Susan Hebert and Vicki Baker welcome the change of seasons and autumn at the Dallas Arboretum.
Vicki Baker
Although a bit slight on number for the Girls on Wheels October outing, this no way minimized the majesty we experienced visiting the Dallas Arboretum. As the days of summer faded away and cooler weather set in, the gardens were transformed with wonderful fall colors of deep red, yellow, purple and orange.
The botanical garden built on the DeGolyer Estate opened in 1984 encompassing 66 acres of mature trees, annual and perennial borders alongside sweeping lawns and water in the form of sculptures, falls, streams and formal ponds all bordering a small lake. And every fall the Arboretum pulls out all the stops with deep, rich color, in-season plants and plenty of pumpkins, squashes and assorted gourds.
The moment we stepped into the botanical garden we knew we were in for a treat in this breathtaking location. Traveling through the gardens is a discovery of different spaces, some small, some big, some formal and some just simply peaceful and relaxing. We walked leisurely among fall blooming flowers including chrysanthemums, salvia, coleus, ornamental grasses and impatiens. During fall the pumpkins were out, and it became a magical place. The highlight of the gardens was the Pumpkin Village created with more than 75,000 pumpkins, gourds and squashes, and the display this year recreated an old Texas town.
We lunched on the outdoor patio at the DeGolyer Estate under the shade of an umbrella. The patio overlooked gardens and the shore of White Rock Lake. The gentle sound of music was played by the nearby pianist, which added to the tranquility.
But as with any great beginning, the day came to an end. We were astonished to see such beauty in the middle of the city, and this provided the perfect respite for our often busy and hurried lives.