Please show this coupon at the Clark Gardens Admission Booth to claim your discount.

![]() | Max is the co-founder of Clark Gardens. His late wife, Billie Clark, and he built the gardens as a private oasis to enjoy. Later on, in 2000, the gardens were opened to the public as a 501c3 non-profit. Max is 92 years young and loves working in the gardens. Before the gardens, he owned his own business, which required frequent travel. While traveling, he would purchase two paperback books, one for the trip to his destination, and one for the journey home. This book collection is what lead to his love of reading and evolved the 1,000 plus book library in his home (westerns were always his all-time favorite). Max has a love and passion for the gardens, unlike anyone else. In his free time away from the gardens, he is either watching historical movies or enjoying time with his family. photo credit Jennifer Crenshaw Photography |
![]() | Carol is the Director of Clark Gardens. She has grown up around the gardens but joined the team full time in March 2008. Carol is an alumna of Tarleton State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. After graduation, she worked at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas as a Microbiologist and later moved to Bryan/College Station, where she lived for 30 years. During this part of her life, she became the sole owner/operator of a catering & event company. After success in the business, she opened the Kyle House. She has been happily married for 42 wonderful years to her husband, Dr. Mark Montgomery. They have three beautiful children named Clark, Travis & Molly, and the light of their lives, a precious four-year-old granddaughter, Vivian. Carol loves to explore new places and meet new people. She and her husband find true happiness in entertaining. They enjoy a glass of wine paired with tasty food, often cooked out of their very own vegetable garden. A fun fact about Carol is she loves her chickens. photo credit Jennifer Crenshaw Photography |
![]() | Ansley is the Assistant Director of Clark Gardens. She has been with the team since March 2017. Ansley has always had a real passion for events. In fact, she knew she wanted to work in this industry since she was eight years old, right after planning her first event. Ansley has a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Public Relations and Event Management. Her favorite flower is a tulip. Fun fact is that she married her high school sweetheart in a botanical garden. She and her husband have two fur babies they adore. She is extremely passionate about traveling. Currently, her number one on her must-visit list is Greece. Lastly, the first dance is her favorite part about a wedding. photo credit Jennifer Crenshaw Photography |
Monday – Saturday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, 10:00am to 5:00pm
Join us for a month-long spring festival blending art, nature, horticulture, and hands-on discovery for all ages. Explore the gardens, uncover wildlife, and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Activities are included with Admission unless noted otherwise.
We would like to give a big shout out to all the AMAZING SPONSORS who help make this festival a possibility.
**While many of the activities are included with the purchase of a general admissions ticket, some events require tickets to be purchased in advance, and some have additional fees that apply.
Step off the path and into curiosity. Explore & discover hidden stories, vibrant art, and hand-on experiences.
The Sculpture Trail * Pollinator Education * Adventure Backpacks * Grow Wild Passport * Director's Spring Plant Sale * Karen Walkup's Iris Art Exhibit
Embark on outdoor adventures and let imaginations run wild while enjoying these Play & Adventure activities for all.
Explorer Quests * Nature-Based Play Area * Bee Train * Hop into Spring: An Egg-citing Family Day
Spring into creativity and discovery during Grow @ Clark Gardens! Throughout the festival, the garden comes alive with craft and educational stations designed for all.
Grow Wild Activity Stations
Discover your wild side in our dazzling Cutting Garden, bursting with thousands of tulips and irises in full bloom. Wander through vibrant rows of color, snip your favorite blossoms, and take home a piece of the magic — just $3 per stem or $10 for a beautiful bundle.
Explore your creative side in these fun, hands-on classes for a variety of ages.
Saturdays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Clark Gardens has four air-conditioned indoor locations to accommodate groups, big and small.
Make your reservations today: 940-682-4856

For large or small groups, our stunning, secluded Retreat (pictured above) is a beautiful 4,000 square foot home with an indoor pool, a barbecue grill, a hot tub, multiple decks and one large outdoor table and several small tables as well. The spacious multi-level Retreat sleeps 10 and is perfect for a weekend getaway with friends or an exquisite event venue. This well-equipped haven is suited for a 50-75 persona indoor wedding, or an event hosting 150-200 guests when utilizing both the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Located in the Garden with easy access to Lake Pavilion and Oxbow Lake, is the History House. The History House can be set up to your liking for a board meeting, luncheon, shower or birthday party. Located not 50 feet from the Model Train Station and Children's Play House, it's the perfect location for a child's birthday party. Heated and air-conditioned and adjacent to the restrooms, the History House allows for easy access (unload right in front) with guests parking nearby at the Garden's office.

