Here is a list of 8 of the best botanical gardens and arboretums in Texas. An arboretum is a botanical garden containing living collections of woody plants intended at least partly for scientific, educational, and ornamental study. That is the definition of an arboretum, but does not begin to describe the the beauty and inspiration that it brings to young and old. Plan a full day to include a walk amongst the acres of flowers, shrubs and trees, a picnic lunch in one of the scenic gardens or one of the outdoor cafes, and browse through the shop for beautiful objects to enhance your garden. So what are you waiting for, plan a trip to one of these Texas Arboretums and Botanical Gardens.
The Best Texas Botanical Gardens & Arboretums
Amarillo Botanical Gardens
Amarillo, Texas
Serving the community by inspiring interaction with plants and the environment, creating adventure and conveying knowledge.
The Dallas Arboretum
Dallas, Texas
The Dallas Arboretum is the perfect place to celebrate, rejuvenate, entertain guests, or just “let nature nurture you”. Fall at the Arboretum is full of dramatic plantings, thousands of pumpkins, breath-taking vistas and features such as: Chihuly exhibition, pumpkin patch, Small Houses of Great Artists, Pumpkin Village. 2013 will bring the opening of an imaginative and fun Children’s Adventure Garden, an 8-acre science laboratory.
East Texas Arboretum
Athens, Texas
The East Texas Arboretum sits on more than 100 acres of native Texas land and includes formal gardens, historic buildings and a wooded nature area with more than 2 miles of hiking trails.
Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens
Fort Worth, Texas
This, the oldest botanic garden in Texas, is a lush 110-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. A peaceful haven is home to over 2,500 species of native and exotic plants that flourish in its 23 specialty gardens.
Houston Arboretum
Houston, Texas
This 155-acre urban nature sanctuary provides education about the natural environment. Visitors will find 5 miles of walking trails including forest, pond, wetland and meadow habitats, interactive exhibits and activities, and a nature shop.
Houston Botanic Garden
Houston, Texas
A trip to the 132-acre Houston Botanic Garden is sure to spark your curiosity at every turn. A living museum for plants, the Garden offers opportunities for visitors of all ages to engage their senses while discovering something new. Mature oak trees – some with draping Spanish moss – serve as a backdrop for two display gardens, the Global Collection Garden and the Culinary Garden, and the Woodland Glade, which doubles as an outdoor event space. A stroll across a nearby bridge over Sims Bayou leads to the Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden, with its hands-on water play and boardwalk maze. Situated just east of I-45 South in close proximity to Houston’s Hobby Airport and downtown, the Houston Botanic Garden is an oasis of learning, discovery, and horticultural beauty within easy reach of residents and out-of-town visitors.
Shangri La Botanical Gardens
Orange, Texas
This world class facility, nestled within 250 acres, contains more than 300 plant species in five formal “rooms” as well as four sculpture “rooms.” Next to the Botanical Gardens is a bird blind which allows visitors to observe nesting birds in Shangri La’s heronry.
Texas Arboretum
Austin, Texas
This is an interpreted collection where visitors can learn about the different Texas trees in a relatively small area. The visit will experience sweeps of native grasses and wildflowers, and pathways connecting different groupings of trees. The arboretum serves as a resource for tree-identification, field trips, and outdoor classes.
Zilker Botanical Gardens
Austin, Texas
Visitors enjoy 30 acres of theme gardens such as rose, herb and Japanese gardens that are interconnected with streams, waterfalls and Koi-filled ponds. The Hartman Prehistoric Garden recreates local dinosaur habitat.
Author: Mike Sharp
I have a passion for travel and outdoor activities, and now I'm enjoying retired life. I will continue my traveling, golfing, boating, and enjoying life all across the great state of Texas.
