Dallas Arboretum Transforms into an Open-Air Gallery

This spring, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will transform its 66-acre garden into the largest outdoor gallery of Hunt Slonem’s work ever produced. Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies features 28 installations and more than 100 works of art and debut pieces created for the Dallas Arboretum, all displayed throughout the garden and inside the historic Alex Camp House. 

Monumental sculptures of bunnies, birds, and butterflies are placed throughout the landscape, where mirrored surfaces and bold color respond to shifting light. As visitors move through the garden, each installation reveals a new perspective, turning familiar pathways into moments of discovery. 

Globally recognized neo-expressionist artist Hunt Slonem is known for his distinctive visual language of repetition, vivid color, and iconic animal imagery. His work has been exhibited in more than 80 museum collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Miró Foundation.

The Arboretum will mark the opening of the blockbuster exhibition with the inaugural Grand Garden Gala, chaired by Laurie Sands Harrison, on April 18. The evening will feature a seated dinner, live music, and dancing in the garden. 

New for this exhibition, Twilight Nights featuring Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies, invites guests to experience the work in a different light, as fading daylight reshapes color, reflection, and expression. This exclusive evening experience is offered on select Thursdays and every Friday through Sunday from 6:00–9:00 p.m. as a separate ticketed event. A special public preview takes place April 25, with weekly programming beginning May 1. 

Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies is included with daytime admission and is on display April 20 through September 30, 2026. A garden in bloom. A gallery alive. 

Tickets and additional information are available at dallasarboretum.org.

38th Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea

 Mad Hatter’s Tea chairs Reagan Pace and Sheridan Reeder gave two clues about the upcoming tea’s theme in the invitation’s design featuring Andy Warhol’s pop art and location of the Reveal Party: The Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University. Art!

Chaired by Kristen Kocis and Rosie Shahkarami, the event began as partygoers filled the room and enjoyed wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres while discovering who was working on which committee and exchanging stories about past Mad Hatter’s events and speculating on the theme of the 2026 event.

When the time came for the big reveals, Reagan and Sheridan first thanked Kristen and Rosie for chairing this evening’s event and sponsors Vestals Catering, The T Shop Lakewood for the florals, Susie Kwiatkowski, Susie HK Fine Art for the original artwork and Beth Dunham, Dunham Designs for the logo design.  As a big surprise, they revealed that Jan Strimple will be returning to produce the fashion show, as she has done for the past many years.

Then came the big reveal!  The theme is The Art of the Garden. 

The chairs then had a final surprise to reveal, Anne Stodghill, a former Mad Hatter’s Tea co-chair and longtime Women’s Council supporter, was announced as honorary chair. Paige Elliott is president of the Women’s Council.

The 38th Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea happens on Friday, April 24, 2026 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Secure your reservations and learn more about the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, membership benefits, trips, parties in private homes, garden tours and more at www.wcdabg.org

Holiday at the Arboretum Returns with a Reimagined Experience

 The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden invites guests to experience the wonder of the season at Holiday at the Arboretum presented by Reliant running November 12, 2025, through January 4, 2026.

This year’s event blends beloved holiday traditions with bold new features, offering visitors an immersive, light-filled experience that celebrates beauty, innovation, and the joy of connection.

A Festival of Light, Art, and Tradition

New for 2025, this dazzling installation created in collaboration with AURORA and Lightware Labs, brings state-of-the-art projection mapping and immersive design to the Arboretum’s most beloved spaces.

Guests can journey through four distinct environments:

The Drift Way (Paseo Extension): A softly illuminated walkway that evokes drifting snow, guiding visitors toward the warmth of the Christmas Village.

Frost in Blossom (Lay Family Garden): A poetic landscape where frozen petals shimmer and return to life, symbolizing growth and resilience.

Well of Renewal (Secret Garden): A meditative experience centered in the Secret Garden, blending light and sound to represent nature’s cycles.

Heritage Eternal (Camp House and Fogelson Fountain): A glowing tribute to tradition, blending greenery, gold tones, and classic holiday motifs.

Together, these installations create a breathtaking narrative of light and renewal under the winter night sky.