The Bridal Suite (pictured above), situated next to the Bowling Green and Arbor, received a complete facelift in January 2018. This is the perfect spot for luncheons, small dinners, and showers for up to 10-20 people. The suite comes with a mini-fridge and access to a covered patio with seating.

The Cottage (pictured above) opened in August 2018. This charming 1,600 square foot home has been completely remodeled and upgraded with new appliances and beautiful modern furniture. The private house can sleep 6 and has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has a large patio for dining and a big screen TV (great for watching sporting events or a favorite movie). The Cottage is perfect for luncheons, baby or bridal showers, board meetings and girls' getaways. The best part... it is only 50 feet from our beautiful gardens.
Make your reservations today: 940-682-4856

Just beyond the noise of the city, nestled in the serene North Texas Hill Country, lies Clark Gardens - a breathtaking 35-acre botanical garden and event venue. Once a rugged mesquite pasture, it was transformed by founders Max and Billie Clark into a flourishing oasis - crafted by hand, fueled by passion, and sustained entirely by community support.
Clark Gardens is not publicly funded or part of a city park system. It’s a grassroots gem - deeply rooted in Texas soil and in the hearts of all who visit. Each year, thousands come to experience our curated beauty, native and adaptable plantings, and peaceful walking trails that invite reflection and renewal.
We are more than a garden — we are a living classroom. Each year, elementary students participate in free hands-on programs celebrating pollinator health and Texas Arbor Day. Retired educators, master gardeners, and volunteers guide children through powerful, sensory learning experiences - often their first connection to nature.
We also believe in the healing power of the outdoors. From seasonal wellness events to quiet spaces designed for rest and reflection, Clark Gardens nurtures mind, body, and spirit.

100% of your gift goes to the garden – processing fees are covered by sponsors.
Thank you. Because of you, Clark Gardens continues to bloom, inspire, and connect generations.

Dear Educators:
Clark Gardens invites you and your 1st grade students to participate in Pollinator Power!
The field trip is a fun-filled day for first-graders to learn about pollination. There are multiple learning stations for the kids to visit and experience.
The Clark Gardens Field Trip is available for 7 classes daily with a maximum of 22 students each on: Tuesday April 21st, Wednesday April 22nd, and Thursday April 23rd, 2026.
Students arrive no later than 8:45 am with activities beginning at 9:00 am and concluding by 1:00 pm. Picnic lunch is allotted between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm (Schools are encouraged to bring picnic lunches.).
All participating teachers receive four, one-time admission passes to Clark Gardens.
Reservations open now.
7 classes daily
Limited availability for attending.
Register early!
Registration Deadline:
February 4, 2026
[
2026 Pollinator Power Registration Form ]
Contact us for more information and to register: or (940) 682-4856
"Yes! We loved it!"
"Amazing!!!!!"
"Awesome!"
"The activities were great. Many great hands on activities."


Nestled in the trees on the edge of the North Texas Hill Country,
Clark Gardens has two vacation homes to help you escape the stress of busy cities and bright lights.
Experience the ambiance of a hotel with the privacy of a family home.
A quaint private getaway tucked into the tranquil garden setting.
The Cottage is for those seeking a peaceful getaway in the comfort of a home. With three bedrooms and two baths, the Cottage can accommodate up to 6 guests. It is only a short walk to Rails to Trails and Clark Gardens - an invitation to explore the North Texas outdoors as well as the 35 acres of stunning botanical gardens.
There are a variety of things to see and do in the surrounding area. Check out these local adventures and eateries.

