Best Places To See Spring Flowers In DFW
Springtime in the city does not have to be gray and dull. DFW's push to be green, sustainable and even a beautiful area to visit and to live in is well on its way to success. A stroll over hills, through pathways and fields full of lush blooms, is closer than city-dwellers might think. Put on those walking shoes and step out into one of DFW's most vivid flower gardens.
8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 515-6500
www.dallasarboretum.orgMention the Dallas Arboretum and the mind instantly flashes with bright hues of yellow, red and orange, recognizable and memorable for anyone who has passed through. To compliment temporary exhibits like the recent Chiluly display, gardens like the Margaret Elisabeth Jonsson Color Garden shock the senses with beautiful azaleas, tulips and daffodils. The Lyda Bunker Hunt Paseo de Flores, speckled with primary colored blooms twists and turns, leading the way to fountains, a learning center and other gardens, leaving no step through this masterpiece without a refreshing look at nature.
Fort Worth Botanical Garden
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 871-7686
www.fwbg.org
Within the gates of The Fort Worth Botanical Garden, vastly different gardens await. The Oval Rose Garden, plump with Texas-grown roses, has a traditional feel. The Four Seasons features lilies and chrysanthemums. What is unique at this site is the Trial Garden, where the specialists at the gardens grow varieties of flowers and plants to see which work best in our climate to be considered for permanent homes at the FWBG. As decisions are made, the scenery here changes. The Conservatory houses exotic species, mind-blowing in color and fragrance. Variety makes this garden a must-see.
Related: A Guide To Dallas Flower Markets
Japanese Garden
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 871-7686
www.fwbg.org
Although most colorful in the spring, the Japanese Garden is absolutely stunning year-round. With its traditional eastern pagodas, arched bridges and peaceful scenery, this garden is worth a visit all on its own. Part of the Fort Worth Botanical Garden, this garden has its own separate admission fee. Festivals and cultural activities are also held in the Japanese Garden. If the flowers are not enchanting enough, the plentiful orange, white and gray koi, swimming gracefully in the ponds will charm just about anyone.
Las Colinas Flower Clock
Hwy 114 & O'Connor Road
Irving, TX 75104
www.irvingtexas.com
An unexpected selection for flower-gazing, the Las Colinas Flower Clock is a staple for taking photos in the spring in the DFW area. Fresh flowers are planted annually, so despite having the same basic design, the spring colors change. This site is also special because it is part of a more urban, or modern background as opposed to a natural open setting. Green scenes in city life should be more plentiful. If the ones that are here draw in more visitors, we can expect to see more green in the city in the future.
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival
Ennis, TX 75119
(972) 878-8748
www.visitennis.org
Hours: April 1 to April 30
The Texas Bluebonnet Trail is the perfect spring day trip from DFW. A short drive from Dallas, this trail is practically a pilgrimage for flower-lovers. Starting in mid-March, bluebonnets splatter the otherwise green fields, taking over and turning them from more of a landscape to a seascape of blue. Some of the fields are on private property, so visitors should be mindful not to trespass but most can be enjoyed from the road. The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival is held every year along this trail near Ennis.
Kena Sosa is a freelance writer in Dallas. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
