Garden Destinations: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Flower & Garden Magazine, June, 1999 by Angela M. Hughes

When you think of Dallas some of the first things that might come to mind are the Cowboys, great shopping or the old television show. We may not immediately think of The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden -- but we should. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is more than 66 acres of beautifully manicured trees, shrubs and flowers. It's a place to gain horticultural and historical knowledge, as well as a place of fun and reflection.

The Dallas Arboretum works to provide quality education and entertainment. Year-round there are special events that correspond with seasonal themes. "Dallas Blooms" takes place in March and early April. During this event, more than a million flowers display their blooms; there are 175,000 bulbs and 65,000 annuals. This year's theme for Summer at the Arboretum, which runs from June 5 through Sept. 6, is "Garden Critters." Children will have the chance to learn about bees and garden worms by going through special life-size exhibits. Walking through a beehive, children will learn about the activities' of the worker bee. They will also see a working worm farm, but they'll have to get on their knees and crawl through a large worm. Autumn at the Arboretum runs from Oct. 2 through Oct. 31, with this year's theme being "Family Harvest Festival." Then from Nov. 26 through Jan. 2, 2000 visitors can enjoy the Holiday at the Arboretum.

HISTORICAL BEGINNINGS

The property of The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has a storied past, which begins way before 1982 when the DeGolyer and Camp estates were combined to create the arboretum. So you will want to make sure you stop by both homes. Both estates are owned by the city of Dallas and are administered as a single unit by the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society.

The DeGolyer House is just one of the many things to see and do at the arboretum. You can visit the gift shop which is located in the DeGolyer House. While checking out the gift shop, don't forget to tour this historical home. Built in 1939-40, this 21,000-square-foot home was one of the first in Dallas to be built with central air conditioning. You will see several interesting architectural features in this Spanish Colonial Revival home. It has seven chimneys and no two are the same. Also, there is a fireplace carved in the form of ammonite fossils. You will want to pay close attention to the details so you don't miss a thing.

Don't leave the DeGolyer Estate before taking a leisurely walk through the estate's gardens. The 4.5 acres that surround the home include hundreds of annuals and perennials, a magnolia allee, a rose garden and a wisteria arbor.

The headquarters of the arboretum are located in the Camp House; this is another place you don't want to miss. Built in 1938, this house is only one room deep. Because of its design, the living room and bedrooms all have three or four views that include the grounds and the lake. Most of the windows run from the floor to the ceiling and slide into side pockets allowing you to feel a great lake breeze.

JONSSON COLOR GARDEN

The Jonsson Color Garden has its own call to fame because it's one of the largest public azalea collections in the United States. There are more than 2,000 varieties of azaleas growing in this 6-1/2-acre garden. Also available for your viewing pleasure is the Huang azalea, a rare azalea species from the Orient. But azaleas are not the only flowers you will find. In the spring there are daffodils, tulips, white bud trees and dogwoods. In the fall this area is in full bloom again with pansies and more than 15,000 chrysanthemums. Anywhere you look, at any time of the year, you'll be sure to get a treat.

Another unique feature of the Jonsson Garden is the Palmer Fern Dell. Shade plants border a brook and a state-of-the-art misting system allows you to experience a cool retreat. As a mist blankets the ravine, the temperature of the dell may be about 20 degrees cooler than the rest of this Texas garden.

LAY ORNAMENTAL GARDEN

While you're learning a little Texas history, visit the Lay Ornamental Garden and discover the state's native plants. These Texas natives are displayed grandly in front of Water Walls, a falling water curtain. Other special features in this garden include shaded areas of white and blue flower collections, lilies, irises, verbena and bluebells. Within its boundaries, you will also find an antique rose garden and a secluded limestone and fern grotto known as the Hidden Garden.

HUNT PASEO DE FLORES

A central walkway of the arboretum is the Hunt Paseo de Flores, a linear garden that extends for a quarter of a mile. In this area you will find lacebark elms, black walnut trees, Japanese cherry trees and Mexican plums. This area also plays host to a variety of seasonal plantings.

A WOMAN'S GARDEN

The latest addition to the arboretum is A Woman's Garden, which includes 1.8 acres divided into seven miniature gardens. Dedicated to the spirit and essence of all women, this is the most formal of all the arboretum gardens. There is the Pensive Poetry Garden, the Majestic Allee Stepped Fountain, the Infiniti III Wind Harp Garden, the Pulpit Garden, the Reflective Basin, the Pecan Parterre Garden and the Serenity Oak Garden.