Not hurricanes, nor heat and tired feet could stop us from our appointed rounds as we spent the afternoon and evening touring the Dallas Arboretum. The clicking of hundreds of cameras and the collective oohs and aahs resounded everywhere. As we entered, I was struck by the precision of pumpkins on the march. They were also floating in fountains and made into a gazebo for kids to play in. Speaking of children, the arboretum is getting ready to build an entire new children’s garden which will also focus on helping children learn about gardening while they play. I am always excited about anything which involves kids and gardens for I think they were made for each other.
As I wandered throughout the sixty-six acres, around a corner here, and up a stairway there, I was struck by the color. We often hear the word “breathtaking,” but the autumnal finery was enough to take your breath away (if the humidity hadn’t already). Only last weekend, Hurricane Hermine dropped buckets and sheets of rain upon this landscape, but you couldn’t tell it by me.
After our tour of the lovely DeGolyer home which was air conditioned, we walked again outdoors to brave the heat. I don’t what the temperature was, but people were melting. However, the garden had stationed refreshments centers throughout, and we all appreciated it. Inside the home, I was surprised they allowed us to take photographs, and we were also allowed to bring our drinks indoors. Those Texans are a trusting bunch.
The arboretum opened in 1984 on the former DeGolyer and Camp estates. As arboretums go, it is in the springtime of its youth. What I found amazing was the garden is only staffed with seventy-five full-time employees. The remaining work is performed by over 400 volunteers. The dedication of these volunteers some of whom came in especially to drive us around in trams, tells me Dallas loves its arboretum. I wish I could say the same of Oklahoma. I’m not even sure many of our citizens know we have more than one arboretum, one of which is located at Will Rogers Park in Oklahoma City. I wonder what it takes to make citizens care so much for their public spaces. The arboretum was immaculately groomed, and I saw no trash anywhere.
While I mused, the dinner bell rang, and we were treated to a fabulous meal in air conditioning which made everyone feel better. GWA, the arboretum and our hotel, the Hyatt Regency Dallas, have worked very hard to give me and several other members gluten and dairy free meals. I thank them all.
People ask me what attending the GWA annual symposium is like, and Bear even texted me to see if I was having fun. I texted back, “Imagine having 400 or so of your favorite friends over for four or five days. It’s fun, exciting and exhausting, but in a good sort of way.” She texted that it would be too much for her. I’ve got three more days and a lot more gardens to visit, so I better rest up.
I’ll leave you with more pictures of the beautiful Dallas Arboretum, and I’ll do my best to check in again as soon as I can.
We are planning to visit during fall break. Can’t wait!
Oh May, I hope you enjoy your stay. The Ft. Worth Botanic Garden is wonderful too full of Japanese maples which should be in their glory.
Looks fabulous — I can’t get over those amazing pumpking displays — how creative! So wish I’d been there. Next year!!!!!
Diana, we’re going to Indianapolis next year. Woo hoo! After seeing the committee’s plans, I’m very excited.
I loved that crapemyrtle allee. My favorite part.
Susan, it was among my faves too. What’s interesting, as you know, is it was planted by the original owner long before an arboretum was ever there.
WOW!! Gorgeous pictures!! I love the decorating that can be done with lots of pumpkins and LOTS of money!! That gazebo must be really enticing to children–and probably adults too!! Have a great time!
Melanie, yes, loads of money. You should see the tulip display in spring. Soon, they will be planting thousands of bulbs. I plan to go next spring.
Glad to hear you are enjoying my stomping ground. One of my good friends and fellow master gardeners is an arboretum volunteer. She may have been driving the trams while y’all were there. I’ll have to check with her. Hope the rest of your trip is fun and you don’t melt.
Deb.
Deb, I so did. I wonder if it was your friend. They were everywhere in the garden that day. Made me misty eyed almost.
Dee, Beautiful photos and looks like you had a lot of fun!! Loved their creative ways of displaying pumpkins!! Also, loved the crapemyrtle allee picture….lovely!! Glad you treated us to this treasure through your photos and words!
Thank you so much Kelly. I did enjoy myself. They are extremely creative, and its due to the vision of Jimmy Turner and his extraordinary staff and volunteers.
Nice photo display of this wonderful, colorful arbortum
Thanks Helen. It was lovely to see you.
Thanks for the tour. I saw a few from Facebook and got a few ideas to steal for work regarding pumpkins. They go all out don’t they? Good question about how to get people caring something like an arboretum. I would be happy just to get them to think about gardening in general. There are so many homeowners out there who make no effort whatsoever; I think they are missing out on a key part of life.
Les, they do go all out, and they have loads of money. I believe if people knew how many benefits they get from gardening, both spiritual and physical, they might be inclined. But, then again, perhaps not. They think it’s all work.
Dee, I can see you’re having a wonderful time! I’ve noticed that more botanical gardens are creating gardens especially for children and that’s very exciting. Have a wonderful time and say hi to everyone! gail
Gail, I did have a wonderful time, and like with all trips, I’m now glad to be back in my native state. 🙂 I’m thrilled about children’s gardens. This includes school gardens which are so important. We’ve got to raise children who know from where tomatoes and green beans come.