If you have never visited the Dallas Arboretum, I would encourage you to do so. When we were originally considering walking around sixty-six acres of blooming flowers and trees adjacent to White Rock Lake, I can't say I was completely excited. At the end of the day, however, I can say I am glad we made the trip.
According to Texas Monthly, "This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Dallas Arboretum’s largest festival Dallas Blooms.... This year’s theme, ‘Dallas Blooms – It’s A Classic’ emphasizes that the festival is now a signature event that millions of people have enjoyed. MSN has even stated it was one of the top ten things to do in the country in spring." Now the display is the largest outdoor floral display in the Southwest!As today is Wednesday, we benefited from "Buy One, Get One Wednesday." Visit the arboretum website and print a coupon. Entry discounts are always a plus!
Besides the 25th Anniversary Cake Topiary (which was thirteen feet tall), another featured event this year is the Playhouse Storybook exhibit. Playhouses inspired by settings or buildings from children's literature were scattered among the gardens. Featured books include:
- Peter Pan
- James and the Giant Peach
- Eragon
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- The Little Prince
- Treasure Island
- The Lorax
- Hope for the Flowers
- City Green
- Thumbelina
- The Owl and the Pussycat
- Teremok
- Alice in Wonderland
- The Bamboo Cutter’s Daughter
- Hansel and Gretel
Did you count two pirate related texts? That's right, two! That meant we had two pirate playhouses to enjoy. The structure pictured at right was amazing. Inside there were climbing areas (off limits due to safety reasons), a captains, wheel, and a few shipping props. If this was in our backyard, there would defiantly be much less grass to maintain. I think EK would want to live out there.
After a day at the arboretum we left with the following observations:
1. Unlike Walt Disney World, it is ok to walk on the grass at the Dallas Arboretum.
2. Pecan shells make good mulch in flowerbeds. Amazon sells a forty pound bag for $4.99. Who knew!
3. Unsupervised children will throw rocks at the fish in the koi pond. No children, you are not feeding them.
When we return to the arboretum we plan to take a picnic lunch with us. There were plenty of people enjoying lunches on one of the many lawns. It reminded me of in New York's Central Park. However, we left and headed to Highland Park Cafeteria. I don't think we were the youngest couple at HPC this time!
Dallas Blooms continues through April 12, but the playhouses will be on display through the end of December.
EK's breathing wasn't going well. Could it be all of the blooms? All of the pollen? We had to call it a day and come home for a night of rest at the mil10 homestead.
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