Chihuly at the Dallas Arboretum

Spent Sunday afternoon at the Dallas Arboretum for a tour and garden class put on by the CWA Alliance program at work. Best part was, it was free, and included the Dale Chihuly exhibit!

The gardens were breathtaking and reminded me of all the other gardens I've come to know and love.
Descanso Gardens in La Canada, CA.
The Arboretum in Arcadia, CA.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, AZ.
and
Maymont in Richmond, VA.

The 66-acre Dallas Arboretum incorporates what was the 44-acre estate named Rancho Encinal, built  overlooking White Rock Lake in 1939 for Everette Lee DeGolyer and his wife Nell.

Its paths meander through large oak groves and are lined with fern, hosta, azalea, and hydrangeas. There were a few paths that followed babbling brooks and their water falls, with the occasional bench offering a shady respite from the intense afternoon heat.

It was not uncommon to round a bend and be greeted by a splendid view of neighboring oak groves across a huge lawn, and with glimpses of White Rock Lake thru yonder trees.

Throw in the Chihuly pieces sprinkled about the grounds, and the views became resplendent!

Yee Haw, Dang Tootin Dahling! (spoken thru clenched teeth)

Enjoy!

 Mexican Hat & Horn Tower

 Blue Marlins & Turquoise Reeds

Silvered Red Bamboo

Yellow Icicle Tower

Green & White Striped Reeds - Black & White Striped Reeds

A Favorite!

 Blue Polyvitro Crystals

Another Favorite!

And Another Favorite!

Rancho Encinal.
The Magnolia at the left of frame, and an adjacent Persimmon tree not in picture, are from the original landscaping.