The Dallas "Season" Begins with Dallas Blooms

2009 marks the 25^th anniversary and this year's Dallas Blooms will cover the 6 week period from March 7^th through April 12, 2009. Traditionally, the third week in March marks the peak period for the 450,000 spring bulbs timed to bloom in tandem with the Dallas Arboretum's 3,000 flowering Azaleas. Each week presents a different palette of tulips, daffodils, Dutch iris, and hyacinths and each is rather remarkable, if for no other reason than sheer scale. Even if you are a frequent Dallas Arboretum visitor, you can't help but be struck by the visual impact achieved by large beds planted with hundreds of a single variety of tulip liberally backed up by over 100,000 pansies, violas, and poppies. It is an experience limited to estates and public gardens and Dallas Arboretum is one of our country's finest.

Each year a different Dallas Blooms theme is chosen and large topiaries planted as illustrations. Last year's "Flower Power" theme was reinforced by 60's Volkswagen beetles and vans covered with moss supported blooming plants. The 25^th anniversary theme is "Dallas Blooms - It's a Classic" with a celebratory topiary larger-than-you-are 13 foot Birthday Cake. The cake is constructed using 725 cubic feet of sphagnum moss planted with dusty miller silver, dichondra, and white petunias. Also premièring will be the winners of the Storybook Playhouse exhibit. Fourteen Dallas area architects were selected by jury to build playhouses based on classic children's stories. Each winner will be placed in its own garden setting. The playhouse exhibit continues through December 2009.

In keeping with the landmark nature of Dallas Blooms, 150,000 people are expected to attend over the 6 week Bloom's period. When adding this to your calendar, here are some tips:

1. Try to arrange for weekday attendance to avoid the weekend crowds

2. Remember that parking for events with this large an audience is probably going to involve walking distances greater than usual. Overflow parking will be directed offsite and shuttled to the Arboretum Ticket Booth. Check out any special needs with a prior phone call. Once there, the police keep traffic moving and can't answer questions or cater to individuals.

3. Consider the peak time valet parking option. At $10 (vs. $5 for regular parking) it is well worth the extra money to avoid the shuttle situation or if logistics are a hardship.

4. The Arboretum covers 66 acres. Recognize that you'll be walking a lot and come prepared with proper shoes and hydration. Most walks are paved allowing for wheelchair access.

5. If you intend to eat on the grounds, plan your route accordingly so your halfway point is near the restaurant. Feel free to bring a picnic. There are numerous places to spread out and countless benches to sit on. However water stops can be few and far between, so again, remember something to drink.

There are many special events planned throughout the run of Dallas Blooms. Live music daily in the Dann Talley Kinchoe Courtyard will play from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Activities also include Mommy & Me Mondays, Tiny Tot Tuesdays, photos with live bunnies, arts & crafts, a petting zoo, and face painting. There is also a seated tea served which requires reservations.

Artscape, an exhibit and sale of Fine Art will take place March 21 & 22 and showcase the work of over 90 artists from around the country working in various mediums. The Dallas Arboretum's Easter Activities weekend will be April 11 & 12^th.

Adult Admission is $9.50, Seniors 65+ $8, Children 3-12 $6, and free for Dallas Arboretum Members and children under 3. Arboretum memberships are $60 for individuals and $95 for families up to 6. Dallas Arboretum membership includes free parking and merchandise discounts. The biggest member benefit, however, is access to tickets for the Cool Thursday Concert Series. These sell out almost immediately and can be some of the hottest (and cheapest) tickets in Dallas.

For additional events, discounts and information go to www.dallasarboretum.org or call: 214-515-6500. The Dallas Arboretum is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake in the middle of Dallas, Texas. Its address is 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas, 75218 and hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.