Founding (1982): In summer 1982, civic leaders—including founders Mrs. Frank (Virgina) Nick and Mrs. Eugene (Margaret) McDermott—organized a support group to raise funds and awareness for the Arboretum. Doris Anton served as the first president; 313 charter members joined in year one, and the bluebonnet became the Council’s logo. Early events included receptions and a Christmas Tea, with proceeds donated to Arboretum operations.
Early growth & signature fundraisers (1983–1986): The first Gatsby garden party debuted in 1983; the Council also launched a boutique and helped establish “Friends of the Arboretum.” The Council’s work around DeGolyer and Camp Houses—including holiday fundraisers—became a hallmark of engagement.
Vision for a dedicated garden (mid-1980s): In 1986 the Council formally committed to create A Woman’s Garden, opening a garden account with the first installment of a three-year pledge; it also began steps toward independent nonprofit status. The garden’s mission envisioned an all-season, terraced space of “formal grandeur and sweeping beauty,” reflecting women’s strengths, with sculptural plants, water for “grandness and quietness,” and intimate rooms—“a garden of love.”
Endowment & Phase I (mid-1990s): The Council established a $1.5M endowment for A Woman’s Garden—the Arboretum’s first fully endowed garden—and launched the Founders Awards Dinner to recognize major contributors.
Opening of A Woman’s Garden (1997): After major construction and planting in 1996–97, A Woman’s Garden opened with a gala on September 27, 1997, preceded by a symposium and followed by community celebrations.
Phase II (2003–2006): Design work for Phase II progressed in the early 2000s; construction began July 6, 2005, aided by an interest-free loan to synchronize with adjacent garden renovations. The project—described as the first public garden in the nation built and endowed by women and dedicated to all women—opened to the public on March 10 (timed with Dallas Blooms), with an opening gala May 17.
Signature programs & traditions:
Continuing impact: Across four decades, the Council has raised operational funds, staffed volunteer days, hosted trips and lectures, and continually invested in endowment and construction to sustain and expand A Woman’s Garden—cementing its role as a cornerstone support organization of the Dallas Arboretum.
Early growth & signature fundraisers (1983–1986): The first Gatsby garden party debuted in 1983; the Council also launched a boutique and helped establish “Friends of the Arboretum.” The Council’s work around DeGolyer and Camp Houses—including holiday fundraisers—became a hallmark of engagement.
Vision for a dedicated garden (mid-1980s): In 1986 the Council formally committed to create A Woman’s Garden, opening a garden account with the first installment of a three-year pledge; it also began steps toward independent nonprofit status. The garden’s mission envisioned an all-season, terraced space of “formal grandeur and sweeping beauty,” reflecting women’s strengths, with sculptural plants, water for “grandness and quietness,” and intimate rooms—“a garden of love.”
Endowment & Phase I (mid-1990s): The Council established a $1.5M endowment for A Woman’s Garden—the Arboretum’s first fully endowed garden—and launched the Founders Awards Dinner to recognize major contributors.
Opening of A Woman’s Garden (1997): After major construction and planting in 1996–97, A Woman’s Garden opened with a gala on September 27, 1997, preceded by a symposium and followed by community celebrations.
Phase II (2003–2006): Design work for Phase II progressed in the early 2000s; construction began July 6, 2005, aided by an interest-free loan to synchronize with adjacent garden renovations. The project—described as the first public garden in the nation built and endowed by women and dedicated to all women—opened to the public on March 10 (timed with Dallas Blooms), with an opening gala May 17.
Signature programs & traditions:
- Mad Hatter’s Tea Party evolved into a marquee spring fundraiser and style event in the 1990s and 2000s.
- A Writer’s Garden Symposium & Book Reviews (launched in 2007–08) added a literary and design-education dimension to fundraising for A Woman’s Garden.
Continuing impact: Across four decades, the Council has raised operational funds, staffed volunteer days, hosted trips and lectures, and continually invested in endowment and construction to sustain and expand A Woman’s Garden—cementing its role as a cornerstone support organization of the Dallas Arboretum.
