Arboretum hosting holiday open house

Make the holiday extra jolly this season with a visit to the Wood County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens’ Christmas open house.

The 1869 Stinson House is decked out in its finest festive décor to treat guests to a memorable holiday experience, featuring refreshments and a lively bluegrass band. 

This not-to-be-missed event is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Dec. 14 on the grounds of the arboretum, 175 Governor Hogg Pkwy  in Quitman.

“We’ve had a very productive year, and we are very excited to treat people to this fun event again,” said Deanna Caldwell, president of Friends of the Arboretum, which oversees the grounds. “Our volunteers have gone all out to create a wonderful holiday experience that is sure to warm the hearts of our guests. We hope people will come out and experience what this unique setting has to offer.”

The event is free and open to the public.

Donations to the arboretum are welcome. Volunteers have created a Wishing Tree this year that features items and services that are needed in 2024 to help support the care and upkeep of the Stinson House and 23-acre venue, which features a walking trail, tribute plantings and themed gardens. 

It is also home to a grant-funded monarch butterfly garden, supported by the Native Plant Society of Texas, as part of its Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas project. The garden features native plant species that the butterflies find attractive. 

For more information about supporting the arboretum, visit www.woodcountyarbo.org, call 430-235-5461 or email woodcountyarbo@gmail.com.