Amarillo Botanical Gardens
Don't miss our quarterly update on what's happening at the botanical gardens! Along with the website, it's your resource for what's new at the gardens, what's coming up and much more! Read an issue now.
In 1929 an enterprising group of hardworking women banded together to create the first garden club of Amarillo. They set out to prove gardening was possible in the challenging high plains of Texas. The environment and soil of the local area tested their knowledge as they sought out plants which could survive drought, windy conditions and extensive sun. Soil amending was mandatory to loosen heavy soils and improve pH. After many successful years, they tackled numerous city beautification projects. By 1945, 125 members belonged to the thriving Amarillo Garden Club. With varied interests and goals the group divided into 13 garden clubs and societies over the next 10 years.
In 1954, under the direction of Vera Deason, the Garden Center was formed in Memorial Park as a home to the various garden clubs and their activities. Later around 1960, a new home for the Garden Center was sought that provided more space for test gardens and the addition of classes for the handicapped. In 1968 after years of fundraising, the new Garden Center was dedicated on November 17th at the current location in the Medical Center Park.
The garden clubs and other volunteers tackled amending and preparing the soil for landscaping. They made thousands of cuttings to fill the gardens, started seeds and also brought plants from their homes to fill the new sizable Garden Center spaces. Jane Meyers guided the clubs and volunteers giving vision to the gardens as Director from 1979 to 1992. Jackie Wilson, as Executive Director from 1992-2007, guided the transition from Garden Center into the Amarillo Botanical Gardens. Under her guidance, the original buildings were expanded, the Mary E. Bivins Tropical Conservatory was built and new programs such as the summer Music in the Gardens began.
We owe special thanks to local citizens who financially supported, volunteered and otherwise contributed and continue to contribute to the success and future of the Amarillo Botanical Gardens.
New Construction!
Rose Garden
A new Rose Garden in memory of Mearl F. Adkisson and Mary Adkisson Wirtz, is centrally located just beyond the wedding lawn. The site is typical to a rose garden in many ways with an abundance of fragrant, multi-colored roses arranged so that each one can be appreciated individually or as a group. A large arbor, festooned with climbers will welcome visitors down a path through the garden's center. The arbor and roses will provide the perfect backdrop to the many weddings that take place on the lawn each summer. Clipped hedges and statuary will provide a distinct boundary between this garden and adjacent gardens.
Hummingbird Garden
Our new Hummingbird garden is an exciting new garden space and is now underway! There will be a collection of red, tubular flowers from the Penstemon and Salvia families, (and much more) as they are hummingbird favorites! Plus a garden pathway with seating is planned so visitors can sit and enjoy the comings and goings of these fascinating birds.
An Edible Landscape Garden
We are currently under construction on an edible landscape garden. This garden will be a great educational tool for all ages. The garden incorporates herbs, vegetables, edible flowers and fruit bearing trees and shrubs which will produce an attractive landscape with edible plants. Thanks to the Master Gardeners and ABG staff for their many hours of hard labor, the ground has been improved and new siding added to the greenhouse. Come out and see the progress!
Noteworthy
Completed in May 2009, the authentic Harrell Palo Duro Garden has become a favorite with our visitors. It is a fabulous representation of the landscape and plant materials found in the Palo Duro Canyon area. Given by Ed Harrell in memory of his wife, Carol Ray Flynn Harrell. Features "Sentinel of the Canyon" mosaic by artists Kenneth & Tarrie Sue Pirtle.
We are in the process of seeking funds for designing a fun, yet educational Children's Garden for kids and people who are kids at heart!
New Events and Programs! Keep checking our Calendar and Programs pages so you don't miss any of the new activities we have in development for the coming year.
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