Guests will also rediscover the Arboretum’s signature displays, each offering its own timeless magic:

The 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos

Now in their 11th year, these 25-foot Victorian-style gazebos depict scenes from the classic carol in stunning detail. Each structure features hand-painted mannequins, intricate costumes, animated elements, and festive music. The 12 Days of Christmas exhibit continues to be the centerpiece of the Arboretum’s holiday tradition.

New for 2025: Days 8 and 9 are now adjacent in DeGolyer Commons for improved guest flow.

The Christmas Village

Inspired by traditional German markets, the Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Family Christmas Village immerses visitors in Bavarian charm. The centerpiece 23-foot German Christmas Pyramid, handcrafted over 2,100 hours, anchors the marketplace, surrounded by artisan shops, festive treats, and live entertainment.

New interactive experiences include:

A Toy Shop Scavenger Hunt with collectible ornaments and patches

Weekly recipe cards at the Bakery curated by Garden Chef Madison Larmeu

Santa’s House, the Post Office, and Candy Store, each offering themed giveaways for kids

DeGolyer House: “Merry Monochromatic”

Designer Michael Hamilton, marking his 25th year with the Arboretum, presents an elegant new theme that blends traditional holiday decor with modern color blocking and texture. The historic home will be open daily and on an expanded schedule of evening hours.

New Additions & Enhancements for 2025

Extended Hours: Open nightly until 10 p.m.

Night Owl Tickets: $15 general admission after 8:30 p.m.

Mistletoe Lounge: A 21+ pop-up bar featuring cozy seating, festive cocktails, and sweeping views of Night Glow (includes two drinks and a holiday keepsake).

Streamlined Pricing: Simplified peak/non-peak ticketing and member discounts.

Improved Navigation: Enhanced signage, mobile guidance, and additional guest services staff.

Tickets and more information:

https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/holiday-at-the-arboretum/

19th Annual A Writer’s Garden, Literary Symposium and Luncheon

 

Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and

Christy Doramus, Event Co-Chair

Melissa Smrekar, Event Co-Chair

 

cordially invite you to the

 

19th Annual A Writer’s Garden, Literary Symposium and Luncheon

“A Celebration of Houses, Parties, & Gardens”

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

9:30 a.m. Reception

10 a.m. Program

12 p.m. Luncheon

Rosine Hall

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

8525 Garland Road Dallas, Texas 75218

Click here for more information and tickets: Women's Council - A Writer's Garden

Dallas Arboretum - Cool Thursdays Concert Series

 

Spring nights at the Dallas Arboretum are even more magical with the return of the Cool Thursdays Concert Series, held on the breathtaking Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn. 

2025 Spring Concert Lineup 

April 3 – Emerald City (Dallas’ Favorite Party Band) 

April 10 – Hotter Than July (Stevie Wonder Tribute) 

April 24 – Purple Madness (Prince Tribute) 

May 8 – Fleetwood Mac Tribute 

May 22 – Mr. Worldwide (Ultimate Pitbull Experience) 

Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, relax under the stars and enjoy live music in one of Dallas’ most scenic outdoor venues. Plus, arrive early and take advantage of a stroll through the garden before the band takes the stage! Gates open at 6pm.

Tickets: Cool Thursdays Concert Series | Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Theme Reveal

 

It was a wonderful sight of fantastic lights and holiday decorations that greeted guests at the front entrance of hosts Jennifer and Steve Houghton’s home as they welcomed everyone for the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Announcement party. Themed “Candy Cane Lane,” each room in the Houghton’s home was resplendent in designs reflecting the boardgame Candy Land and its different stops along the way.

Sara Friedman, Mad Hatter’s Luncheon chair, welcomed guests as they entered and were offered cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres as they wandered through the colorful and fascinating rooms, enjoying the delicious bites.

Cindy Feld, Honorary Chair; Therese Rourk, President; Steve Houghton and Jennifer Houghton, Hosts: Sara Friedman, Chair, Mad Hatter’s Luncheon

Joining Sara were Therese Rourk, Women’s Council president and Cindy Feld, honorary chair as they gathered the crowd together for the big reveal. Therese welcomed everyone, thanking the hosts for their generous and gracious hospitality, and gave a brief overview of the Women’s Council.

