The Gardens & Arboretum
at Compton Gardens & Arboretum
Surrounding the historic Compton family home, the gardens at Compton Gardens & Arboretum are a living tribute to Arkansas’s natural beauty. Originally cultivated by Dr. Neil Compton himself, these outdoor spaces have been thoughtfully preserved and expanded by our team, showcasing a wide variety of native trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants.
Our living collection is organized into five distinct garden spaces. These areas reflect our mission to inspire a deeper appreciation for native plants, provide meaningful education, and promote the conservation of Arkansas’s unique natural spaces. Through interpretive signage and educational programming, visitors can experience the gardens as a year-round celebration of local ecology.
Garden Spaces
The Meadow
In spring and summer, the meadow bursts into bloom with native coneflowers, providing critical food sources for pollinators and birds—especially goldfinches, who feast on the flower seeds. A special section of the meadow is dedicated to preserving the endangered Yellow Coneflower. Meadows are defined by their diverse non-woody plant life, anchored by native grasses that stabilize the soil, create habitat, and support other plants and animals.
Butterfly Waystation
Living Wall
Cindy Springs
The Woodland
Follow the woodland trail and you will discover trees, shrubs, and native flowers living in harmony. The larger trees found here include Black Walnut, Red Mulberries, Oaks, and Umbrella Magnolias. Underneath these large trees are Leatherwood and Viburnum shrubs. They are planted next to small trees such as the Red Buckeye, Redbuds, and Dogwoods. These native shrubs and small trees thrive here because of the protection of the larger trees and the cool temperatures that the low valley provides. Growing along the valley are varieties of native ferns and unique flowers, including Virginia Bluebells and Celandine Poppies, adding a burst of color in early spring.
Arboretum
