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There is simply not enough time to enjoy every exhibit of the Botanic Gardens, but if you are limited on time make sure to visit the Japanese Garden above any of the others. Mostly true to the exact detail you would find in Japan, the garden is beautiful and surreal with delicate flowers, towering bamboo and colorful koi fish. The trickling waterfall flows into a reflective pond where you can stop to feed the koi fish. Be prepared to spend about an hour or more, time passes very quickly without you realizing it!
The entire garden is handicapped friendly with easy access to every exhibit and you will not miss a thing as the path wraps around the entire garden. The only thing to watch for is the gift shop. The layout is very poor forcing cramped spaces that are nearly impossible to navigate. There is little to purchase here in the way of items related to the gardens, so if you can, pass the gift shop all together.
Another reminder, for photographers this time, if you plan on photographing the gardens, you must stop by the main office near the entrance to fill out a permission form. Otherwise, you could find yourself in violation of copyright the Botanical Gardens hold.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 3220 Botanic Gardens Boulevard
Phone: 817-871-7689
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Although you'll find earlier tips given on the Japanese Garden (Fort Worth Botanic Garden) I wanted to highlight the ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL held on a recent October weekend. It was a lovely Autumn day and a packed event!
Demonstrations were presented to the public throughout the entire weekend. As we arrived on Saturday afternoon, a Genjikai Karate and Tai Chi (picture 2) demo had attracted a crowd at the Moon Viewing Deck.
Participants of all ages performed under Makio Nishida, who certainly honed these students into a well disciplined group. Particular students performed, then the entire group illustrated movements they perfected through training. It was fun to watch them!
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 3220 Botanic Gardens Boulevard
Phone: 817-871-7689
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Following the Karate and Tai chi demonstration, a beautifully presented program featuring the Sakura Dance Group was scheduled next at the Moon Viewing Deck.
The dancer's silken kimonos fluttered gently about them as they stepped gracefully around the stage. Their music seemed to float above the spectators and beyond the viewing stage, threading throughout the garden. I loved watching these dancers!
picture 2 The Flower Dance
picture 3 A Solo Presentation
picture 4 The Ladies are Invited In
At the conclusion of the program, ladies from the audience were invited to join in on a dance-- at risk of looking the fool I did not participate, which I regret since the steps to the dance were simple and repetitive.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 3220 Botanic Gardens Boulevard
Phone: 817-871-7689
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While the ladies sighed over the graceful beauty of the Japanese dancers, the men in the crowd wholeheartedly approved of the thunderous performance by the Dondoko Taiko Drummers, overseen by Asako Cosby.
It was amazing to see the strength and stamina exhibited as they repeatedly beat their drums and jumped about the stage. The excitement generated was palpable--it seemed to linger in the air above us!
We didn't notice any benches at the Moon Viewing Deck, so most of the spectators sat on the edge of the stage area or leaned against trees. There was so much going on, I don't think anyone missed the seating too much.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 3220 Botanic Gardens Boulevard
Phone: 817-871-7689
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This natural landscape design composes a Karesansui or Dry Garden. It's simple, but should evoke serenity and peace. Notice the markings made by a rake being pulled over the surface, which seem to resemble ripples in a pool of water.
The rocks, gravel and sand represent rivers, lakes, mountains, islands or seas. This type of garden shows a Zen influence. This garden is patterned after Kyoto's famous GARDEN OF THE ABBOTS'S QUARTERS at the Ryoanji Temple Complex*.
A colorful tree of origami creations was displayed at the Meditation Garden during the Fall Festival (picture 2). Unfortunately, we missed the demo showing the contruction of these amusing mini masterpieces of art.
*wikipedia
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 3220 Botanic Gardens Boulevard
Phone: 817-871-7689
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On a recent Spring weekend, we took advantage of the pleasant weather to drive to Ft. Worth to tour the Botanical Gardens.
Although the trees were just beginning to bud and the flowers were showing the first signs of blossoming, we were enthralled by the gardenscape and lovely pathways weaving through woodsy areas and past gurgling fountains.
The Ft. Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest garden of its type in Texas and comprises 109 acres. The gardens contain more than 2,500 native and exotic specials of plants. The various gardens are:
Rose Gardens (constructed in 1933)
Fragrance Garden
Japanese Garden-our favorite!
