Happy Friday GPODers! We’re on the road again, this time seeing a slice of an expansive botanic garden in Texas with Frances Watson.

Established in 1934, Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest major botanic garden in Texas and 120 acres of plant glory. Composed of 23 different speciality gardens—including a tropical conservatory, a forest boardwalk, and a water conservation garden—there is a lot to tackle if you want to see it all. If you’re limited on time, you can still hit the highlights like Frances did a few weeks ago:

I traveled to Fort Worth Texas 2 weeks ago. I visited the botanical garden. I only had time to visit two sections, the Japanese and the rose garden. The were featuring many sculptures which added to the beauty and interest. It is a garden worth visiting.

There are few garden styles as iconic and easily recognizable as Japanese gardens. No matter the location (I mean, who would have guessed the garden pictured was in Texas if I hadn’t told you??), the peace and tranquility these gardens evoke can be applied to any climate and green plant palette. Though, admittedly, it is a little easier when working around a beautiful, reflective pond like this one.

I have also always admired that the Japanese style often proves that less can be more. Just a few round, woody plants contrasting against the sharp edges of rocks and boulders creates a scene that is somehow both captivating and easy on the eyes.

But the really magical part of botanic gardens is seeing how distinctively different gardens have their own merits and worth. A worlds away from the subtle, green Japanese garden above, this formal rose garden is a geometric feat for the senses. Though also an immersive experience to explore down each bath and between each bed, I always think formal gardens like this are most impressive from above. Awesome shot, Frances!

And a close up on one of the many spectacular roses. All roses in this peachy, pink-to-orange color are my favorite, they’re like a sunset painted onto a flower! From the looks of the older flowers fading to a lighter pink, this might be a Rise Up Emberays® (Rosa x ‘Bozfra321’, Zones 5–8).

And finally one of this sculptures Frances was talking about, certainly not what I was expecting! I had to do a little extra digging on these interesting pieces of art and found they are all from the late artist Seward Johnson, known for his life-size bronze figurative sculptures (like the one above). His often hyper-realistic pieces fooled the passerby at first glance, and Fort Worth Botanic Garden embraced this quality by strategically placing them to blend into the scenery. The sculptures are only on display until Sept. 1st, so if you’re in the area I would add a visit to your calendar ASAP!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us, Frances, and showing us it’s worth the trip even if you have limited time.

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