The Retreat and Cottage guests receive complimentary admission during their stay and are encouraged to explore all that Clark Gardens has to offer.

Through our Celebrations, Memorials & Tributes Program you may honor a loved one with a tribute tree or bench in their name. Your tribute becomes a living part of the gardens and supports the maintenance and care of the Clark Gardens grounds.
Contribute to our tree planting fund which provides planting and maintenance for trees throughout Clark Gardens. Notification of your generous tribute is sent to a designated person. Trees are marked for family and friends to identify the life that has been created in honor of a special someone or event. With this contribution the honored person will be listed in our monthly newsletter. It is our primary goal to ensure the quality and to maintain the long-term viability of your dedicated tree for a minimum of five years. However, Acts of Nature and other circumstances may cause damage to the tree requiring its removal. If damage is made to the dedicated tree within the five years Clark Gardens will replace the tree at no cost.
Provide a place for respite and reflection. Benches will be placed strategically throughout the West Garden. An engraved label with a person's name is affixed to the bench. Clark Gardens Director assigns the appropriate location. With this contribution the honored person will be listed in our monthly newsletter. Honorary benches will remain in place until such time that they are unsafe or aesthetically unacceptable for up to 10 years.
To learn more about our Memorials & Tributes Program please contact Director, Carol Clark Montgomery via email or call 940-682-4856.
"A tree is worth $193,250 according to Professor T.M. Das of the University of Calcutta. A tree living for 50 years will generate $31,250 worth of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, control soil erosion andincrease soil fertility to the tune of $31,250. This figuredoes not include the value of fruits, lumber or beauty derived from trees. Just another sensible reason to take care of our forests."
From: Update Forestry Michigan State University
Nothing like fresh air, sunshine, and adding life to your surroundings with container plants. Visit Mineral Wells featured our special on container planting session. (It was originally recorded Live on their Facebook Page.) Due to popular demand, we are including the
Container Plants Information Sheet as a PDF for you to view, print, or download. Thanks for watching!
Thank you to our donors!
From: Anne Anderson, Kori Schroeder, Margaret Youmans, and Tim & Jane Fischer.
From: Amy May, Charlette Kwok, Christy Alvear, Rhonda Farley, and Sandi McSpadden.
From: Amy Lane, Barbara Rice, Blacksmith Blades, Breanna Garcia, Bridgette Goldstein, Buzbee Foundation, Carol Birkes, Chicken Express Mineral Wells, Christiana Rodriguez Lazo, David & Shirl Hawes, Delores & Frank Christian, Dolores Larson, Elaine Jary, Gina Glover, Howard McCarthy, In Memory of Zdenek Jary (Elaine Jary), James & Ellen Hewitt, Janette Kurban, Janis Janes, Joanne Wallis, Kathleen & Larry Brown, Kay Scott Leighton, Kendall & Elizabeth Simon, Marie Evans, Mark & Carol Montgomery, Max & Betty Bennett, Miguel Mendoza, Pat Bazzell, Paul West, Rebecca Barham, Rick & Janice Barnes, Rod Arnold, The Brazos Foundation, Thomas Lytle, Venture Farms - Radomske, and Wesley & Maureen Johnson.
From: Gwen Adcock, Max and Betty Bennett, Bill & Milly Chevaillier, Mary Duggins, Michael & Shari Ford, Susan Fall, Brock Haynes, William & Jane Holder, Doris Holder-Farley, Regan Johnson, Chloe Langston, Perri Leavelle, and Debbie Van Winkle.
From: Brock Haynes, Chloe Langston, Debbie Van Winkle, Doris Farley, Gene Jolly, Gwen Adcock, Julia Lawhon, Mary Duggins, Perri Leavelle, RE Brown, Regan Johnson, Susan Fall, and William & Shari Ford
Clark Gardens inspires and demonstrates the many rich horticulture and nature-based possibilities of North Texas to tourists and residents alike.
To create a vibrant destination garden oasis in the rugged North Texas landscape:
The Max and Billie Clark Foundation / Clark Gardens is a 501(c)3 organization. If you believe in our mission and would like to help us move forward click here to donate.
On December 3rd, Clark Gardens' founder, Max Clark, will turn 95. Mr. Clark continues to work in the gardens 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. No matter the weather conditions, he can be found tending to the garden.
For his birthday, Clark Gardens' board is raising funds to tell Max's love story. The love story of Max and Billie Clark, as well as their love for gardening and the outdoors, will be shared in a documentary. A donation in honor of Max's 95th birthday will help bring this documentary to life.

