Below are some of the most frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered here, feel free to contact us at (479) 254-3870 or
lark@comptongardens.org.
Q. What was Compton Gardens named after?
A. Compton Gardens was named after Dr. Neil Compton. Click here for FAQ on Dr. Compton.
Q. When did the Compton Gardens project begin? How long did it take to complete?
A. The project started in 2002. As of the Summer of 2005, the grounds are complete, though gardens are a work in progress. There will be additional parking and an outside public restroom and water fountain in the future.
Q. Who owns and manages Compton Gardens?
A. In 1999, the property was purchased and deeded to Crystal Springs Foundation with the goal in mind of saving it and developing a community resource based on its value as a natural site in the middle of the town of Bentonville. In 2002, the property and building were gifted to The Peel House Foundation who now manages and operates Compton Gardens.
Q. Whose idea was Compton Gardens?
A. Carl Totemeier and Karen Crocker-Rollet (they came out to do research on the State Champion trees and thought this would be a perfect public garden)
Q. How many varieties of trees are located on the grounds?
A. In December 1998, the Arkansas Forestry Commission completed a tree inventory plan which documented 55 varieties of trees on the site, most of which are native to the Ozarks.
Q. How many native plants are in the Gardens?
A. More than 300 species of native plants and trees can be found at Compton Gardens.
Q. Are ALL of the plants in the Gardens native?
A. No, Dr. Compton and his family introduced many non-native plants to the land. However, all newly planted plants are native and are registered in the plant database (see notebook “Plants of Compton Gardens” in the Interpretive Center or click here to download a PDF file).
Q. Do you sell any of the plants that can be seen at Compton Gardens?
A. Yes, we have a greenhouse where we seed and propogate many species of native plants found at Compton Gardens. There is a plant sale in June of each year at Compton Gardens, where the community may come to purchase plants and ask questions about growing a successful native plant garden of their own.
Q. How far is the walking trail around Compton Gardens? How long does it take to walk the trails?
A. It is approximately ½ mile; eventually the walking trail will meet up with the Bella Vista Bike Trail and the NWACC Trail. It takes an estimated 20 minutes to walk the trail – of course if you spend time reviewing the plants, strolling on the bridges and relaxing on the native stone benches, it could be an all-day event! Enjoy yourself!
Q. What is the surface of the walking trail?
A. It is a river sand that has been treated with a stabilizing agent to help keep it from washing away.
Q. Where does the water in the stream come from? Does it ever run dry?
A. From Cindy Springs. Perhaps in the dry season in late August, the stream runs dry, but the September rains will replenish it.
Q. What are the hours of Compton Gardens?
A. The gardens are open daily, dawn to dusk. The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday – Thursday, 8 am-4pm, and Friday, 10 am – 4 pm. The Conference Centre is available by rental only.
Q. How do I get to Compton Gardens?
A. Click here for directions and a map.
Q. Is there a charge to tour the gardens?
A. Self-guided tours are free to the public. Click here for more information.
Q. Would Compton Gardens be an appropriate field trip for my school students?
A. Yes! We provide staff-guided tours to school groups at no charge. Elementary, middle school, and high school students have thoroughly enjoyed their educational trip to Compton Gardens. Contact Michelle Reeves, 254-3870 to schedule a tour for your class.
Q. Are bicycles allowed on the trails?
A. Right now, only the walking trails are completed. Eventually the Compton Gardens trail will meet up with the NWACC and Bella Vista trails and will be accessible for bicycles. Skateboarding is not allowed on the grounds.
Q. Is Compton Gardens wheelchair accessible?
A. Yes. There are wheelchair accessible parking spaces, ramps, and sidewalks. In the Gardens, the main walking trail is ADA approved.
Q. Are pets allowed on the grounds at Compton Gardens?
A. Yes, pets are allowed on the grounds. Please keep your pet leashed and on the trails and pick up after your pet.
Q. How many parking spaces are provided?
A. At this time there are 26 parking spaces; currently, an additional parking lot and entrance are being completed, creating approximately 24 additional parking spaces.
Q. How many acres does Compton Gardens consist of?
A. 6.5 acres
Q. Are bus tours allowed at Compton Gardens?
A. Yes! We welcome groups, large and small to our facility and gardens. Please contact Michelle Reeves to schedule a self- or staff-guided tour for your group and to obtain bus parking instructions.
Q. Who originally owned the land and house?
A. In the early part of the century, Dr. and Mrs. Parker built a house within view of North Main. They passed away in 1941 and in 1942, Charlie and Sara Craig bought the 3.5 acre land and home from the Parker’s son. The house burned to the ground within a week of purchase. A new home, designed by Mrs. Sarah Craig was built by Homer Vinson, Lem Jones and Mr. Whitfield in 1943. The original acreage was then extended with the addition of an open field to the north. It was later sold to Mrs. Putman. The Compton/Putman family lived in the Craig house until their own house was built in 1952. Other acreage to the north was added, creating the final property boundaries. The new Compton/Putman house was built where it stands today.
