Sunday, September 12, 2010

Dallas Arboretum Doesn't Disappoint

boots

I've been kicking around Dallas for the last few days at the Garden Writers Association Symposium. Yesterday evening we got to enjoy several sweat-drenched (but alcohol fueled) hours touring the spacious gardens at the Dallas Arboretum. Immaculately maintained, the plantings were gorgeous.

bachelor buttonsghostcaladiumsi heart caladiums
lime plants
lovely entrance
what is thisbegonias and caladiums
crepeiest

Created in the 1970s by the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society who purchased two adjoining estates to establish the 66 acre garden, which was then opened to the public in 1984. There are some amazing architecture and garden elements in the arboretum, both old and new.

i want a freestanding arch in my garden
bride
sweet potato vine housetexas vernacular

We got to enjoy the beginnings of the seasonal pumpkin houses. Beautiful and simply constructed, one of the best fall displays I've ever seen.

pumpkin housepumpkin wall

My favorite part of the arboretum would have to be the frog fountains. Their oversize, tactile qualities made me want to sit next to them all evening long. If it weren't for my camera I would have been splashing around and cooling down with all those kids out there. How lucky Dallasites are to have this charming place in their backyard.

froggy
ribbitwarts
best place in dallas


7 comments:

  1. Awesome time. I have to say that I have never seen pumpkins displayed that way. Sweet. Matti

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  2. Must be their local stone, Texas limestone in photos 5 and 6. What a beautiful arboretum directed by someone who knows intimately the strengths and weaknesses (heat!) of their climate.

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  3. As always, I am delighted by your photos. I've been to the Dallas Arboretum once, in late winter, and particularly enjoyed the crepe myrtle trunks, statuary, archways, and frog fountain. But I'm really digging the foliage combos that caught your eye on this visit, and the pumpkins are lots of fun.

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  4. Matti- I'm going to have to figure out where I can build a pumpkin house!
    Denise- Having grown up in Texas, I miss that beautiful stone so much!
    Pam- Thanks! I would love to go back to the Dallas Arboretum in different seasons. It has so much to offer.

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  5. You are all welcome to come and visit anytime! We have 4 pumpkin houses this year!!! -Jimmy Turner Sr. Director of Gardens

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  6. Wow, how did I miss that terrific frog fountain? Great pictures!

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  7. Jimmy - Thank you so much for having us! Interestingly, I found out after being there that my dad had played on the DeGolyer estate as a child. Pretty cool!
    Claire - what a bummer you missed the frogs! I wish I could transport them here to the East Bay. My kiddo would go nuts over them!

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