Left to right: Luella Taylor, Pat Bender and Joyce Ambre enjoying the Dallas Arboretum. Photo by Sheilah Ross
Sheilah Ross
On October 28, a beautiful Texas Fall day, 41 members of the Robson Ranch Road Runners visited the Dallas Arboretum. We were astonished by the masses of pumpkins and chrysanthemums used in the gorgeous displays throughout the gardens. We were guided on the garden tour by charming and knowledgeable docents and were told that 18 semi-trucks filled with gourds and pumpkins of every size, shape and color grown in West Texas arrived in September. An army of gardening staff and volunteers worked for days to put everything in its carefully designed spot. After touring the gardens it was time for lunch in either the Tea Room or the outdoor Terrace. After lunch we took a tour of the magnificent DeGoyer Home, a treat not to be missed when you visit the Arboretum. The DeGoyer family donated the home and grounds of what is now the Dallas Arboretum to Southern Methodist University, who in turn donated it to the City of Dallas. Mrs. DeGoyer was an avid gardener, and one of her wishes was to have the family home and acreage become a beautiful public garden. The City of Dallas did not disappoint her.
On display now is the Christmas design featuring the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Each of the 12 days is displayed in a separate gazebo with costumes and props from the Dallas Opera. Don’t miss it! And remember the spring bulbs have already been planted so “Dallas Blooms” will be another spectacular event next March and April.