Sara also welcomed the crowd saying how exciting it is to be Mad Hatter’s chair in this 37th year and unfurling the curtain from the poster, she announced the theme, Celebrating Spring in the South, to a resounding round of applause.

Hat Categories are reflected in the event’s logo

Revealing more surprise announcements, Sara thanked Natalie Taylor for signing on as the first $25,000 sponsor and Donna Arp Weitzman for the first jewelry donation from the Cottonwood Market.

Slated for Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, the 37th Annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a Welcome Reception, a stroll in the gardens and a Silent Auction while our discerning hat judges take note of the interpretations of this year’s theme.

The beloved fashion show, presented by NorthPark Center and produced by Jan Strimple, will begin around noon.  Hat Contest winners will be announced.  This year, a Teacup Trophy will be awarded to the floral studio who donates the guests’ favorite floral arrangement to the Silent Auction.

Christine Lee, Reagan Pace, Sara Friedman, Mad Hatter’s Lulncheon chair; Katherine Sbaiti

Celebrating its 37th year, this fabulous party has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised assist with the development, growth and maintenance of A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum, and the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women.

Everyone is encouraged to get their table sponsorships, underwriting and individual tickets signed up ASAP, as the event usually sells out by early spring. Patron tickets are $500 each. Sponsorships begin at $2,500.

For more information, tickets, sponsorships and underwriting benefits, visit the website at www.wcdabg.org or contact Sara Friedman 2025MHrsvp@gmail.com

Dallas Arboretum Offers Special $3 Admission for August Dollar Days

The Dallas Arboretum announces the return of August Dollar Days during the dog days of summer. For the entire month of August, the garden offers $3 general garden admission, $3 admission to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden (parking is an additional cost). Weekends feature local acts playing piano under the shade at Jeanne’s Pavilion (12-2 p.m.) and plenty of special events such as the Pepper Palooza from Aug. 11-20 with a spicy vendor market Aug. 12-13. Guests are invited to close out the month on Aug. 31 with a sizzling summer concert featuring Seger System, the Ultimate Bob Seger Tribute band ($20 adults).

For more information and daily schedule, visit

https://www.dallasarboretum.org/

Dallas Blooms: Great Contributors

The Dallas Arboretum ushers in spring with the Southwest’s annual floral festival Dallas Blooms: Great Contributors from February 25 to April 16, 2023. Named by Southern Living as one of “The Best Places to See Stunning Spring Blooms Across the South,” Dallas Blooms, presented by Veritex Community Bank, features 500,000 spring blooming flowers from more than 120 varieties. Of that total, 350,000 are tulips, and the others are hyacinth and daffodils.

 Back by popular demand is renowned sculptor Gary Lee Price, who returns with a new collection of Great Contributors realistic bronze statues displayed alongside the flowers, hundreds of Japanese cherry trees and thousands of azaleas. Joining the resident sculpture of William Shakespeare are eight additional statues: Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Joan of Arc, Mother Teresa, Ruby Bridges, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. 

 

Dallas Arboretum Board Chairman Will McDaniel said, “Dallas Blooms is one of our most popular festivals with half a million flowers and stunning beauty at every turn. Gary Lee Price’s statues have become popular with visitors because of their life-like qualities, and I look forward to seeing the new collection. We invite you to visit with your family and friends.”

Dallas Blooms also features an abundance of music, food and events throughout the garden. The festival includes the return of the Cool Thursdays Concerts series. On the weekends at noon and other select dates, guests can enjoy live and piano performances in Jeanne’s Pavilion. On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can head to the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn – the perfect place to picnic – and listen to the sounds of North Texas’ best party bands.

