Dallas Arboretum Trip Report

Botanical Gardens brook no argument for a visit every season, and many do take a customary stroll through them several times a year solely for the tranquility that envelops all who enter. These gardens tend to make a spectacular statement with the flora that thrives in the local climate zone. The raison d'être varies - some bring their weary mind to unwind, and some to gather ideas before embarking on their romance with plants, some to get involved with the community in a serene setting and the list goes on.

Dallas Arboretum is conveniently located next to the White Rock River providing for a two for one stop attraction. Park address is 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218. Garden hours are 9am-5pm. Park entrance fee for Adults was $9.50 – Seniors $8, Kids (3-12) $6, Kids under 3 - free. Parking was $5. Memberships can be obtained from $60 onwards. Membership levels vary and so do the benefits associated with each level. The arboretum website provides further details. The Arboretum boasts of year round activities including musical entertainment, educational seminars, art fairs, plant sales, summer camps, volunteer opportunity to name a few.

The Arboretum allows for two miles of stroll and a subset of it is marked out as the Doctors Hospital One Mile Fitness Trail. The entire landscape can be covered without feeling rushed in about two and a half hours. Flower varieties abound, not to mention the assortment of grand trees present and they along with several fountains and ponds provide ample photo opportunity for commercial and personal purposes. Our visit in early April allowed us to appreciate flower power – a jocund show by tulips, azaleas, pansies supported by the annuals and perennials in all shades and hue of every color imaginable. The Storybook Playhouses dotted evenly across the Gardens could not capture the interest of the three kids in our group aged between five and nine. We were amazed at the array of edible plants that were showcased as part of the ‘Incredible Edible Flowers’ event. The adults and kids in our group appreciated the time we got to spend there. One suggestion to increase the viewing pleasure of visitors would be to curfew commercial photo shoots a bit on the weekends.

Last Updated: 02/2011.