Hidden Gems – Discover Something New at the Dallas Arboretum
Stray off the beaten path and enjoy the thrilling feeling of discovery as you make your way to these “hidden” gardens at the Dallas Arboretum, smaller gardens that are harder to reach and often completely empty. It’s the perfect way to see the Dallas Arboretum in a new light if you’re a regular visitor, and experience the peace and tranquility of being alone in nature. Here are three small gardens in the Dallas Arboretum that you may not have noticed.
1. The Trial Gardens behind Jonsson Color Garden
While our biggest color garden is full of garden guests enjoying the huge beds and inviting, green grass, very few of them make their way across the path to the northwest of Jonsson, under the trees, and into the old trials gardens along the lake at the west edge of the property. Past the picnic tables you can find rows of seasonal flowering plants, fruiting trees, and more, PLUS all the fauna that come with untrafficked nature. This is a nice place to share a meal with a friend or just relax and enjoy the breeze on a sunny day surrounded by the smells and sounds of the gardens.
2. Orchid Hollow
This quiet, shady nook is remote, note readily discovered, and full of the relaxing sounds of flowing water. It’s a beautiful location to escape, get back in touch with nature, and enjoy some uncommon flowers you can’t find blooming anywhere else in the gardens, including a few varieties of ground orchids that bloom each year.
Heading north from A Woman’s Garden, after you cross the bridge there’s a small path you can take on the left-hand side, which will lead you towards the lake. If you reach the pond with the lily pads you’ve come too far. Head down that path, and descend a small flight of stair to arrive at your tranquility.
3. Texas Native Plant Lab
One of the newer additions to the Dallas Arboretum, the Texas Native Plant Lab is a unique, student-centered outdoor learning garden. This garden is less than two years old, and features plants that are native to the region, particularly cacti and succulents. It bursts to life with blossoms over the late spring and early summer, along with beautiful yucca, agave and more.
This garden is very different from the rest of the Dallas Arboretum, and it can offer a respite if you’re in the mood for natural surroundings. Tucked behind the service road on the eastern edge of the property, you can find it by following the Paseo de Flores, taking a right after the bathrooms to walk past (or through) the All-American Trial Gardens, and then heading straight east along the shady edge of the property past the old ticket gate.
The Dallas Arboretum offers dozens of hidden places to duck away, experience something new, and disconnect when you need some peace and quiet. We’re always looking to give guests a unique experience they haven’t seen before.
Do you have a favorite spot in the garden? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook and share a photo if you have it!
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