A Shakespeare Dallas appearance, a Window to the Wild bird show, garden markets and special events during holiday weekends add to the festival offerings. These include spring break (week of March 12), the 6th annual Food & Wine festival (March 23-25) and Easter weekend (April 7-9). Mommy and Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays return for children with plenty of fun activities. Check the website and social media for the latest schedule.

www.dallasarboretum.org

Dallas Arboretum’s Great Contributors Awards Event Honored Laura Bush and Kay Bailey Hutchison

 On November 15, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s annual Great Contributors Award dinner honored two remarkable Texas women —Laura Bush and The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison.

The Great Contributors Award is bestowed on individuals whose contributions have made an important positive impact on the state, country and world as the Dallas Arboretum works to contribute to Dallas recognition from throughout the world. Funds raised help the Dallas Arboretum fund the 100,000 school-age children who attend field trips; underwrite 25,000 tickets to provide access to the garden to those unable to pay; and provide upkeep for the 66-acre garden to remain ‘best in class.’

Will McDaniel (DABS board chairman elect), Marilyn Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Rena Pederson, Ben Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Jim Ryan (DABS board chairman)

Jim Ryan, Dallas Arboretum board chairman, welcomed 200 guests. “We want to thank all of you here tonight – for your support, sponsorship and friendship to the Dallas Arboretum. It’s my pleasure to introduce our event honorary co-chairs, Marilyn and Ben Weber, who will introduce this year’s Great Contributors honorees when our program begins.

Tom Gilcrest sang the invocation with two Texas favorite songs—"Deep in the Heart of Texas” and “God Bless America.” 

Sam Coats, The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, Bailey Hutchison, Tom Gilchrist 

Ben Weber introduced Laura Bush. “One of the most beloved and admired First Ladies of Texas and of the United States, Laura Bush continues to bring dignity and honor to our state and our country. A champion of key issues in the fields of education, health care and women's rights, Mrs. Bush remains committed to issues of global concern through her work at the George W. Bush Institute. As a lifelong conservationist, Mrs. Bush has visited more than 30 national parks and historic sites, spotlighting our country's national treasures and natural wonders. She is passionate about prairie restoration, native plantings and saving our migrating birds. Mrs. Bush is the proud founder of Texan by Nature, which brings conservation and business together to protect our state's people, plants and prosperity. I now introduce to you, former First Lady but first in our hearts, Laura Bush.”

Ben Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Marilyn Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Laura Bush (Great Contributor Award honoree), Jim Ryan (DABS board chairman)

Laura Bush remarked, “I am thrilled to be here to accept the Dallas Arboretum’s Great Contributor Award because, as I’m sure many of you know, I am an outdoor enthusiast. 

Well, the reason I agreed to accept this award tonight is so I could come on stage to recognize the true greatest contributor in the room – and that’s Mary Brinegar. Mary brought her passion for education to the Arboretum, furthering the nonprofit’s mission to build and maintain a public garden that promotes the art, enjoyment and knowledge of horticulture, while providing opportunities for education and research...so join me in giving a heartfelt thanks to the Dallas Arboretum’s Greatest Contributor, my friend, Mary Brinegar.”

Marilyn Weber introduced Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rena Pederson who moderated the discussion. “The Dallas Arboretum is pleased to bestow its Great Contributor Award to The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison. Her lifetime of service to our nation has been extraordinary. For 20 years, she served the State of Texas as a U.S. Senator, and for more than three years, she served as the United States Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). She has written three books, and continues to serve on many prestigious local, national and international boards. Recognizing her lifetime of service, the Dallas City Council named the city's Convention Center after her. Her alma mater, the University of Texas, proudly houses The Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law and Business.”

Ben Weber, Marilyn Weber, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Kathy Helm, Larry Helm 

Laura Bush was interviewed by Rena Pederson, known as a trailblazer for women in journalism and named by Texas Monthly as one of the most powerful women in the state. Pederson has written four books, served on the Pulitzer Prize Board for nine years and received national recognition as Vice President and Editorial Page Editor at The Dallas Morning News for 16 years.

Pederson asked Hutchison questions about the world affairs, particularly Poland, NATO, Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan and more. Hutchison had a front seat to many of these developments in her role and shared the history of these situations. The riveting conversation kept the audience engaged. 

Jim Ryan closed the evening. “Thank you for attending tonight to honor these great women. And thanks to each of you as you are also our Great Contributors and have continued to believe the dream of what we offer to our guests.”

