Categories > Guides and Tips
6 Must-See Botanical Gardens in Dallas for Every Nature Lover
Let me tell you about the time I attempted to grow a garden on my balcony.
My green thumb turned out to be more of a pale shade of chartreuse. I watered my plants faithfully, sang to them, and even tried giving them motivational speeches.
But alas, my efforts yielded a harvest of disappointment! My basil looked more like a miniature shrub, and my tomatoes were… Well, let’s just say they were more suited for a sad salad.
But fear not, my friends! Despite my less-than-stellar gardening skills, I’ve discovered some botanical havens here in Dallas that will make you forget all about my balcony blunders.
So, let’s leaf through this guide to the six must-see gardens in our city for every nature lover, where you can feast your eyes on lush greenery without the risk of me serenading the succulents.
1. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Website | https://www.dallasarboretum.org/ |
Address | 8525 Garland Rd |
Phone | 214 515 6615 |
Operating hours | Monday to Sunday: 9 – 5 pm |
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is an amazing 66-acre space located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake.
Established in 1984, this place is packed with a ton of different gardens, including The Margaret Elisabeth Jonsson Color Garden, A Woman’s Garden, and The Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill.
The arboretum is also known for its seasonal events. If you time it right, you can catch Dallas Blooms, where they have millions of colorful flowers.
There’s also a Children’s Garden, which is perfect if you have kids, and an edible display garden called A Tasteful Place that’ll surely be loved by foodies or anyone interested in garden-to-table concepts.
But it doesn’t stop there—their educational programs are really commendable too, for both young people and adults. They really emphasize family-oriented activities, so it’s a fantastic place to bring the whole family.
2. Texas Discovery Gardens
Website | https://txdg.org/ |
Address | 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd |
Phone | 214 428 7476 |
Operating hours | Monday to Sunday: 10 – 5 pm |
Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Parks is a 7.5-acre botanical haven with a mix of native and adapted plants that’ll make you forget you’re in the city. The real gem, though, is the indoor, two-story Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House.
Imagine butterflies flying freely all around you—it’s magical!
They’ve also got axolotls, which are these fascinating little amphibians, and a building full of snakes and reptiles. It’s a nonprofit, so they’re all about conservation and teaching people about nature.
3. Dallas DeGolyer Estate
Media credit: quiescent.eve
Website | https://www.dallasarboretum.org/visitor-information/gardens-and-pavilions/degolyer-gardens/ |
Address | 8625 Garland Rd |
Phone | 214 515 6500 |
This place used to be a huge 44-acre property, originally built for this fascinating geophysicist, Everette Lee DeGolyer, and his wife Nell.
At the heart of the estate, there’s this gorgeous Spanish Colonial Revival mansion that dates back to 1939. The house alone is a sight to see, but the gardens are what really steal the show.
Designed by the talented landscape architect Arthur Berger, this beautiful piece of land is truly something else. You’ve got a magnolia allée that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, a wisteria arbor that’s stunning when in bloom, and a rose garden that’s just breathtaking.
Today, the DeGolyer Estate is a major part of our beloved Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
4. Civic Garden
Media credit: cageycamper
Website | https://parksfordowntowndallas.org/civic-garden/ |
Address | 1014 Main St |
Phone | 214 744 1270 |
Operating hours | Monday to Sunday: 7 – 10 pm |
Believe it or not, Civic Garden used to be just a boring old parking lot, but now it’s been transformed into a beautiful 1.7-acre public park.
You’ll find all sorts of great features here, like shady trees and lush perennial gardens that give the area such a tranquil vibe. There’s even an interactive fountain that kids and adults alike love to play around in, especially on those hot Texas days.
The Civic Garden is perfect for taking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking to relax with a good book, meet up with friends for a casual gathering, or catch a spontaneous performance, this park has got you covered.
It’s become a popular hangout spot for everyone—downtown workers on their lunch breaks, tourists exploring the city, and residents like me who enjoy a little urban oasis.
5. Deep Ellum Urban Gardens
Social Media Site | https://m.facebook.com/Deepellumurbangardens/ |
Address | 458 S Good Latimer Expy |
Operating hours | Open 24 hours |
Deep Ellum Urban Gardens is a community garden project in Dallas that allows residents to grow their own food and connect with their neighbors.
Created by the Deep Ellum Community Association, this garden is all about promoting healthy living and doing good things for the environment.
What makes it even cooler is that it’s tucked under a highway overpass, which is kind of witty, right? It used to be just an empty, forgotten patch of land, but now it’s a thriving urban oasis.
Definitely worth a visit if you want to see a great example of community spirit in action!
6. North Haven Gardens
Website | https://www.nhg.com/ |
Address | 7700 Northaven Rd |
Phone | 214 363 5316 |
Operating hours | Monday to Sunday: 9 – 6 pm |
North Haven Gardens is a family-owned garden center that’s been around since 1951. They’ve got everything from the usual plants to rare tropicals and cater to both indoor and outdoor gardening needs.
And it’s not just about the plants either; they’ve got a cozy little café where you can grab breakfast all day. Plus, they run these awesome gardening classes and workshops, so you can really dive into your gardening passion.