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HAPPENINGS

By June 10, 2020 July 16th, 2020 No Comments

Garden Delights

By Meda Kessler
Photos by Meda Kessler

The Trinity Trails have been packed with cyclists, runners and walkers during the pandemic, but we missed the beauty of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (especially the canceled summer concerts by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra) and the Fort Worth Nature Center.

But staffers have been busy with maintenance and improvements, along with prepping for reopening.

The Botanic Garden opened June 1 with limited days; starting June 13, it’s open seven days a week. (The Fort Worth Nature Center reopens June 16). We checked it out late on opening day (the first and last hours are reserved for GROW members only) and were delighted to see families, picnickers and bird-watchers in the gardens. While we missed spring’s floral blast of tulips, the perennials are happy. Massive hibiscus blooms welcome the heat, as do the Texas natives.

Spiny lizards and anoles are out in abundance, too, rustling through leaves and gracefully darting from plant to plant.

We also spotted a newly paved trail that is now more accessible for the disabled, the elderly and anyone with a stroller.

There are changes, however. Tickets must be purchased in advance and online at fwbg.org. This allows for contactless payment and specific entry times. Become a member for early and late access (8-9 a.m. and 5-6 p.m.) Learn more at fwgrow.org.

  • The number of guests will be limited to 25 percent of its normal occupancy.
  • All guests, staff and volunteers will be screened before entry. Use of face masks and social distancing is encouraged, and masks can be purchased at the gift shop. Learn all the details of the phase one reopening at fwbg.org.

The new Fuller Garden pathway (flagstones go on top of the concrete) is ADA compliant.