Updated: Mar 17, 2022
Looking for beautiful fields of flowers to see, new places near Houston to explore, unique places to shop, good food to eat? Our rose friend - Tanya Mobley has many spots to share with y'all. Let's go!
Well spring time is on it's way. And what does that mean in Texas? Road trips to see the blankets of Texas wildflowers. But did you know that there are gardens and festivals in the Lone Star State devoted to flowers. Here are a few day and weekend trips for gardeners.
Tyler, Texas
Since this is a rose blog, let's start with the rose capital of Texas - Tyler. The Tyler Municipal Garden has 35,000 rose bushes and more than 500 varieties of roses. Also, visit the Rose Festival Museum at the same location to see the beautiful dresses worn by the Rose queens and learn the history of the rose industry in Tyler. The Tyler Azalea and Spring Flower Trail will be held this year March 25-April 10, 2022.
In October attend the Tyler Rose Festival Oct 13 -16. A trip to Tyler, for any rose enthusiast is not complete with visiting Chamblees. Chamblees has a wide variety of own root roses. They are very reasonable. $14 for 1 gallon pots and $25 for 3 gallon pots. They also sell other plants like hydrangeas.
While in East Texas, visit the charming town of Jefferson. Great shopping and grab some bbq at Joseph's Riverboat Barbeque or have a gourmet dinner at Austin Street Bistro.There are charming bed and breakfasts throughout the quaint town. Miranda Lambert's hometown of Lindale is also close to Tyler. She has a store and restaurant in Lindale.
Bayou Bend and Rienzi
Bayou Bend is located right here in our hometown of Houston, Texas. This historic museum was the home of Ima Hogg, the daughter of Jim Hogg, the 20th governor of Texas. Miss Hogg donated her beautiful home and gardens to the Museum of Fine Arts so we could all enjoy it. This is a must see when the azaleas are blooming. Along with the azaleas you will see Japanese Magnolia trees, and tulips. Words cannot describe the beauty of Bayou Bend in early spring.
River Oaks Garden Club Azalea Trail will be held March 4, 5 and 6 this year. But you can visit anytime on your own. I recommend you visit Renzi too. If you do visit during the Azalea Trail, the River Oaks Forum is decorated beautifully for the trail and experts in different aspects of gardening will be available to answer gardening questions. Why not grab some lunch and make it a day. The museum district and Hermann Park's Japanese Garden are full of azalea blooms in the spring also.
Washington County
It's not spring without a trip to Washington County for bluebonnet hunting. Stop by Antique Rose Emporium and purchase your roses and also some unique garden flowers. In the spring, the Emporium's cottage gardens are full of poppies and bluebonnets and of course blooming roses Then go down the street to Old Baylor Park, a haven for wildflower lovers.
Don't forget to stop in Brenham and grab a bite to eat and shop. Las Americas is on of my favorite Latin restaurants. It's located downtown Brenham. Or take the drive out to Washington on the Brazos State Park for more wildflower sightings and a little Texas history.
If you all in for a Sunday drive don't forget Round Top and eat at Royers and don't forget the pie. If you go in the summer around June, you can see the Bluebells. This is the flower the ice was names after. A type of native lisianthus. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens February 19–April 10, 2022 is Dallas Blooms
If you are in the Dallas area during this time , a must see. They have over 500000 spring bulbs blooming and cherry blossoms! Yes over 500000 bulbs!
This is a beautiful sight to see. There is a restaurant on the premises or you could bring a picnic lunch. That's what we did when we went. They sometimes have live music in the evenings. You can check their website for events. If you can't make it in the spring the rose gardens and summer flowers are worth seeing and they have a big pumpkin festival in the fall. Wildseed Farms
So lots to do in Fredericksburg, shopping, great German food at Friedhelm's Baverian or Der Lindenbaum, wineries, live music or hike Enchanted Rock. But for us flower lovers no trip to Fredericksburg is complete without a trip to the Wildseed Farms.
The fields come alive between March until winter. Depending what time of year you go you can see fields of bluebonnets, red poppies, zinnias, and cosmos. Something is always growing in the fields. You can get all your wildflower seed needs in the gift shop and there is a nursery on sight. And if you are in Fredericksburg during bluebonnet season drive around Willow City Loop for must see bluebonnet fields.
San Antonio Japanese Gardens
This is a hidden gem. It is actually a City of San Antonio park located near the zoo. It is one of the most beautiful parks I have visited. It is a truly unique experience. Grab lunch or tea at the Jingu House Café, on sight.
Thank you so much Tanya for taking the time to write this article to share so many beautiful places in our state of Texas. Happy Traveling!
Story and photos by
Tanya Mobley
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