Discovering the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Horses and gardens have always gone together for me. We live where we do because we have room to garden and to keep horses. So, when in Fort Worth for an American Horse Publications conference, after touring the beautiful National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, I visited the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

With three hours before the bus would pick us up, we could choose other museums to visit in the Forth Worth Cultural District. In the green space bordering this district, the Botanic Garden covers 110 acres. I saw on a map that the distance to the entrance was walkable. Using my phone’s app, I started out.

The directions led me through a fairgrounds where a horse show was in progress. You will see the buildings in my photos. I arrived at the garden soon after and began exploring, map in hand. In a garden of this size, I made choices. I headed toward to Victor and Cleyone Tinsley Rock Springs Garden.

The day was warm and sunny. I found relief from the high temperatures on paths leading in and out of shady areas through informal and formal gardens. I followed the Texas Native Forest Boardwalk which gently winds through woods. By the time I exited the woods I was hungry and thirsty and stopped at the Rock Springs Café.

Refreshed, I continued through the Rose Gardens. In late September, I was there for the design and built structure of the gardens. Expected symmetry of straight and curved lines and beds, wonderful for growing and displaying roses, was the main event for me. Built from Palo Pinto County sandstone, the garden was completed in 1933. After additional work, the garden was rededicated in 2017.

I reached the Rock Springs Garden and enjoyed the shade in this natural area. Construction of the garden channeled water from three natural springs into streams, ponds, and waterfalls. Today road construction has made it necessary to pump water from Trinity River.

A restoration of the garden to honor the parents of John Tinsley began in 2013. Planting native plants and creating a native habitat is underway. I saw turtles and small lizards soaking up the sun on the rocks. Walking around the ponds, over bridges, and down paths, I experienced the beauty of the design.

I took a car back to the Cowgirl Museum and sat in the lovely and cool entry before boarding the bus.

Discovering the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Trees as Partners

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

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