What better place to have fairy tales brought to life than at the Dallas Arboretum? Summer is kicking into full swing at the Arboretum with an impressive display of topiary flower houses made to depict popular fairy tales. The twist? Well these aren’t your average fairy tales, these stories have been infused with Texas flare. There’s Jalapeño Man (a take on the gingerbread man), Dusty Locks and the Three Bears and Texas Zeke and the Longhorn. This garden exhibit features four topiary houses up to 15-feet tall covered in vibrant flowers of all colors. These whimsical stories are fun and entertaining alongside the eye-catching exhibits are sure to please. 
Kids and adults alike will be amazed by the scene and what would a Texas Fairy tale be without longhorns? Come out and meet “Lone Star and “Blue Bonnet” two life size topiary cattle each adoring real horns. They are definitely dressed to impress! There is also a chuck wagon for kids to climb and a garden maze for the children to get lost in. Be sure mark your calendar for Sunday June 7th for a book reading and signing with the Author of The Jalapeño Man. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this unique exhibit, it is running May 16th through the end of July and is located through the main gate in Pecan Grove.
I was reminded during my visit of all the wonderful programs the Arboretum runs during the summer months. Come out on Fridays during the summer months for Family Fun Fridays, jammed with kid-friendly activities including face painting, a petting zoo and cool off in the Toad Fountains. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is featuring several activities throughout the summer including hands-on labs, tours, puppet shows and more. This is a quick fix to the “mommy I’m bored!” exclamation parents often hear during the summer months. No excuse for boredom this summer! Pack up lunch and a blanket and enjoy all the wonders the Arboretum has to offer.
If live music in the garden is your thing be sure to check out the Cool Thursday Concert Series held on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn overlooking the lake. There is a wide variety of music to enjoy. Also, Father’s Day is upon us and the garden is featuring a day of music for Dad’s on Sunday afternoon. What dad wouldn’t enjoy relaxing on a blanket listening a concert in the garden?
Oh and don’t forget the discounts! There are discounts for students, seniors, YMCA
Members, Scout and Bring a Friend Friday (the 3rd Friday of every month through July 31st) Children 2 and under are always free! Check out their website to learn more – www.dallasarboretum.org – and don’t forget to print out your discounted parking pass available online as well.
As you can see, the Fairy Tale Houses are just the beginning of what’s sure to be an exciting and magical summer at the Arboretum. Whatever the reason you find yourself at the Arboretum you are sure to be mesmerized by the stunning grounds that are covered with an assortment of flowers, plants and blossoms that are bursting with color and fragrance. With White Rock Lake as the backdrop to this beautifully designed and manicured landscape, you are sure to be captivated and wooed by the all the beauty nature has to offer. I left my visit to the Dallas Arboretum with a feeling of peace and a new found love of flower art. It was like stepping into another world. With a Texas twist!
Leave a Reply