An Oasis in the City

The entire experience of visiting the The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens makes you feel as though you've been thrown back in time. To enter the estate you must cross over the buffalo bayou on a swinging suspension bridge.

Crossing the Bridge

You can no longer see the city skyline or hear the busy traffic even though you're in the heart of Houston. The 14 acre estate is a tranquil combination of formal English gardens, native woodlands, and lush vegetation lining walking paths. The Bayou Bend, formally the estate of the incredible Ima Hogg, was donated to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston in 1957.  It is now the house museum for American decorative arts and paintings. 

CLIO GARDEN

Azaleas along the paths

Bayou Bend Main House

DIANA GARDEN

THE WOODLAND RAVINES boast native plants and carry rainwater to the Bayou 

Fun Facts:
**Bayou Bend has 7 trees on its property that are considered "Harris County champions" (exceptionally large trees): Yaupon Holly, Flowering Dogwood, American Sycamore, Maidenhair Tree (Gingko), Two Winged Silverbell, PawPaw, Yellow Poplar, Winged Elm
** The River Oaks Garden Club has supervised the gardens since 1961.
** Ima Hogg is credited with bringing azaleas to Houston. (See Houston's annual Azalea Trail in April)
** The Bayou Bend is the first historic public garden in Texas to practice organic gardening. 

Upcoming Events in May:
Every Tuesday 1:30pm - 4:30pm  Sketching in the Gardens
Every Saturday 1:30-4:30pm  Photography in the Gardens
May 17     Texas Children's Art Festival  1-5pm (FREE)


Keep Exploring! xo The Bayou Botanist