Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

The idea for Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens was first conceived in the 1930's by Everette DeGolyer. It was forty years later when the City of Dallas Park Board issued that the grounds of the DeGoyler estate be the location of the botanical garden that she had originally envisioned. During the 1970s, over a million dollars was raised to purchase DeGoyler's estate and the surrounding properties to build the arboretum and botanical gardens on 66 acres. Although the idea of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens was conceived in the 1930's the gardens didn't open until 1984.

The Botanical Garden has different areas filled with a variety of trees, plants, flowers, and flowing fountains. Ferns, magnolia trees, tulips and other types of plants and flowers provide a perfumed and tranquil place for visitors. Individuals who tour the gardens can follow different walkways to learn about the plants and take in the scenery. Azaleas overtake the gardens. Over 2,400 different azaleas can be found throughout the botanical gardens.

There are two restaurants located on the premises of Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The DeGoyler Garden Cafe is located in the center of the Dallas Arboretum. The menu is typically the same and includes a Soup du Jour and Trio and Tea Sandwich plate. The Lula Mae Slaughter Terrace Restaurant offers an alternative for visitors of the garden. Sandwiches and salads are the main options on the menu.

Botanical gardens are a prime spot for both commercial and non-commercial photographers. Non Commercial photography is allowed withing Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens without fee or registration. The only requirement is that the photographer abides by garden etiquette rules and pays the regular admission fee to enter the garden. Commercial photography holds fees that can range from $600 to $1600 based on the amount of time the photographer plans on attending the garden.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is also committed to providing educational resources to both children and adults. Adult classes are available on a year round basis and conclude course topics like landscaping, art, floral design, and horticulture. The children's educational programs include field trips that provide a hands-on learning experience and outreach programs. Science and biology are the main two proponents taught to the children who attend the outreach program. Summer camps are also available for the kids.

There are also major events held at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. One of the main events is called ArtScape. ArtScape is a fine art and crafts show and sale. It is a two-day fair that takes place every spring and features artists from around the country. Every piece of art exhibited is about nature.

Visitors to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are expected to abide by the etiquette rules instilled by the garden. The etiquette rules forbid the collecting of plants, flowers or plant labels. Additionally, there is a rule of no standing on garden beds or climbing trees. The forbiddance of campfires, amplified music, sports activities and bicycles are also on the etiquette list and are provided for general consideration and compliance with city codes. There is an eight dollar admission for adults and five dollars for children to enter Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The garden is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 5PM. The garden is only closed on weekends and major holidays.