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Secrets from the Garden
Chandor Gardens Newsletter - April 2020
These Gardens are old. So many significant events in our country's history have all occurred within this Garden's lifetime; WWII, 9/11, and the Civil Rights Movement, just to name a few. All of these events were rooted in fear and sadness, for sure, but they were also rooted in hope, strength, and growth. This current pandemic is no different. Yes, these times are scary and uncertain, but the Gardens will survive this too, and come out stronger on the other side. And to that end, we are preparing. Our staff is using this closure as an opportunity to get some bigger projects done, such as cleaning and resurfacing ponds and fountains, getting some projects going in the greenhouse, and doing an in-depth spring cleaning.
While we work on these projects, we will be keeping everyone in the loop as to where things stand, and updated with new content here on the newsletter, as well as on our social media accounts. We know many people with events scheduled may have questions and concerns, and we are always available to speak to you. To contact us, either call 817-613-1700 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email .
In the meantime, we hope that you enjoy this publication focusing on the beauty of the Gardens in spring and our progress as we make lemonade out of the lemons we've all been given during this extraordinary time.
Stay safe and healthy. We will be back before you know it.
Warmest wishes,
Chandor Gardens Staff
To ensure you stay up to date on happenings in the Garden, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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The Courtyard in Full Bloom
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How beautiful does the Courtyard look in spring? The Lady Banks Roses have burst into beautiful buttery blooms, stretching their tendrils of new growth down as if to touch the radiant crimson and magenta Tulips reaching towards the warmth of the sun. Pansies in shades of cream and cornflower blue soften the edges of this gorgeous vignette and add to its magical aura. Truly, it is a veritable riot of color, and the bumblebees and butterflies are out in droves in a celebration of pollination and growth.
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There are two stately ram statues that frame the southernmost entrance to the Garden Courtyard. These were installed in the Garden by Douglas Chandor in honor of both himself and his wife, as both were born in the Chinese Year of the Sheep. People born in the year of the sheep are said to be gentle, kind-hearted, persistent, and hard-working. They are thought to have a particular fondness for art, beauty, and quiet living. We think Douglas and Ina were the embodiment of these ideals, and it flows through every aspect of the estate, both indoors and out.
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Whimsically lining nearly every walkway and flower bed through the Gardens, the Tulips cheerily greet staff members with their happy and bright demeanor. Together with assistance from the Parker County Master Gardeners, our staff diligently planted thousands of bulbs all throughout the Garden, and their hard work has paid off spectacularly! We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Master Gardeners and encourage anyone interested in learning more to visit www.pcmg-texas.org for more on this esteemed organization.
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Texas Bluebonnets - Lupine texensis
April is prime Bluebonnet season! Made the official State Flower by the Texas Legislature in 1901, this iconic flower has become ubiquitous with this great state and all it has to offer. We are always filled with pride when we see these picturesque blooms return year after year, and we couldn't let the month pass without showing respect to this revered bloom, and that is why it is April's Plant of the Month.
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Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
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Spring has filled the Garden with vibrant color, all of which is accented by our whimsical glass sculptures strategically placed throughout the grounds. We are so proud of how it looks, and so sad that we can't show you around in person. And since we miss you so much, we'd like to hear from you. So make sure you have "liked" and "subscribed" to our Facebook page and are following us. We will be rolling out special content to keep you entertained in this equal parts stressful and boring period of social distancing! Under this picture on our Facebook, we've asked for pictures of your own spring gardens. We'd love to see what you are up to and see what you are growing!
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What an interesting view of the Great Room's chandelier! This chandelier has overlooked and lit up many a festive event over the years, and we anticipate it doing so again in the near future. We host a variety of events each year, such as dinner parties, showers, weddings, and receptions. The home can accommodate events of up to 125 people, while the Garden's outdoor capacity is 200. Whether you have a special event in mind, or just want a memorable party to celebrate with your loved ones when this is over, we can make that happen for you! If you would like information on booking the mansion and/or garden for your event, give us a call at 817-613-1700 or email .
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Staff Members David and Cindy have been hard at work scrubbing out all the ponds and fountains and resurfacing them in a different material that will be more durable and allow for better viewing of our popular Koi fish. Speaking of our Koi, check out this photo of one curious, not-so-little, finned friend enjoying his time in the Millstone Pond while the Canal undergoes maintenance and improvement. We are super proud of our staff and the work that they have accomplished for the Gardens. We anticipate that everyone will be as awed by the finished product as we are when we are able to reopen to the public once again. Thank you!
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The iconic Wisteria is in bloom once again! These heady-scented lavender blooms have graced the Millstone Pond almost eternally, it seems. Douglas had Wisteria planted here back when he was building this estate, however, we have since changed varieties to a hardier and more heat-tolerant variety to accommodate our zone's shifting climate over the years. We did stay true to Douglas's vision, however, and it has paid off. The Wisteria is one of our most popular plants in the Garden!
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This vintage lantern is one of a pair installed in the Garden by Douglas Chandor himself! They are often missed because they are not located at the Garden's current entrance. You see, the Garden used to be accessible only from the massive entrance off Simmons Street, not West Lee Avenue the way it is now. Part of any tour of Chandor Gardens should include a look at this beautiful entrance, built in the 1940s, graced by the stunning double gates designed by Chandor and flanked with these lovely lanterns. The best part is, no one even needs to leave their car! Give us a drive-by and admire the gorgeous artistry of the past!
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This view of the Bowling Green is stunning. Usually, photos get taken of this area from the other end, but now seems a perfect time to mix up some routines. Taken from the north end of the Green from the vantage point of the Gazebo, this image showcases the length of the Bowling Green perfectly. Often, wedding ceremonies take place in this area, and we would be remiss in failing to mention that. If you have photos of your wedding at the Gardens, email them to , and we can showcase them in our next publication!
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Your "happily ever after" begins here.
Reserve your special day.
Dates are filling up fast for 2021 & 2022.
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Contact us to schedule a tour.
Call 817-613-1700 or
email
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Parting Shot
Mount Cox Waterfall
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The waterfalls in the Garden are absolutely the photographic version of peace and tranquility. Framed with Redbuds and native Cedars, and planted with beautiful annual groundcover, these bright colors only enhance the serenity of the waters bubbling and falling around the ancient stones. One can almost hear the splashing as the stream hits the pool beneath it.
Perhaps soon, we will upload a video of Mount Cox so that everyone at home can experience its majesty too. In the meantime, stay safe, follow along, and use this time to plan for a future visit to the Gardens.
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Contact Information
Chandor Gardens
711 W Lee Avenue
Weatherford, TX 76086
Karen Nantz
Manager
Phone: 817-613-1700
Fax: 817-598-4354
email:
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Currently closed to the Public due to Covid-19 concerns. Please check our website and social media pages for on-going developments during the pandemic.
Public Hours
Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday, noon to 4:00 pm
Closed all City Observed Holidays
Admission
Adults: $5
Children 12 and under: Free
(Children must be accompanied by an adult.)
Private Tours and Events
Available year-round by appointment.
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