The History of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

How the History of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden Shaped the Future

Last month, we explored the history of the Dallas Arboretum and its legendary spring Dallas Blooms display that draws visitors from all around the world. This time, we’re highlighting the oldest garden in DFW and the entire state of Texas—the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Situated just west of downtown Fort Worth, this intimate botanical garden showcases 23 specialty gardens with over 2500 species of plants and is home to a garden conservatory, perennial trial garden, and an expansive research institute on its combined 120-acre campus. Dig into the history of the Fort Worth Botanic with us and discover all of its noteworthy spring events.

Designed by father and son, Sidney and S. Herbert Hare, the original 33-acre gardens were built in 1933-34 as part of an employment program during the Great Depression. Formerly called Rock Springs Arboretum, the initial development included the now infamous formal Rose Garden and an expansive vista connecting Trinity Park with a natural tree grove. Now, the 90 year old gardens boast a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

With all of its layers of rich history, notable plant varieties, and research facilities, the Fort Worth Botanic’s mission rings true to this day. They aim to “explore the critically important world of plants, collaborate to discover the role they play in our cultural and natural environments, and engage people to conserve nature and improve the human experience.”

The Rainforest Conservatory

One of the ways they endeavor to carry out their mission s is through a 10,000 square foot conservatory. Representing plants from tropical rainforests all over the world and an on-site greenhouse, it’s home to numerous species of orchids and the largest begonia collection in North America. The conservatory also highlights the vital need for plants to our world economy and the importance of conservation. Onlookers can experience varieties they would rarely encounter such as chocolate, coffee, and star fruit trees.

The Rose Garden

Constructed from over 4000 tons of Palo Pinto County sandstone, the Fort Worth Botanic’s exquisite Rose Garden is a favorite for hosting weddings. Since its inception, these romantic grounds have evolved to include a series of connecting gardens, reflection pond and water features. Visitors can meander through winding pathways leading up The Rose Ramp toward The Shelter House, which perches at the highest point, offering panoramic views of all the majestic rose gardens.

The Japanese Garden

Designed in 1970, the Fort Worth Botanic’s Japanese Garden is arguably one of the favorite specialty gardens of visitors. Touted by many on Trip Advisor, a tour of the gardens wouldn’t be complete without a trip to see the waterfalls, colorful foliage of Japanese maples, and koi pond. It’s hard to believe that this stunning Asian-inspired oasis used to serve as the U.S. Army’s trash heap throughout World War II.