

Every place has secret gardens, but not everyone sees them. Today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite secret gardens of Fayetteville. I bet there are secret gardens where you live, too.

Fayetteville Square:

If you’ve been to Fayetteville Farmer’s Market, you know the entire square is beautifully landscaped. If you take the time to walk through the grounds, you’ll find pocket gardens and pathways throughout. No matter the season, the gardens are inspirational.

Fayetteville Public Library:

Not only do we have a fabulous library, but the grounds surrounding it provide meditative spaces. Next time you are there, walk around the building and take it all in. Better yet, check out a book and read outside. (The views from inside are spectacular as well.)

Clinton House Museum:

The Clinton House Museum is not only full of history but the cottage gardens provide a lovely surprise. The First Ladies Garden features a flower dedicated and attributed to each first lady.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church:

This historic church on East Avenue is surrounded by old shade trees with calm spaces.

University of Arkansas:

There’s much to see on the University of Arkansas campus with respect to landscaping, including the campus arboretum, home to one of each native Arkansas tree. But on the southwest side of campus, The Gardens is a park-like setting with mature trees, pavilions and picnic tables. (Gets crazy on game day though as this is a popular tailgating spot.) When you head to the Hill for the next game, take time to enjoy campus beauty, too.

Headquarters House:

The Headquarters House, built in 1853 by Judge Jonas Tebbetts, served as both Union and Confederate headquarters during the Civil War. The gardens look much as they did in the mid-1800s. Judge Tebbetts’ daughter, Marian, left behind her journal which included jottings about the garden. And based on Marian’s detailed journal, Washington County Master Gardeners designed historically accurate beds with heirloom plants.

Mt. Sequoyah:

Don’t visit Fayetteville without exploring Mt. Sequoyah. In my opinion, the entire mountain is a secret garden with trails, natural space, and stunning vistas.

Washington-Willow Neighborhood:

We live in the Washington-Willow neighborhood and while walking Lucy and  Annabelle, I always notice secret gardens. Every house has one, but I don’t want to invade anyone’s privacy. This vacant space on Walnut is intriguing, don’t you think?

We often walk around the Fulbright Building on Dickson (once the location of the library). Beautiful landscaping here and a secret fountain we visit on weekends when folks aren’t at work.

A hint of fun behind this fence.

I like to think of our own Little Free Library as a secret garden during summer. Our neighborhood has lots of them. Books & blooms!

I would love to hear about secret gardens in your area, as well as other secret gardens in Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. I know I barely scratched the surface.

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

P.S. The first picture is the secret garden at Vintage Cargo.

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Musical Pairing:
Ode to Simplicity – Secret Garden