Archive for November 6th, 2008

Reflecting pool at the bottom of the rose garden cascade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What: The oldest public garden in Texas, Fort Worth Botanic Garden is 109 acres of beautifully cultivated plants and trees, with abundant fountains, creeks and ponds. Picnickers are welcome. 

When: Eight a.m. until dusk.

Where:  On west side of University Blvd. just north of the I-30. Take University offramp, and go north one block, or drive up from TCU by traveling north on University. Alternatively, drive south from “Six Points” (intersection of Camp Bowie, University, Bailey and 7^th Streets) in the Museum District.

Getting there by bike:  Take the Trinity Trails to just northeast of the University Boulevard Bridge, then cut through Trinity Park to the main entrance on University. You’ll have to wait for a few cars to pass to get across the street, but the crossing is not impossible. It is requested that cyclists walk bikes on garden pathways. 

Getting there by bus: Take Route 7 from downtown Fort Worth Transit Center (ITC) or up from Bluebonnet Circle and TCU. This bus runs every half hour on weekdays and Saturdays and also serves the museum district.  The “T” Route 7

History: The garden was constructed during the Depression, by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The original layout and extensive terraces, stairways and stonework was based on designs from the Villa Lante near Viterbo, north of Rome, Italy. Of particular note is the cascading fountain that forms the centerpiece of the original garden, which travels down a gentle hill covered with rose bushes. 

In the years since the 1930′s, the garden has been a site of many improvements and much development. Of these special attractions, the Japanese Garden and the Conservatory are the most well-known. 

Japanese Garden:  A mystical feeling seems to emanate from the sculpted bushes and carefully chosen rocks and boulders of the Japanese garden.  Winding paths take the visitor down a hill into a quiet valley where ponds are home to Japanese Koi. These fish are the stars of this garden, spotted and mottled in all colors of yellow, gold, black and grey. Children are enchanted to feed them, so bring quarters to put in the fish food dispensers. Also visit the large Zen meditation garden. Small children must be well watched;  deep water and many bridges are here. Additional entry fees, $3 adults, discount for children and seniors.

Conservatory:  Visit a jungle in the 10,000-square-foot conservatory. Open year round, the conservatory offers the feel of the tropics – warm air, moist ground, the sound of water – to the dessert-weary Texan. Nominal charge for entry.  

General Garden Restrictions: No team sports, please. Fee for formal photographers.

Web: Fort Worth Botanic Garden