Q. What did the original house consist of?
A. The upper level consisted of: a three car carport, storage wall, large deck, screened entry porch, living/dining area, den with fireplace, kitchen/dining area, utility room, three bedrooms, three and 1/2 baths, and a suite that included a bed/sitting area with fireplace, a dressing room, and bath. The lower level consisted of: den/playroom with large wood-burning fireplace, kitchenette, two storage areas, three bedrooms, two baths, and a large screened in porch under the deck.
Q. Who designed the Compton/Putman house?
A. The house was designed by Cecil Stanfield, an architect from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The builder was Williard Braithwaite.
Q. What wood and stone were used in the construction of the house?
A. Rare woods, such as cypress from Lake Ponchetrain, Louisiana, walnut paneling and birch paneling and stone from near Clarksville were used.
Q. Didn’t the house used to have an inside garden room and a stairwell leading to the lower level?
A. Yes, there was an inside garden room, open to both floors, including a wide variety of plants, such as orchids, bougainvillea and a mango tree planted in 1954. The stairs descending through the garden room to the lower level of the house. There was also a long aquarium at the top of the stairs that housed a variety of tropical fish.
Q. What happened to the mango tree and other plants that were originally in the inside garden room?
A. The mango tree is now owned by Carole Westby, one of Neil’s daughter’s childhood friends. The rest of the plants are housed in the greenhouse at Compton Gardens.
Q. Didn’t there used to be another house on the property?
A. Yes, to the south of the Compton/Putman house, there used to be a smaller brown, 2-story rental home moved from Bella Vista in the 1940’s. (This was also the home that the Putman/Compton family lived in while this house was being built.) It was removed during the development of Compton Gardens.
Q. What is the total square footage of the house?
A. The upstairs measures 3,000 plus square feet. The lower and upper facilities comibined measure 5,400 square feet.
Q. Who was the architect for the renovations to the home, when it was developed as the Conference Centre?
A. Hight-Jackson and Associates
Q. Is the stone wall in the Lobby and the stone structure in the Garden Room original to the Compton home? Is the fireplace original?
A. Yes. These are load-bearing walls so they were not touched. Yes, the fireplace is also original.
Q. What is the wall covering throughout the house?
A. Surprising as it may be, it’s actually wall paper. It was chosen not only for its durability but also for the unusual leaf pattern which helps bring the outdoor garden theme into the house.
Q. What is the floor tile made of in the Garden Room and Lounge?
A. It is a “state of the art” cork flooring that helps absorb sound, is easier on the feet, and takes a high gloss finish without being slippery.
Q. Who is the artist of the framed photographs seen throughout the Centre? Are the plants found in the gardens here? Can this artwork be purchased as a keepsake of my visit to Compton Gardens?
A. The artist is Tim Stinnett of Fayetteville. The photographs of the plants are representative of those found here at Compton Gardens. The framed photographs are for sale. A price list is available in the Interpretive Centre.
Q. Is the entire facility open to the public?
A. The interpretive centre and the computer kiosk are available to the public Tuesday through Friday, but the Conference Centre itself is limited to those who are renting the facility for a private function such as a Reception, Conference or Seminar. The Centre is available for rental seven days a week including evenings.
Q. Is smoking allowed on the premises of Compton Gardens?
A. In order to preserve the beauty and natural splendor of our facility and grounds, there is a no-smoking policy at Compton Gardens and The Conference Centre at Compton Gardens. There is one small area in the garden near the parking lot where smoking is allowed and is designated by a sign and a place to extinguish cigarettes. Please help us keep the Gardens free of butts and other litter.
Q. How many employees work at Compton Gardens?
A. There are 2 full-time paid staff and a few part-time staff who maintain and supervise the gardens and trails from 7 am to 4 pm. The office of the part-time Marketing Coordinator for The Peel House Foundation is housed in the Interpretive Center. Volunteers are often on site to assist with the grounds and the Interpretive Center.
Q. Can I volunteer at Compton Gardens?
A. Yes, click here for volunteer opportunities.
Q. Can I make a donation to Compton Gardens?
A. Yes, thank you for asking! Donations for Compton Gardens can be made in cash, check (made out to The Peel House Foundation) or credit card (Visa/Mastercard). Donations will be used for garden and center maintenance, interpretive signing, new and replacement plants, special events and educational programming. Please contact Michelle Reeves or feel free to make your donation at the Compton Gardens Interpretive Center.
