Growing Together at the Longview Arboretum
One of the things I enjoy most about serving as Executive Director of the Longview Arboretum & Nature Center is watching our gardens and our community grow together. Every season brings new blooms, new projects, new visitors, and new opportunities This summer has been an especially exciting one, with several new additions and programs that reflect the direction our organization is headed.
One of the first improvements visitors will notice is the completion of our Christus Trial Gardens at the front entrance of the Arboretum. These raised beds were made possible through the generous support of the Christus Community Impact Fund, and we are deeply grateful for their investment in the Arboretum and our community.
While the flowers and trees create a warm welcome, these gardens are much more than an attractive entrance. They are designed to serve as living classrooms where we evaluate plants that thrive in East Texas, demonstrate sustainable gardening practices, and inspire visitors with ideas they can use in their own landscapes.
As the seasons change, so will these gardens. Throughout the year we will showcase annuals, perennials, flowering trees, and bulbs that provide beauty while helping us determine which plants perform best in our climate. Many of the successful plants will be propagated in our greenhouse and incorporated throughout the Arboretum, allowing these gardens to influence future projects across our campus.
We are excited to celebrate another wonderful addition to the Arboretum, Woodland Harp. This beautiful sculpture was generously donated by its artist, Stacy Deslatte, and has found a permanent home in the garden. Later this month, we look forward to honoring Stacy’s generosity during a special appreciation reception and celebrating the newest addition to our growing outdoor sculpture collection.
Public art enriches the visitor experience by inviting guests to slow down, appreciate the beauty around them, and experience the unique relationship between art and nature. Sculptures like Woodland Harp create moments of reflection and discovery while adding another dimension to the Arboretum’s mission of inspiring visitors through the beauty of the natural world.
Education continues to be at the heart of everything we do. This summer, we were delighted to welcome children to two successful Summer Science Camps, one in June and another in July. Campers spent the week exploring insects, plants, wildlife, ecosystems, and the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and scientific discovery.
There is something truly special about watching a child become excited after spotting a butterfly, examining a fascinating insect, or discovering how plants and animals depend on one another.
Those moments of curiosity are exactly why environmental education remains such an important part of our mission.
None of these accomplishments happen by chance. They are the result of an incredible community working together. I am continually inspired by the dedication of our volunteers, Gregg County Master Gardeners, Board of Directors, Advisory Board, members, donors, sponsors, and community partners who generously share their time, talents, and resources to help the Arboretum continue growing. None of this would be possible without you.
As we look toward the future, we remain committed to implementing our Master Garden Plan while expanding educational opportunities, public art, conservation initiatives, and community partnerships. Our vision is to create a place where families gather, children learn, artists find inspiration, gardeners discover new ideas, and every visitor feels welcome.
Whether you’ve visited us many times or have yet to experience the Arboretum, I invite you to come see what’s new. Take a stroll through the Christus Trial Gardens, discover Woodland Harp, wander our garden paths, and enjoy the beauty that unfolds throughout every season.
With your generosity and support, we are cultivating something truly special for East Texas.
Come Grow With Us.