Trial Garden (where new varieties are tried)
Perennial Garden
Conservatory
Please click on additional pictures for a further glimpse of the garden:
Floral Clock (picture #2)
Waterfalls (picture #3)
Ornamental Garden (picture # 4)
Trail Bridge (picture #5)
*Admission is free to the gardens in general, but the conservatory and Japanese Garden have admission fees.
Hours are (April-October) Mon.-Fri. 10 am-9pm; Sat.10am-6pm;Sun. 1pm-6pm. (November-March) Mon.-Fri. 10am-9pm; Sat. 10am-4pm;Sun. 1pm-4pm. Admission to the conservatory is $1 for adults, $.50 for seniors; children age 4-12 $.50 and under 4 free.
Admission to the Japanese Garden is $4.00 for adults on weekdays; $3.50 on weekends. Seniors receive a discount of $.50 from admission cost. Children 4-12 cost $2.00 and those under 4 are free. Hours are daily 9am-7pm April-October; daily 10am-5pm November to March.
FYI: The Gardens Restaurant is a popular stop for brunch on Sundays. Call 817-731-2547
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 3220 Botanic Gardens Boulevard
Phone: 817-871-7689
Helpfulness
The Ft. Worth Botanic Gardens spreads across many acres and contains a number of notable sections. We thought the gardens were wonderful, so I'm including these additional tips. The Botanic Garden showcases many types of gardens...
The Rose Garden has more than 3,400 roses, whose blooms reach their peak in April through October. We were a bit early to see the spectacular floral display, but appreciated the gently curving pathways, towering trellis', pretty ornamental pieces and beautiful vistas placed throughout--all combining to produce a romantic, idyllic spot.
The Republic of Texas Rose Garden introduces the beauty of antique roses and notes their historical importance. We've definitely planned to return to see the flowers at their height of flowering in April! Can anything be more beautiful than a rose in bloom?
For a further look at the gardens, please click on additional pictures #2 & #3.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 3220 Botanic Gardens Boulevard
Phone: 817-871-7689
Helpfulness
Although housed in a small building, the conservatory offers some unique garden species. I love the earthy, moisture- laden atmosphere of a greenhouse.
As you wind through the greenery, you'll pass by a glimmery waterfall and see trickling channels of water running alongside the walkway. Take a deep breath and enjoy the deep, rich fragrance!
Exotic flowers add a touch of color to the otherwise deep green hue of vines and ferns forming the undergrowth.
Conservatory hours are (April to October) Mon.-Fri. 10am-9pm; Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-6pm. (November-March) Hours are Mon.-Fri. 10am-9pm; Sat. 10am-4pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 3220 Botanic Gardens Boulevard
Phone: 817-871-7689
Helpfulness
The botanical garden is a local escape from the city of Fort Worth. The garden is open year round and can be crowded on summer weekends. You can hear alot of cardinals in the trees and there is a bat box in the rose gardens. Entrance to the park is still free. At night, garden socienties and clubs hold their meetings in the main conservatory.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 3220 Botanic Gardens Boulevard
Phone: 817-871-7689
Helpfulness
The Japanese Garden is absolutely wonderful! The map that you are provided with at the entrance of the Garden is not scaled to size, so you may be disappointed by the time you've walked the whole garden. I would recommend that you go to the garden on a weekday so as to not have a significantly larger number of visitors around. That will allow for you to enjoy your stroll through the garden.
In terms of costs, the admissions into the Japanese Gardens are as follows:
Admission: Adults $3.00 weekdays, $3.50 week ends and holidays -
Seniors $.50 off regular admission - Children (4-12 yrs.) $2.00 - under 4 free
Fish food is available for purchase around the Japanese Garden at 25 cents for a small handful. You will probably roll up your map of the garden into a cone to hold the fish food or use anything else you may have to contain the fish food.
A gift shop is located by the exit of the Japanese Garden. They have a wide range of items from which you can choose. Items are slightly pricey, but all profits go towards maintaining the garden for all to enjoy!
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 3220 Botanic Gardens Boulevard
Phone: 817-871-7689
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3220 Botanic Gardens Boulevard
Botanic Garden tips and photos posted by real travelers and Fort Worth locals.
Write a ReviewThe Japanese Garden is absolutely wonderful! The map that you are provided with at the entrance of the Garden is not scaled to size, so you may be disappointed...
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