Woodland Nymph Garden Dallas Arboretum

The Woodland Nymph Garden

The Woodland Nymph at the Dallas Arboretum is juxtaposed to the Poetry Garden – a place for reflection – which opens into the vast panoramas of the Woman’s Garden found at the Reflecting Pools.

The Woodland Nymph is forever beautiful in her grace and youth in mid-summer dancing amongst the blooming Double Althea and Crape Myrtles. Was this a dream or did we really have a cool and cloudy day in August in Texas!

The Woodland Nymph draws you closer.

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The Woodland Nymph Garden at the Dallas Arboretum is a serene, shaded retreat nestled between the Poetry Garden and A Woman’s Garden. This tranquil space features a graceful sculpture of a woodland nymph, surrounded by seasonal blooms like Double Althea and crape myrtles. It offers visitors a peaceful spot for reflection amidst the Arboretum’s vibrant landscapes.

This is one of the quietest corners of the Arboretum—I’ve often sat here alone even on busy weekends. The stillness around the sculpture gives the space a rare kind of peace. It’s one of my favorite places to visit when I need inspiration. I feel like the garden understands a woman’s evolution, from being a young, sprite girl to a mature woman. A woman who loves poetry and the peace of ferns.

Double Althea

Double Althea Trees lead the way to the Woman’s Garden.

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See the Woman’s Garden in the Woman’s Garden Series here.

It’s hard to believe this is August in Texas! Perennials are busy going to seed but not looking so great.

Double Altheas, often called Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), are a standout in Texas gardens for their resilience and rare AUGUST bloom time. These hardy shrubs burst into full flower in August, when most other ornamentals have faded under the heat. Their double blooms—which resemble small roses—come in soft shades of lavender, white, pink, and bluish-purple, adding elegance and color during the hottest part of the season.

Altheas thrive in full sun, tolerate poor soil, and require minimal water once established, making them ideal for Texas landscapes. Sturdy and upright, they hold their shape well even in windy conditions. Excellent cultivars for Texas include ‘Blushing Bride’, ‘Blue Chiffon’, and ‘Diana’—each known for long bloom cycles and strong performance in Zones 7–9. Read more about Altheas here.

I have never had a problem with altheas, once they are established.

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See the Poetry Garden here.

The Poetry Garden at the Dallas Arboretum is a serene, walled garden nestled within A Woman’s Garden, designed to celebrate the strength, creativity, and nurturing spirit of women. This intimate space features a classic design with rose beds that bloom in spring, complemented by seasonal annuals adding vibrant color throughout the summer. The garden’s secluded atmosphere makes it a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking reflection or a quiet moment amidst nature.

Approaching the Poetry Garden, visitors are greeted by a pathway lined with ‘Fireworks’ Double Altheas, which display pastel pink, red, and purple double blooms from June through autumn. These hardy shrubs are well-suited to Texas’s climate, tolerating poor soils and intense heat, and they provide a stunning visual lead-in to the garden’s entrance.

Adjacent to the Poetry Garden, the landscape is enhanced by the blooming of Texas Sage under the canopy of Texas Lilac Vitex trees, offering a picturesque vista that complements the garden’s tranquil ambiance. These are the MOST mature Texas Lilac Vitex trees I have ever seen. I did not know they could become so sturdy. They do reached a height of about twenty feet but it is informative to see how thick their trunks can become.

The Poetry Garden’s thoughtful design and seasonal plantings make it a cherished spot within the Arboretum, offering visitors a unique blend of horticultural beauty and contemplative space. This represents and excellent collection of perennials and roses that do well in Texas.