WANDERLIST

La Vie en Rose

Visiting a rose garden is a divine outing for photos, education or just to stop and sniff.

By Sarah Bloodworth

Roses have a reputation for being beautiful but difficult to grow. While not all rose varieties are finicky, some require special care and attention. Luckily you don't need to worry about your gardening prowess to experience the charm of Texas roses.

Photo by Earl Nottingham / TPWD

THE ROSE GARDEN, FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN

 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd | Fort Worth

This location offers a panoramic view of multiple rose gardens. Ascend the Rose Ramp, viewing the flowerbeds along the way, until you reach the Shelter House, which overlooks all three rose gardens.

Photo by Chase Fountain / TPWD

TEXAS ROSE GARDEN, TYLER

 420 Rose Park Drive | Tyler

The Texas Rose Garden, featuring around 500 varieties and 38,000 bushes, is the largest rose garden in the nation. Fall is the best time to visit as the 14-acre park flowers fully. The annual Texas Rose Festival occurs here on the third weekend of October.

Photo by Sonja Sommerfeld / TPWD

ANTIQUE ROSE EMPORIUM, BRENHAM

 10000 FM 50 | Brenham

For a rosy retail experience, visit the Antique Rose Emporium garden. The emporium prides itself on showcasing unique varieties, including easy-care roses for beginners or those who want a more relaxed rose-growing experience.

Photo courtesy of Texas Sightseeing

EL PASO MUNICIPAL ROSE GARDEN

 3418 Aurora Ave | El Paso

Every year, new roses are added to this West Texas rose garden. It began with just one acre and 200 roses and now has more than 430 varieties and 1,500 rose bushes spanning the four-acre plot.

Photo by Chase Fountain / TPWD

THE MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN, VICTORIA

 502 Mc Cright Drive | Victoria

The Riverside Park rose garden is a quaint yet quintessential rose garden experience in Texas. Follow the rose-studded circular path to a perfectly placed gazebo.