Autumn at the Arboretum: A Fall Fairy Tale

For the 17th year, Autumn at the Arboretum: A Fall Fairy Tale, presented by Reliant, highlights the nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village featuring pumpkin houses and creative displays utilizing more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash. This year’s fall festival opens September 17 and runs through October 31, 2022.

The event showcases the return of Cinderella’s carriage, along with themed pumpkin houses that make up the acclaimed Pumpkin Village. Other “gourd-eous” displays are based on the classic tales of Jack and The Beanstalk, The Three Little Pigs, The Sword in the Stone and even a magic carpet ride selfie experience from One Thousand and One Nights. According to the Pioneer Woman, this festival is one of “20 Best Pumpkin Patches in the U.S. to Visit With the Family This Fall.”

Autumn at the Arboretum features the breathtaking colors of fall including 150,000 autumn flowers—marigolds, chrysanthemums, pentas and more—accented by pumpkins, gourds and squash.

Many special events take place during the festival. Some highlights:

• Live piano music and Dallas’ best party bands every weekend.

• Seasonal daily samples that use in-season plants from A Tasteful Place garden.

• Mommy and Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays, hay bale maze, a pumpkin patch with pumpkins for purchase and more.

• From September 10 to December 31, 2022, the garden presents 50 of the statues from “#IfThenSheCan - The Exhibit,” the largest collection of statues of women ever assembled together, to be installed throughout the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.

 Admission ranges from $12-$20; $12 for children 2-12 years old; $16 for seniors 65 years old and up; $20 for adults; free for children under 2.

Guests can also visit A Tasteful Place, a 3.5-acre food, herb and vegetable garden. Weekly activities include free Monday cooking demonstrations with Dallas College Cooks along with cooking, floral and horticulture demonstrations.

Visitors can explore the eight-acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden where science and fun become one. Plenty of daily hands-on activities await children such as STEM Stops, science and plant labs and demonstrations, many of which have the fairy tale theme incorporated.

In addition to Reliant’s presenting sponsorship, other sponsors include Bank of Texas, Kirkland & Ellis, Oncor, Park Place, CC Young, Doyle & Associates, Kimberly-Clark and Rosewood Corporation.

Check the website, dallasarboretum.org, and social media (Facebook & Twitter: @dallasarboretum Instagram/YouTube:@thedallasarboretum) for up-to-date information.

Summer at the Arboretum

Summer at the Arboretum, to be held June 1 to August 14, will feature music, food, custom mural art and family fun in the 66-acre Dallas garden. A highlight, carried over from Dallas Blooms, includes a massive pair of 13-foot-tall floral peacocks featuring ornately planted tails measuring more than 36 feet across. According to U.S. News & World Report, the Dallas Arboretum is one of the “21 Top Things to Do in Texas.”

 From June 4th to 9th, the Dallas Arboretum will feature local mural artists Alli Koch, MOM, Will Heron and Favio Moreno as they create custom Birds in Paradise-inspired works. These artists will be in the Lakeside Exhibit Area painting custom garden-inspired murals on massive outdoor canvases. Visitors are invited to an exclusive “Meet the Artists” night in the garden on July 26, 6 to 8 p.m. ($10 non-members). The topiaries remain through August 7 and the completed murals through August 14. 

The garden will display more than 50,000 new plantings in June with impatiens, lobelias, begonias, salvia, marigolds, zinnias, caladiums, lantana, vinca and pentas. Added to that will be 300 tropical elephant ears and 500 cannas creating the garden’s signature summer look.

Each week will feature free live music, seasonal food demonstrations in A Tasteful Place and fun family activities such as Bubble Picnics and special Movie Mondays, Dallas Zoo animals, Lucas Miller the Singing Zoologist and Window to the Wild. There are also live bands performing every weekend. To complement the peacocks, the Dallas Arboretum will conduct bird-centric programming featuring guided hikes, expert talks, live bird demonstrations and petting zoos all summer long. For a complete list with dates, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/summer/

On Family Fun Weekends, presented by Kimberly-Clark, activities include face painting, petting zoo, photos and more. Frozen Fridays also feature cool frozen treats from local shops for purchase.

