Peckerwood Garden - Peckerwood, TX - Aesthetic and Horticultural Reserve

Peckerwood Garden is located southeast of Hempstead, Texas, south of Business Route 290. The actual location is 20571 F.M. 359, Hempstead, TX, 77445. The Garden is operated by the Peckerwood Garden Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit organization, founded in 1989, dedicated to the survival of the garden. The Foundation aims to preserve the property of the Garden by continuing explorations while developing the facilities of the Garden.

John G. Fairey collected a number of seeds and samples during many trips through Texas and Mexico. Fairey, originally from South Carolina, came to Texas to study at Texas A&M. In 1971, he purchased the land for the Garden and began developing it. The Garden is currently nineteen acres and contains over 3,000 different species of plant life. The Garden exists for several reasons, according to Fairey. It is first of all a type of "studio,'' where nature's artistry is appreciated. Fairey developed the Garden using his background in aesthetics to create a place where form, style, and color are stimulating and vibrant. Another purpose of the Garden is for horticultural and botanical research. The Garden tests and examines a multitude of new plant life and new methods of cultivation.

Another goal of the Garden is to establish a cultural-botanical network between Mexico and Texas. This goal includes the preservation and conservation efforts that protect the variety of species from being lost due to environmental and economic factors. In the past, the Garden has been involved with distributing thousands of seeds and seedlings to various plant societies, including the J. C. Raulston Arboretum.

Between 1988 and 1998, over 75 expeditions were made, including one sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. These explorations resulted in much of the research information and diversity of plants available in the Garden. Some of the plants there include the Magnolia grandiflora (magnolias), taxus, ilex (Holly), and liquidambar (sweetgum). The majority of these are flowering species and are native to the mountain ranges in the Mexico region.

The Garden is only open for tours. These tours are between 1pm - 3pm on the Garden's open days. The Garden's open day schedule for 2010 is as follows: February 27, 28; March 27, 28; April 17, 18; May 8, 9; October 16, 17; November 6, 7. Admission is $10 per person and children under 12 are not permitted. Pets are not permitted. The Garden tours are guided and visitors will be able to enjoy the Garden as well as learn the botanical and horticultural significance of the variety of plant life.

Private group tours can be arranged throughout the year. For tours of five or less, the cost is $75 per person per hour. Groups of six or more pay $10 per individual, with a minimum of $150. For this larger group tour, a $50 advance deposit is required. Tour fees are tax-deductible.

Interested parties are able to purchase seeds from the Garden's extensive seed catalog. Some of the seeds available for purchase are: Aloe humilis, Casimirora pringlei, Iris hexagona, Taxodium distichum, and dozens more. Purchases and tour information is available through 979-826-3232.

Joining the Garden Foundation is another method of supporting the Garden. Memberships are available starting at $30. Depending on the type of membership, the member receives free passes, 10% discount on events, and selections from the plant catalog.