It’s wonderful that the Botanical Gardens in Ft Worth does not charge admission to most of its site. That way you don’t have to walk the entire grounds or stay half a day to feel that you are getting your money’s worth. Thursday I had a free hour and was in the neighborhood, so decided to see what was going on.

This is the rose garden, as seen from a pavillion at the top of the hill. The pear tree in the distance enjoys its moment of stardom before the roses start their show. Usually there is water cascading down that center row of stone ponds, but the pump was out of order.

A trifoliate orange before the leaves come out. A friend once suggested I plant these in front of my windows to keep intruders out.

A mountain laurel in north Texas, not yet blooming. Behind it is an English walnut in front of a wall of bamboo. The walnut has a plaque proclaiming it to be a “regional champion tree.”