Attractions
An Accidental Masterpiece — Clark Gardens
By Jessica Crabtree
A simple idea and love for gardening literally grew before the eyes of Max Clark and his late wife Billie. When the two settled on the property between Weatherford and Mineral Wells, the land was neglected and overrun with mesquite trees. Moving to the location in 1972, the couple initially began creating a garden for their daughter’s upcoming wedding the following year. In a previous comment, Max Clark admitted, “…it was never meant for the public; it was meant for us. We never put anything on paper; we just built it a little at a time.” Clark Gardens Botanical Park made a gradual transformation over the next few decades.
Years of developing their garden grew into something much larger than a simple “back yard garden.” Loved ones will vouch that the years of time and labor invested are a display of Max’s unwavering love for his wife, Billie, who passed in 2012. Before her passing, the couple donated 143 acres of land to the Max and Billie Clark Foundation in 1999, and in 2000 Clark Gardens opened its doors to the public including an event center, plant nursery and staggering garden filled with native Texas and adaptable plants, flowers and trees for every season.
Each season offers visitors a variety of beauty in the overall masterpiece that is Clark Gardens. Spring sets the tone for color that we are starved from all winter. A sea of pink emerges in spring from the double ruffled poppies. Adding to the splendor are more than 3,000 different varieties of irises. Additional flowers are azaleas, roses, daylilies, bluebonnets, cannas and daffodils as well as fruit trees. Summer includes hues of reds, yellows and oranges as all are in full bloom. Fall presents visitors with views of bald cypress and maple, pumpkins, chrysanthemums and large crape myrtles. In the cold of winter, beauty can still be found at Clark Gardens. Garden owners see winter as a time for reflection with the subtle views of holly berries, evergreens and the dusting of snow.
No matter the season, Clark Gardens will not disappoint. The well maintained walk ways are covered two-thirds of the way with a canopy of trees shading the pathways for comfort no matter the temperature. While the flower blooms are stunning, as equally alluring are the trees at Clark Gardens. Historic Tree Trail is made up of more than 80 historic trees for onlookers to see. Each represents its own lineage, American or Texas History and the Civil War.
To read more pick up a copy of the April 2018 issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Overlooking the Pavilion Lake. (Photo by Judy Valentine)
It’s already March and the smell of springtime parties and special events is in the air.
Everybody knows in order to have a great party, you’ve got to have the right music.
Well, that’s where my friend Katie Dieter comes to the rescue.
Katie, aka DJ KD “The Spinner,” has been spinning the right mix for parties and special events throughout North Texas for years now. Her passion for music helps to make your special event one your friends will never forget. Whether you’re planning a wedding, banquet, school event or just a backyard get-together with friends, DJ KD “The Spinner” is the right call for you.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Seems lately these days Texas is becoming the envy of musicians from around the world.
With the overwhelming response to “Yellowstone,” the television series, Texas once again finds itself under the microscope of the world, much like the late 1980’s TV series know to all around the globe as “Dallas.”
With that said, the musician population in Texas is beginning to grow as many aspiring performers turn their sights on Texas instead of Nashville. Meet my newly-found friend and fellow musician Grace Partridge. This youthful 19 year old has recently made Texas her new home. She began fiddling at age four in Rigby, Idaho. Grace worked her way through the National Fiddle championships in Weiser, Idaho, becoming a five-time national champion. She’s even played on the Grand Ole Opry. Still yet, her desire to become a true Texas Fiddler has brought her to the Lone Star State. I’m pretty sure we can thank Bob Wills for that.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January 2024 issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
On Nov. 4, 2023, the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of Texas Cowboy, Country and Western Swing with yours truly, Dave Alexander and the fabulous Quebe Sisters.
Enjoy the music of Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Gene Autry and many more of your Texas Music favorites performed with a full symphony orchestra. We also will feature music from my latest CD, “From The Saddle To Symphony Hall,” along with some of my own compositions. It is guaranteed to be a night to remember.
To read more, pick up a copy of the October issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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