Dedicated in 1996, this Texas native plant collection demonstrates more than 20 years of Benny Simpson's research in Dallas, representing 345 plants from 84 genera. Simpson was a lifelong horticulturist who worked for the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center, gathering wild and native trees and shrubs around the state and testing them for North Central Texas soils. Be sure to download a map of the gardens before you arrive!
Find more about Simpson's life and work here   

Our butterfly garden is a tranquil spot to enjoy some time outside and get ideas on how to plant your own at home. It is our desire to demonstrate how easily a family, school, or office can attract and support the complete life cycle of Dallas' native butterflies. Host plants provide the proper source of nutrition for caterpillars and attract egg-laying adult female butterflies. Nectar-rich plants are a food source for adult butterflies.

This area was designed by Joe Lambert, one of Dallas’ most prominent landscape architects in the 1950s and 1960s. Based upon a series of overlaying arcs and circles, these gardens feature perennial plantings, numerous flowering shrubs and small trees, and fountains. The Leftwich Pond contains an aquatic plant collection maintained by the North Texas Water Garden Society.

School children use all their senses to investigate the seasonal vegetables and herbs.

Enclosed by a Holly and Boxwood hedge, this intimate garden has plantings of antique and fragrant roses along with a delightful selection of perennials. This garden features many of our favorite, old-fashioned plants that are dependable sources of color. Make sure to explore this fragrant garden with your nose!

The Grand Allee was funded and named by the Meadows Foundation and completed in 1988. Our most formal garden, the Grand Allee is lined by Savannah hollies and features a seasonal fan of color behind the show fountain. Butterfly host and nectar plants are interspersed throughout.

Patterned after a London herb garden, this garden was first built in 1958 as a project of the Marianne Scruggs Garden Club and was the first garden on the grounds. The Scent Garden was originally designed to be used by the blind. In 2003, the garden was renovated using City of Dallas bond funds. Today we encourage you to explore this area with all your senses.