Clark Gardens mission is to inspire and demonstrate the many rich horticulture and nature-based possibilities of North Texas to tourists and residents alike.
Your generous donations and continued support to Clark Gardens gives us support to continue providing the very best visitor experience and outdoor education to our community. Your gift is 100% tax deductible and will provide funds for programs, plants and ongoing operations. Your support is critical to our success.
Your belief in and support for Clark Gardens propels us forward. With your help, this will be another year of milestones and awesome memories!
Clark Gardens is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We appreciate your support.
North Texas Giving Day is Thursday, September 19, but you can make a difference starting today with Early Giving!
Donate for North Texas Giving Day
This annual day of giving is an incredible opportunity to support local nonprofits like Clark Gardens.
This year, we are excited to focus on revitalizing Shady Alley, an important part of our garden's history. Shady Alley allows us to demonstrate shade gardening for pollinators and host classes on pollinator education. Thanks to your support, we're also able to provide pollinator education at no charge to local first graders, many of whom may not have the chance to experience the wonders of nature elsewhere.
We are truly grateful for the ongoing support and friendships we've built with our community. Every member, visitor, group tour participant, and school-aged child who attends our programs inspires us to continue working to create an unforgettable experience. Your involvement and enthusiasm are the heart and soul of Clark Gardens.
Dear Friends,
As Max and Billie Clark built the garden, they poured their hearts, souls, and money into the endeavor. Their legacy is an inspirational botanical garden. For the past 18 years guests have come to relax, take in nature and leave their hectic lives behind them, if just for a while. Our guests come from all walks of life and from all over the world and have described the garden as peaceful, tranquil, and beautiful.
But, now, the long-term economic sustainability of the garden is at risk.
Managing a privately funded garden is very challenging. We rely on donors, members, and grants to provide the funding for the garden along with our earned income from events, admissions, and sales. Clark Gardens does not receive government funding-not from the county, city or state.
We can't do this alone. Here is how you can help.
Membership! Members allow the garden to fulfill its mission. They inspire us. They push us to be better. Individual members spread the word about the garden increasing visitation. Membership has benefits for members too. Members may enjoy the garden year-round, admission free (even in off season); they are included in exclusive members-only events, and they may enjoy perks at over 250 other botanical gardens. But, most importantly our members share with us a mutual commitment to the garden, striving to see the garden as a lasting institution for generations to come. See membership details/Become a member
Volunteers! The future of the garden is dependent on increasing the number of volunteers. In the past ten years, we have cut our staff by half due to economic constraints. We need volunteers who love roses, daylilies or irises to help maintain our collections. We need youth groups, scouting groups, and community organizations to volunteer their time maintaining specific areas of the garden. There are many volunteer opportunities: working in the gift shop, helping with the education program, driving cart tours, or running the trains. If you have as little as 4 hours a week, we can use your help. More volunteer information and application form
Donors! Our earned income makes up about 1/3 of the revenue needed to maintain the gardens. The other 2/3's must come from donors—individuals, community groups, foundations, and grants. If you are interested in seeing the garden continue to thrive, please consider donating. Donations may be designated to a particular project, or an area of the garden may be named in honor of a loved one. You may donate directly to the education fund. Purchase a bench or a tree to honor a milestone birthday or the birth of a new grandbaby.
In closing, I ask that you consider donating your time or financial resources to the gardens. Purchase a membership and become part of the Clark Gardens family. We need your support. Our long-term financial sustainability depends on it.
Sincerely,
Carol Clark Montgomery
ANNUAL GIVING is the lifeblood of the garden. By giving to the annual fund you touch all aspects of the garden. You help maintain the trains, fountains, infrastructure and horticultural displays. | PLANNED GIVING gifts help ensure the long term financial security of the garden. Consider making plans to give to the gardens beyond your lifetime. Contact us for more planned giving information: 940-682-4856 |
Your donation to the MAX E. CLARK EDUCATION FUND allows the garden to offer quality education programs to area school children. Children in Palo Pinto County and Parker County benefit through either no cost or low cost programs. Currently programs include: pollinators, the impact of trees on our environment, Texas history and ecosystems. | Through our CELEBRATIONS, MEMORIALS & TRIBUTES program you may honor a loved one with a tribute tree, bench or naming rights to an area in the garden. These gifts may honor a loved one, or recognize a birth or marriage, or be special recognition such as to commemorate a colleague's retirement, or a way to promote your business. These are fully tax-deductible. Multiple donors (family, friends, co-workers) may contribute through honorary and memorial funds. See details about this program. |

