ROOTED IN TEXAS

EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF BOTANICAL GARDENS IN THE LONE STAR STATE

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

Texas’ botanical gardens range from sprawling landscapes dotted with native wildflowers to curated collections of rare plants. Springtime is an ideal season to explore these verdant sanctuaries, where every path leads to discovery.

FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN

1934, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is Texas’ oldest major botanical garden. Spanning 120 acres with 23 specialty gardens, it invites exploration and a sense of wonder. Highlights include the serene Japanese Garden, with koi-filled ponds and traditional architecture, and the Rose Garden, which boasts over 2,000 rose varieties.

Events include spring and fall plant sales, where enthusiasts can purchase unique plants, and the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, blending culinary arts with lush surroundings. On Dog Days, visitors can bring their pets for $5 per dog, with hydration stations and doggie pools provided for comfort. FWBG.org

DALLAS ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDEN

Nestled along White Rock Lake, the 66-acre Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden blends breathtaking horticultural displays with educational programs. Established in 1984, it attracts over one million visitors annually and features a variety of thematic sections. For example the women's Garden reflects strength and beauty of women through its elegant design, while the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden combines fun and education with hands-on exhibits.

The Arboretum hosts high-profile events throughout the year. Dallas Blooms, one of the Southwest’s largest floral festivals, showcases over 500,000 spring bulbs from February to April. In summer, colorful gardens bloom with 700 new plantings, complemented by family-friendly events like Cool Thursdays, which feature live music under the stars. DallasArboretum.org

HOUSTON BOTANIC GARDEN

The Houston Botanic Garden, opened in 2020, is a celebration of global plant diversity and a sanctuary for local wildlife. Spanning 132 acres, it features highlights like the Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden, with interactive exhibits, and the Global Collection Gardens, showcasing plants from different

regions worldwide.

The Garden’s lively events include five annual festivals, with live music, local vendors, and more celebrating bluebonnets, Hippeastrum, and arid plants in the spring, and bananas, monarchs, and marigolds in the fall. On Summer Saturdays, the Garden stays open until 8 p.m. with family friendly programming and the opportunity to see the living plant collections in a different light. HBG.org

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Founded in 1980, the San Antonio Botanical Garden combines aesthetic beauty with educational experiences. The 38-acre space features attractions like the Texas Native Trail, which showcases regional plant life, the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, which houses plants from around the world in climate-controlled glass structures, and the Kumamoto En Japanese Garden, an authentic Japanese garden with stone paths, water features, and bamboo accents.

Throughout the year, the San Antonio Botanical Garden hosts various events and exhibitions, including art installations, music performances, and theater experiences, all set against its beautiful landscapes. SABot.org

ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN

Located in Austin’s Zilker Park, this 14-acre garden is packed with diversity. It features the Prehistoric Garden, with plants from the dinosaur era, and the Rose Garden, displaying over 1,000 rose bushes.

Annual events include the Zilker Garden Festival in March, showcasing garden arts and crafts, and the Great Zilker Kite Festival, where colorful kites fill the sky, creating a lively spectacle. ZBG.org

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Orange

Tucked away in Orange, Texas, Shangri La is a 250-acre sanctuary where nature and education converge. Known for its cypress swamp tours, this garden also features a butterfly garden and a nature center where visitors learn about local ecosystems. This lesser-known gem offers a place to enjoy the

tranquility of nature with educational guided tours. ShangrilaGardens.org