Holiday weekends include the addition of face painting, petting zoo, party bands and vendor markets. Father’s Day and Juneteenth weekend will see the opening of a curated photographic exhibition by local photographer Don Thomas II, recently featured on WFAA-TV and in D Magazine. 

Guests are welcome to bring their own food or purchase food onsite. Window food service is available at the Terrace Café presented by Gil’s Elegant Catering and includes a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, snacks, drinks and adult beverages. 

Admission in July is $5 per person ages 2 and up, and August Dollar Days return at $3 per person ages 2 and up. Admission to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden (RMCAG) is an additional $3 per person. Entrance is free to RMCAG the weekends of June 18-20 and July 2-4, thanks to a generous donation from the Kelley Family. Parking is $11. Reservations are required and need to be made online at DallasArboretum.org in advance. 

Dallas Arboretum Children’s Summer Camps for Grades 1st-6th

 

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents children’s summer camps that spark imagination in STEM and nature from June 6 to August 5, 2022. 

Designed for students entering 1st through 6th grades, all camps run Monday-Friday from 9 am- 3 pm

 Summer camps provide children with daily hands-on investigations and guided garden exploration using STEM learning. Camps integrate critical thinking, problem solving skills, and develop a sense of exploration and adventure in children.

Children should wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Snacks are not provided, so each child should bring a lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or heated and a snack. Please consider packing peanut-free items for the safety of other students.

 2022 Summer Camps

Design It, Make It!: Garden Innovators
Grades 1-3: August 1-5
Grades 4-6: July 25-29
 
Farm to Fork: Food Explorers
Grades 1-3: June 13-17
Grades 4-6: June 6-10
 
Inspired by Nature: Garden Artists
Grades 1-3: June 27-July 1
Grades 4-6: June 20-24
 
SciQuest: Space Voyagers
Grades 1-3: July 11-15
Grades 4-6: July 18-22
 
CSI: Cool Science Investigators
Grades 1-3: June 6-10
Grades 4-6: June 13-17
 
Dino World
Grades 1-3: July 18-22
Grades 4-6: July 11-15
 
Creature Features: Creepy, Crawly, and Cool
Grades 1-3: June 20-24
Grades 4-6: June 27-July 1
 
Make & Grow: Garden Adventurers
Grades 1-3: July 25-29
Grades 4-6: August 1-5

 Pricing ranges from $285-300 per week, with specific details and registration available now at dallasarboretum.org/camps. For additional information, contact 214-515-6540 or education@dallasarboretum.org.

Dallas Arboretum Debuts Dallas Blooms: Birds in Paradise

Spring will come to life at the Dallas Arboretum’s Dallas Blooms: Birds in Paradise from February 19 to April 10, 2022.

Dallas Blooms is the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest. Presented by Veritex Community Bank, Dallas Blooms will feature larger-than-life peacock topiaries along with more than 500,000 spring blooming bulbs to create the largest and most colorful floral display in the Southwest. An explosion of spring flowers comes from 100 varieties of spring bulbs, thousands of azaleas and hundreds of Japanese cherry trees. 

Dallas Arboretum Board Chairman Jim Ryan said, “Springtime is one of the best times to experience the garden in full bloom, with plenty to see and do. Our Birds in Paradise theme doesn’t just stop with our stunning topiaries. We’ve filled Dallas Blooms with an exceptional variety of bird talks, expert hikes throughout the garden, bird flight shows, demonstrations and more. In A Tasteful Place, we’ve also created bird-themed demonstrations and tastings.”

Dallas Blooms includes plenty for everyone including Mommy and Me Mondays, Tiny Tot Tuesdays, Cool Thursdays Concerts and music. Special events include Spring Break (week of March 14); the 5th annual Food and Wine Festival on March 24-26, Easter weekend (April 15-17). 

Visitors can enjoy live music throughout the garden. On the weekends midday and other select dates, guests can enjoy live and piano performances in Jeanne’s Pavilion. On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can head to the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn – the perfect place to picnic – and listen to the sounds of North Texas’ best party bands.  