Have you heard? It is written in stone. Your name, that is - at least, it could be. Mark your spot here at Clark Gardens with a custom engraved paver.
For a $200 donation, a custom paver can be engraved for you. The pavers will be placed among the arbor, the gateway into our stunning 35-acre botanical park.
Originally paved with bricks 22 years ago, wear and tear from harsh Texas weather conditions has taken a toll on our arbor's pathways. Winter Storm Uri 2021 was the final straw that caused many bricks to crumble to dust. In this upcoming renovation, we will replace the busted bricks with concrete pavers, a much sturdier material for outdoor conditions. Around 4,000 square feet will be replaced, costing $71,820.
As a nonprofit, Clark Gardens needs your help to complete this beautification project. Not only is the brick arbor currently an aesthetic issue, but it could quickly escalate into a safety issue.
Whether it is a family name, in memory of a loved one, an anniversary gift, or a company shout-out, make sure to reserve your paver quickly – as a limited number are available.
Size: 4" x 8"
Color: Hollandstone Terra Cotta
Engravement of up to 3 lines, with 15 characters each
Engraving Donation: $200
Engraved pavers purchased prior to February 1, 2023, have been installed. Clark Gardens was fortunate to complete half of the arbor beautification project prior to our 2023 March spring opening. To help complete this project engraved pavers are still available for purchase. Ideally the final half would be completed at the same time, prior to 2025's spring opening.
If an engraved paver is not of interest or is out of budget, all other monetary donations are greatly appreciated.

Tall Bearded iris have stalks with a height of 70 cm (27 1/2 inches) and above, with branching and many buds. Each stalk, in itself, makes a stately arrangement in the garden or in a vase. In addition to a wide variety of colors and patterns, the TBs display other qualities (such as ruffling and lacing) more frequently than do the other classes.
Louisiana Irises are a horticultural class of Iris that is equivalent to the botanical series Hexagonae. They range across the US Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida and up the Mississippi River to Iowa. They are called Louisiana Irises because the large diversity present in that state. They can be grown almost anywhere in the United States and even into Canada provided a few easy requirements for cultivation are met. The blooms are usually very wide petaled and open, showing brightly colored style-arms and sharp signal-crests. Some of the most spectacular Iris flowers are in plants of this group.
Siberians perform best with cooler conditions, regular moisture and a slightly acid soil. The blooms can be blue, purple, red-violet or yellow with newer cultivars in brown and orange shades, and can have a variety of forms from upright to flat and round. They are most attractive in established clumps that develop a bouquet effect and grow to a height of 2 to 4 feet, although some dwarf varieties are also available. Their grass-like foliage after bloom is one of their attractive garden features. They tend to bloom slightly later than the TBs. Cultivation of Siberians is easy.
Spurias are tall (2 to 5 feet in height) and elegant, and have very attractive foliage. The shape of the bloom often suggests orchids and the colors range from white and yellow through blue, wine and brown, often with bright yellow signals. This horticultural class is equivalent to the botanical Series Spuriae.

