2012 Azalea Trails Set for this Weekend in the Oldest Town In Texas
NACOGDOCHES- The fourteenth annual Nacogdoches Azalea Trail will usher springtime into East Texas this weekend. Nacogdoches is home to Texas’ largest azalea garden. March 10th through April 7, 2012 Downtown Nacogdoches will be abuzz during the 2012 Azalea Trail.
As always, the centerpiece of the Azalea Trail will be the 25 miles of self-guided driving routes that meander through the city and include the stunning Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden – the largest in the state of Texas.
Each trail begins at the Visitor Center, located at 200 E. Main St. in historic downtown Nacogdoches. Color-coded signs mark the routes, and maps are available at the Visitor Center. Nacogdoches, “The Oldest Town in Texas,” is located about 150 miles north of Houston via U.S. Hwy. 59.
Every weekend of the Azalea Trail will also feature at least one special event, including a floral design exhibit, photography show, symposium and everyone’s favorite the “Little Princess” garden party.
BLOOM REPORT: Report on the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden from Barbara Stump: I’d say we are at 10-15% in my totally unscientific inventory. The early azaleas are out: the “Purple Spider Azalea”—our signature azalea is nearing full bloom inside the garden and on both sides of University Drive. The bright red ‘Jennifer’ is blooming, which blooms again a bit in the fall. This will be a perfect weekend to see deciduous magnolias such as huge-flowered ‘Jon Jon’ and pale yellow ‘Yellow Butterflies’ as well as redbuds. The Japanese maple leaves are beginning to open. And, we still have lots of Camellias blooming.
Events
March 10, 2012- Nacogdoches Azalea Trail Symposium–May the Drips Be With You
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Stephen F. Austin State University Agriculture Building
Can we grow azaleas in water-short years? Yes, by using wise watering techniques. Dr. David Creech, Regents Professor of Horticulture and Director of the 68 acres of SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University will present ways to use state-of-the-art low-cost efficient watering systems. For a historical perspective, local azalea enthusiasts Bryan Holt Davis and Bill Patton will share colorful stories about propagating and growing azaleas in the 1950s without major irrigation. Lunch is provided, followed by a hands-on workshop by Dr. Creech on drip-irrigation. The guided tour of the SFA Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden will focus on the unique features of deciduous and evergreen azaleas for home landscapes. Held at the Stephen F. Austin State University Agriculture Building; sponsored by Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens and Texas Chapter of the Azalea Society of America. Fee $30 to SFA Gardens members; $40 to non-members. Contact 936-564-7351 or click here to download a registration form.
March 10, 2012- Guided Tours of the Garden
Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden
March 10-April 7- For guided tours for the Garden during Azalea Trail time (March 10-April 7, 2012): Contact the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 936-564-7351 or 1-888-OLDEST-TOWN.
March 24, 2012- Nacogdoches Azalea Trail Photography Show. Tues-Sun 12:30 p.m.- 5 p.m., Location: Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House, 329 E. Main
March 24-April 5- A juried photography exhibition from local photographers displaying Nacogdoches County Azaleas. Exhibition is scheduled March 24-April 5. Sponsored by the Daily Sentinel.
March 24, 2012- The Art of Floral Design, Color & Textures from the Gardens
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Location: Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House, 329 E. Main
A showcase of floral arrangements highlighting the horticultural talents of local gardeners, designers and plant enthusiasts. Includes a design presentation. Free admission.
March 24, 2012- Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market Spring Fling Saturday
8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market
Join the Farmer’s Market as they kick off spring in Texas’ Oldest Town. Live entertainment, children’s activities, a variety of wonderful vendors and much more! Call 936-559-2507 for more information.
March 31, 2012- Main Street Shop and Stroll
10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Downtown
Enjoy a beautiful day shopping in historic downtown Nacogdoches. Downtown stores will offer a variety of unique finds, great deals, and specialty items all right at your fingertips.
March 31, 2012- Little Princess Garden Party
10:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.; Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden at SFA
Introduce your favorite little girl to the beauty and joy of the garden at this special party. Enjoy refreshments, party favors, and entertainment planned to delight you and spark her imagination. Bring your camera to capture this day. Dress: Please let her wear her favorite princess, fairy or garden party costume. Very limited seating, ticket required. Tickets: $20 each, adults and children. Available February 1st at the Convention & Visitors Bureau.
March 31, 2012- A Blooming Good Volkswagen Show from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m., Festival Plaza
See up to 100 vintage Volkswagens- from mild to wild. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Sponsored by the East Texas VEE-DUB Chapter of the Vintage VW Club of America.
April 13-14 2012- Nacogdoches Texas Film Festival
Join Nacogdoches as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Marx Brothers’ career-changing appearance in historic downtown Nacogdoches by hosting the first-ever Nacogdoches Texas Film Festival!
Click here for more information!
April 14, 2012- Running of the Blooms 10K in Downtown Nacogdoches
Sprint into spring with the all-new “Running of the Blooms.” Walk, jog, or run along a trail framed by beautifully-manicured lawns, nationally-recognized gardens and historic landmarks. The run begins and ends in downtown Nacogdoches. More event details coming soon! Register online today at active.com or Download a registration form here!
April 21, 2012- SFA Garden Gala Day and Plant Sale
A wide variety of hard-to-find, “Texas tough” plants will be available, including new introductions, Texas natives, heirlooms, perennials and exclusive SFA introductions. Plants are extensively trailed in the gardens before being offered to the public.The plant sale fundraiser benefits the SFA Gardens and its educational programs, which reach over 15,000 students ages 1 to 100 on a yearly basis.The public is encouraged to arrive early and bring a wagon. For more information, call (936) 468-4404, or visit http://arboretum.sfasu.edu and click on “upcoming events.”