Mary Brinegar, Dallas Arboretum president and CEO, added, “There is something for everyone at Dallas Blooms, and we’ve been told we have the largest display of tulips in a public garden outside of Holland. As the tulips bloom throughout the festival, the finale is the mass flowering of the garden's collection of 3,000 azaleas that bloom along with the Japanese cherry trees, ushering in spring with vibrant color everywhere.” 

Reopened for the spring, the nationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden features 17 indoor/outdoor galleries, 150 interactive science games and daily events and activities of themed adventures throughout the Dallas Blooms festival. The Children’s Adventure Garden is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tickets/Information: 

Timed tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.dallasarboretum.org or by calling 214-515-6615. No walk-ups are available for purchase. 

For the latest information, visit www.dallasarboretum.org/blooms. 

Dallas Arboretum Offers Special $2 Admission for August Dollar Days

The Dallas Arboretum announces the return of August Dollar Days during the dog days of summer. For the entire month of August, the garden offers $2 general garden admission, $2 admission to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden and $5 for parking. Named one of The Country's Most Gorgeous Botanical Gardens by House Beautiful, the Dallas Arboretum has many floral beds blooming with impatiens, lobelias, begonias, salvia, marigolds, zinnias, caladiums, lantana, cannas, vinca and pentas. 

Visitors can also see what’s growing in A Tasteful Place, the Arboretum’s 3.5-acre potager garden, pavilion and kitchen inspired by the movement toward growing and eating fresh, sustainable, locally-grown food. Guests are welcome to free samples of the “hero” vegetable daily. On Mondays, Dallas College offers a free 11 a.m. cooking demonstration, and more activities occur throughout the month. 

Now through August 8, a highlight of Summer at the Arboretum is ZimSculpt, an exhibition of contemporary Zimbabwean stone sculptures. ZimSculpt features the talent of several contemporary Zimbabwean artists with more than 100 hand-selected, exquisite sculptures artfully displayed throughout the garden.

Guests are welcome to bring their own food or purchase food onsite. Window food service is available at the Terrace Café presented by Gil’s Elegant Catering and includes a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, snacks, drinks and adult beverages. Dollar Days food specials include $1 sodas, juice and frozen pops, $2 root beer floats and hotdogs, and $4 brownie sundaes.

Advanced timed tickets are required for entry to the Arboretum by calling 214-515-6615 or visiting the website at https://www.dallasarboretum.org/ Visit dallasarboretum.org or social media sites for the latest information. 

Dallas Arboretum Offers Adventurous Children’s Summer Camps and DIY Garden Explorer Kits

 

Summer camps are returning to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden! New this year, the Dallas Arboretum offers a blended format featuring on-site, at-home and virtual engagement opportunities for children to learn about science. In addition to summer camps, the garden has created DIY Explorers, a spring learning kit designed to help children engage with the garden from home.

Starting June 7, Summer Camps at the Dallas Arboretum feature daily hands-on investigations, garden explorations, live Zoom tours and special guests. Camps are created for students entering 3^rd to 6^th grades. 

Each week campers visit the garden on Monday and Friday with a parent or guardian. On the other days, the campers have at-home activities including live Zoom tours and conversations with experts. Camp themes include “Makers in the Garden,” “DIY Garden,” “Energy Explorers,” “Dino World,” “Chef Camp,” and “SciQuest” (done in partnership with the University of North Texas and NASA).

The Summer Camps use STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) practices, so that campers develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through guided exploration and adventure. Campers might explore the eight-acre Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden, a certified Texas Aquatic Science Field Site by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (also a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat) or the two food gardens. 

Details and registration are available at http://www.dallasarboretum.org/camps. 

Dallas Arboretum members receive discounted rates. 

2021 Mad Hatter's Tea -- Hat Categories Announced

 

Jolie Humphrey, chair of Mad Hatter’s Tea Out of Africa Into the Garden announces the Hat Categories for judging at the event happening on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. 

