A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending a luncheon and lecture at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion by Gardening Guru P. Allen Smith.  Allen is a native Arkansan and has been instrumental in transforming the grounds and gardens of our Governor’s Mansion over the past several years.  The event, a fundraiser for the Mansion, was centered around Allen’s new book Bringing the Garden Indoors.  His lecture was informative, funny and totally entertaining!

Allen became well known because of his public television program P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home and his syndicated 30 minute show, P. Allen Smith Gardens.  He has emerged as one of America’s most recognized and respected Garden Experts. He recently built a garden home retreat just a few miles from my office in West Little Rock.  The home is a gorgeous old farm house style with the latest and greatest in Green Building Technology.  The grounds are complete with animals, orchards, and fantastic gardens for every season.

These aerial views show how amazing the home is. I especially love this view of the back of the retreat. The upstairs balcony is a charming sleeping porch.  I will have more photos of the property including interior room shots in an upcoming post.  The home is furnished with some of my favorite furniture lines including Hickory Chair, Lee Industries and Lane Venture.

 

Here is a shot of Allen and me on the extremely windy day in the mansion gardens!

Mom helped me host a few friends for the luncheon.

Susan Hickingbotham and Tammy Davis both of Little Rock.

Grace and Janet Alley with Melissa Morgan, director of Tobi Fairley Gallery.

Mom and I with Brenda Scisson of Stone Ward Public Relations.

Mom and me with our friend Lynn Franks.The centerpieces were grown by the children at Access Schools. Allen partners with the school, a non-profit for children and young adults with learning disabilities, and holds many events for the children at his Garden Home Retreat and grounds.

Melissa and Brenda showing off our table…notice the black chairs.  We had a “tiny” miscommunication and didn’t get our table confirmed properly, so I owe a huge thanks to first lady Ginger Beebe, Mansion director Ron Maxwell and the staff at the mansion for throwing us a table together at the last minute!!! I got a cute note later from one of my guests that said only I could make such a “designer statement” with our lovely black chairs!! But nothing could have dampened our spirits on this gorgeous and sunny spring day in the garden with P. Allen Smith. 

Be sure to check out the official P. Allen Smith website for more information on his properties, books, television programs and much, much more!