Day Trips

Clark Gardens Botanical Park outside of Mineral Wells is a plant museum where the ordinary becomes part of the colorful tapestry of extraordinary.

Begun as a private garden in 1972 by Max and Billie Clark, the park has blossomed into a place of beauty and tranquility. It is no wonder that brides choose this as the location for portraits and nuptials. The grounds were opened to the public in 2000 and are now operated by a nonprofit foundation.

Pathways meander through the 35 acres to 50 sections set off for unique collections of native foliage, water gardens, trees, and other plants. The rose garden is one of only 26 in the U.S. selected as an All-American Rose Test Garden. There are nearly 100 varieties of roses in the garden that fill the air with a sweet, subtle fragrance.

The abundance of wildlife in the gardens is almost as varied as the plants. Birds flitter about and sing from the trees, while butterflies kiss the colorful blooms. The residents include swans, guinea fowl, and peacocks. It's a garden that awakens and calms the senses.

Clark Gardens Botanical Park is 3 miles east of Mineral Wells off U.S. 180 on Maddux Road and is open daily. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also welcome. For information, call 940/682-4856 or go to www.clarkgardens.org.

1,078th in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of "Day Trips," is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.