This is Mad Hatter’s Tea 33^rd year benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden. Carole Ann Brown, chair of the first Mad Hatter’s Tea in 1989 is honorary chair. Kay Weeks is president of the Women’s Council.

The fanciful fun begins at 1:00 p.m. with a champagne reception at Dallas Arboretum’s Scott K. Ginsburg Family Plaza. This is the best time to view the wild and wonderful over-the-top hats and outfits along with the very chic, sleek and sophisticated fashions. 

Celebrity judges will select winners in these categories: 

Out of Africa: Most “True to Theme” 

Safari Riders: Best Group in Hats

African Floral Garden: Best Botanical Using Fresh Florals

Karen Blixen Style: Most Elegant & Romantic

Sundowner Chic: “Cocktail Hour in Africa,” Most Fascinating Fascinator

African Queen: Most “True to Africa”

Animal Instinct: Most Outlandish! Go Wild!  

Guests have an opportunity to purchase Safari Surprise Boxes and a very special opportunity to purchase the event’s themed silk scarf designed by Barbara Elam.

          Single tickets start at $350 with limited availability. Patron ticket for one is $500 and has special benefits. Underwriting and sponsorships available beginning at $2,000 table for 4 guests; $5,000 table up to 8 guests; $10,000 table up to 10 guests and $15,000 table up to 10 guests. 

Visit the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org for underwriting, sponsorships, ticket purchase and details.

After the reception, the program begins and Hat Prizes will be awarded at A Tasteful Place Gardens, which includes a seated tea in the gardens and features a fashion promenade throughout the garden’s walkways presented by TOOTSIES. The event concludes at 4:00 p.m. which allows perfect timing to get together with friends amongst the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.

Dallas Blooms: America the Beautiful

 

Named by Southern Living as one of “The Best Places to See Stunning Spring Blooms Across the South,” the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents Dallas Blooms, the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest. Presented by IBERIABANK/First Horizon, the festival runs now to April 11. With the theme “America the Beautiful,” the spring festival showcases an explosion of color from 100 varieties of spring bulbs and more than 500,000 spring-blooming blossoms, thousands of azaleas and hundreds of Japanese cherry trees. Each week, Dallas Blooms focuses on one of the six regions in the United States with food, music, flowers and special events.

Because of the frigid weather, the flowers are just starting to bloom throughout the 66 acres. Join guests, Feb. 27 - Mar. 5, as the garden celebrates the Southwest Week, emphasizing Texas culture! Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/dallas-blooms for specific information and times. 

Timed tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.dallasarboretum.org or by calling 214-515-6615. No walk-ups are available for purchase. Masks are also required for the duration of the visit.

Spring Tea

Friends love to create experiences together, so bring them to the beautiful Dallas Arboretum and relax with the garden’s delicious seated tea. Spring Tea features three decadent courses. Spring teas are available Monday-Friday and run now through April 2^nd with seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for $53 per person or $63 with champagne. Reservations can be made online at www.dallasarboretum.org/teas, by calling 214.515.6511 or by emailing teas@dallasarboretum.org. 

Dallas Blooms 2021

Named by Southern Living as one of “The Best Places to See Stunning Spring Blooms Across the South,” the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents Dallas Blooms, the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest. Presented by IBERIABANK/First Horizon, the festival runs February 20 to April 11. With the theme “America the Beautiful,” the spring festival showcases an explosion of color from 100 varieties of bulbs and more than 500,000 spring blossoms bursting with color, and thousands of azaleas and hundreds of Japanese cherry trees. Each week, Dallas Blooms focuses on one of the six regions in the United States with food, music, flowers and special events.

Known for its artistic horticulture floral displays, the Dallas Arboretum has created three areas that are perfect for photos and videos:

·     A large American flag in a raised bed

·     America the Beautiful large arched topiary letters in front of a beautiful floral display

·      A succulent photo wall with daffodil and hyacinth inlays at each entrance 

Timed tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.dallasarboretum.org or by calling 214-515-6615. No walk-ups are available for purchase. Masks are also required for ages 5 and up for the duration of the visit. For the latest information, visit www.dallasarboretum.org/blooms.