Thanks to generous donors, the labyrinth at Clark Gardens was installed in July 2022. Donations to the labyrinth came large and small, including the pennies and dollars placed in our donation box. Nestled on the west side of the Garden along the Historical Tree Trail (indicated in the map below), the labyrinth invites guests to spend time in this natural setting and engage in physical movement.

above: The yellow triangle marks the location of the labyrinth.
"The Keepers of the Labyrinth" is a group of energy workers, spiritual directors, healthcare workers, and more who have graciously accepted the invitation to share in keeping the labyrinth filled with high vibe energy, prayers, love, healing, and peace.
It is not a maze full of dead ends meant to be a game to get in and out. The labyrinth has no wrong turns, no dead ends or traps.
The labyrinth in the Christian faith dates back to the medieval ages. Today, it is considered a tool to clear your mind and open your heart. An additional benefit of walking a labyrinth is that it aids in the process of meditation and stress relief.
The total cost of this project was $27,000, which was all covered by generous donors, including a $15,000 grant from The Brazos Foundation. Additional labyrinth donors include Amy Lane, Barbara Rice, Blacksmith Blades, Breanna Garcia, Bridgette Goldstein, Buzbee Foundation, Carol Birkes, Chicken Express Mineral Wells, Christiana Rodriguez Lazo, David & Shirl Hawes, Delores & Frank Christian, Dolores Larson, Gina Glover, Howard McCarthy, In Memory of Theo Wayne, In Memory of Zdenek Jary, James & Ellen Hewitt, Janette Kurban, Janis Janes, Joanne Wallis, Kathleen & Larry Brown, Kay Scott Leighton, Kendall & Elizabeth Simon, Marie Evans, Mark & Carol Montgomery, Max & Betty Bennett, Miguel Mendoza, Pat Bazzell, Paul West, Rebecca Barham, Rick & Janice Barnes, Rod Arnold, Thomas Lytle, Venture Farms – Radomske, and Wesley & Maureen Johnson.
Clark Gardens is a participating garden in the American Horticultural Society (AHS) Reciprocal Admissions program. Garden guests who are members of a participating garden will receive free daily admission to the garden. Reciprocal admissions may not be used on ANY festival or special events day, such as Holiday Festival, Train Show, Summer Solstice or any other special event. We strongly recommend that individuals planning to use their AHS Reciprocal admission call ahead before their visit to inquire about exclusions.
Upon arrival to the garden all visitors please proceed to the Admissions Booth. A current membership card from the AHS or a participating garden entitles the visitor to a complimentary admission for one to the gardens. Each person using the reciprocal membership must show photo identification with current home address and a membership card in their name from their originating garden.
No discounts are given for tours, classes, or member only events.
The AHS program allows for a 90 mile exclusion policy. However, Clark Gardens will allow members of both Dallas Arboretum and the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens reciprocal admission unless the visitor is a resident of Parker or Palo Pinto County.
Downtown Mineral Wells photo: Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
There are a variety of nearby things to do, places to see, and activities to participate in! Check out these nearby adventures and eateries.
The welcoming community surrounding Mineral Wells offers several interesting places to visit and fun events to enjoy.
Mineral Wells and the surrounding area includes family friendly parks, activities and more.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway Crazy Water Bath House Mineral Wells Fossil Park | National Vietnam War Museum Brazos Cinema III Film Alley |
Local restaurants for a sit-down meal, quick bite or sweet treat!
| Mesquite Pit3915 Hwy 180 E | Pulido's Mexican Restaurant100 NE 22nd St | Second Bar and Kitchen |
Taqueria La Estrella | Pastafina | Chili's Bar & Grill | Woody's Bar & Grill |
Krazy Creamery |
Texas Roadhouse | Baker's Ribs | Fire Oak Grill | Mesquite Pit |
Rio Mambo | Shep's | Whistle Hill's Downtown Cafe |
Learn more about our two homes available for booking: The Retreat and The Cottage
Thank you for your Garden a Glow ticket order.
Tickets will called and held at the Admission booth.
Call Storie 940-682-4856 if you have questions.
Physical Address [map]
567 Maddux Road
Weatherford, Texas 76088
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 276
Mineral Wells, Texas 76068
Phone: (940) 682-4856
Fax: (940) 682-4078
Email: