Botanical Gardens Near Kingwood TX

Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Near Kingwood TX

Descibed as an oasis of serenity and natural beauty along Cypress Creek. Mercer Botanic Gardens is a horticultural masterpiece and living museum. 300 acres showcase the region’s largest collection of native and cultivated plants. This is a place where you can view and learn about nature on your own time.

History:

In the late 1940s, Thelma and Charles Mercer purchased a beautiful 14.5 acre tract of natural land along Cypress Creek. Thelma was an avid horticulturist, and she and Charles did much of the initial selective clearing to make space for some of her favorite native trees that included dogwoods, rusty black-haw viburnum, several species of hawthorns, plus many others. Thelma also planted large camellias that are still seen throughout the central gardens. She also introduced many other plant species, such as camphor, Ginkgo, Bauhinia, Philadelphus that have naturalized and are still growing beautifully. When it came time for the Mercers to retire, they could not bear the thought of a developer bulldozing their 'paradise.' So, in 1974, they convinced Harris County to purchase their original 14.5 acre tract with the stipulation that it would grow and be maintained as an educational and horticultural facility for the public's enjoyment. After Harris County purchased the land, a group of community gardeners interested in furthering the development of Mercer as a botanical facility formed the nonprofit group Mercer Arboretum Advisory Committee (MAAC). In 2000, the organization changed its name to The Mercer Society and members assist Mercer Botanic Gardens in its mission by organizing and implementing activities that encourage membership support, expand community awareness, and raise funds in support of Mercers' strategic plan. Since 1984, through donations and land purchases made by Precinct 4, Mercer has grown to 325 acres.

Although 14.5 acres of the land originally belonged to the Mercers—who used it for their home and garden—the area has since been purchased by Harris County and expanded to include several well-maintained hike trails, a butterfly house, restroom facilities and picnic areas.

The nationally-recognized arboretum and botanical garden boasts the largest collection of native and cultivated plants in the region. Among the many highlights are native Dogwood trees, vibrant pink camellias, rare camphor daisies and orchid trees. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon spotting colorful Pine Warblers, Black-capped Chikadees and Cardinals as they flit overhead.

Volunteers assist with conservation efforts in the gardens, greenhouses, with educational tours and with all fund-raising special events.

As the premier tree service in Kingwood TX ArborTrue Tree Service loves the experience at Mercer Botanic Gardens.