The Best Things to Do in the Botanic Garden in Fort Worth, Texas

Taking up 3.5 acres (1.4ha) of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the Fuller Garden is one of the most enchanting. Named after Adelaide Polk Fuller, it was designed in part by her husband, and through its different elements is meant to represent the various stages of life. With comfortable seating placed throughout the serene garden, it gives guests a chance to take a moment and reflect on their journey.

Built in 1973, the Japanese Garden is home to a wide range of authentic Japanese flora. The best time to visit is in springtime, as this is the only time when the flowers are in full bloom. With bamboo, bridges and ponds that are home to more than 1,200 koi fish, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on the other side of the world instead of being in the middle of Fort Worth.

Connecting the northern and southern gardens, the Native Texas Boardwalk is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the resident Texan plant life. Stations lining the boardwalk encourage kids to learn more about the different flora and fauna that make the gardens and Fort Worth their home. Providing a shaded space as well, the boardwalk is a great way to spend a moment out of the scorching summer sun.

The Perennial Garden provides every plant lover with the potential to find a new addition for their garden at home. With each flower and plant in the garden having labels detailing their names and descriptions, budding botanists can stroll through the garden in search of an interesting find. Standing out from its botanical neighbors, this garden provides year-round delights, with different flowers blooming throughout the seasons.

Lying along the Trinity River, Rock Springs Woods is the oldest garden in the bunch. Completed in 1933, it comprises a collection of springs, ponds and waterfalls. After a substantial donation by the local Tinsley family, 2013 saw major work done to restore the garden, which had begun to show signs of age. Now revamped, it includes examples of the natural habitat lived in by Native Americans and early settlers, giving a historical context to the region.

As an educational treasure, the Backyard Vegetable Garden comprises vegetable patches and fruit trees and provides an excellent resource for schools and families. Outside the classes, the garden is maintained year-round by the dedicated Tarrant County Master Gardeners.