Gov. Jim Hogg Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The concept of the Arboretum came about in April, 2007 while working with the Quitman Elementary School Student Council. We had a project at the Stinson House adjacent to what is now the Arboretum. After seeing the enthusiasm of the kids planting flowers and bushes for the butterflies, we thought what a great idea to give the whole County a place and opportunity to enjoy nature, beautiful flowers and just being outside. The project was kicked off in October, 2007 with a ground breaking
It’s not a secret anymore; it seems every time we mention that we are building an Arboretum, the response is, “Yeah, I know”. Now we just need to get more volunteers and visitors to come out and watch our progress as we move forward. We feel good about what has been accomplished so far with such a young project.
Through the Spring and Summer of 2008 we planted beds at the front of the gardens. The entry beds are planted with shrubs and perennials that can bloom in the shade of the native pine and oaks. Encore azaleas, oakleaf hydrangeas and columbine are in the areas on each side of the main pathway. The bed in the middle of the road has been planted with ‘Double Knockout’ roses, loropetalum, and a weeping cherry tree. In the Rose Garden area adjacent to the Stinson House “free form beds” have been planted with more ‘Double Knockouts’, ‘Julia Childs’, and various other cultivars.
In March of 2009 a gazebo was added to the entry area. After researching plants that thrive in hot Texas shade the master gardeners planted ajuga, ligularia, hostas, Encore azaleas, caladiums, dogwood, and Japanese maples in the beds around the gazebo.
The Wood County Master Gardeners have developed a partnership with the Friend of the Arboretum and the City of Quitman to bring additional resources to support this ongoing, long term project. See their website for their Calendar of Activities as well as volunteer opportunities and scheduled work days.