About Us

The Mission of the Amarillo Botanical Gardens is to inspire people to connect with plants through education, experience and enjoyment.

 

Contact Us | Newsletter | History | What's Ahead

 

Contact Us

 

Enjoy Our GardenTalk Newsletter

  • Don’t miss our quarterly update on what’s happening at the botanical gardens! Along with the website, it’s your resource for what’s new at the gardens, what’s coming up and much more!  Read an issue now. 

  • To have future issues delivered via email, subscribe here.

 

The History and Development of the Gardens

  • In 1929 an enterprising group of hardworking women banded together to create the first garden club of Amarillo.  They set out to prove gardening was possible in the challenging high plains of Texas.  The environment and soil of the local area tested their knowledge as they sought out plants which could survive drought, windy conditions and extensive sun.  Soil amending was mandatory to loosen heavy soils and improve pH.   After many successful years, they tackled numerous city beautification projects.  By 1945, 125 members belonged to the thriving Amarillo Garden Club.  With varied interests and goals the group divided into 13 garden clubs and societies over the next 10 years. 

  • In 1954, under the direction of Vera Deason, the Garden Center was formed in Memorial Park as a home to the various garden clubs and their activities.   Later around 1960, a new home for the Garden Center was sought that provided more space for test gardens and the addition of classes for the handicapped.  In 1968 after years of fundraising, the new Garden Center was dedicated on November 17th at the current location in the Medical Center Park. 

  • The garden clubs and other volunteers tackled amending and preparing the soil for landscaping.  They made thousands of cuttings to fill the gardens, started seeds and also brought plants from their homes to fill the new sizable Garden Center spaces.  Jane Meyers guided the clubs and volunteers giving vision to the gardens as Director from 1979 to 1992.  Jackie Wilson, as Director from 1992-2007, helped evolve the Garden Center into a Botanical Garden.  New structures, including the Conservatory were installed and new programs such as the summer Music in the Gardens were implemented.

  • As current Director, Catherine Shelby continues the development and expansion of the facility and its programs.   On the path to becoming an accredited Botanical Garden, she is implementing garden and facility renovations embracing current technologies and earth friendly alternatives.

  • Through it all, we owe special thanks to the local citizens that supported, volunteered and donated to success and future of the Amarillo Botanical Gardens over the years.   

 

What's Ahead...Continuing the Vision

Going Green!

    The Botanical Gardens aims to be a leader in the ‘go green’ movement in Amarillo, Texas.   We strive to be completely organic in our garden practices.  Also, since spring 2008 we began installing outdoor solar lighting in the gardens to lower electricity usage.

     

    We’ll also teach you, as a home gardener, how to implement organic techniques, practice smart watering, compost like a pro and other similar topics through educational classes.  Continue to check our website for new ideas on Going Green and also for our calendar of classes to be scheduled in the coming year.

     

New Construction!

    ABG is extremely proud of our marvelous new waterfall and pond located in the Japanese Garden. With the installation of seating and plantings, it will be an ideal spot for enjoying a peaceful moment.

     

    Coming in fall, an authentic Palo Duro Garden will be installed. It will be a fabulous representation of the landscape and plant materials found in the Palo Duro Canyon area.

     

    We are in the process of seeking funds for designing a fun, yet educational Children’s Garden for kids and people who are kids at heart!

     

New Events and Programs!

    Keep checking our Events and Exhibits page as well the Programs section so you don’t miss any of the new activities we have in development for the coming year.