Second star to the right and straight on to the pumpkin patch at Dallas Arboretum
Join Wendy, the Lost Boys, and Tinkerbell in Neverland this fall at Dallas Arboretum’s magical Pumpkin Village. This year’s theme is “The Adventures in Neverland,” and it marks the 13th year of the garden’s creative display of thousands of colorful pumpkins, gourds, and squash. I sprinkled myself with pixie dust, thought happy thoughts, and flew in for a visit last Sunday — and immediately ran into a menacing Captain Hook!
His pumpkin-keeled pirate ship, Jolly Roger, floats in an undulating sea of gray pumpkins.
Tick-Tock the crocodile — a cleverly designed topiary — swims alongside, hopeful of another bite of Captain Hook. A treasure chest overflowing with golden squash and silver-painted bricks sits nearby.
Up in the crow’s nest, a skeleton watches out for any sign of Peter Pan.
A mermaid of Spanish moss and ajuga lounges on a “rock” below the ship.
The Darlings’ house, home to Wendy and her brothers, John and Michael, is adorned with a wrought-iron fence and lamppost. Nana’s doghouse sits in the garden, and Peter Pan’s shadow can be seen in an upper window.
Small striped pumpkins and Indian corn garland the iron fence.
Aside from the Neverland-themed houses, thousands of pumpkins are dazzlingly arrayed and piled in heaps, just begging for a family photo op.
Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins!
Here’s how the walls of the pumpkin houses are clad.
Iron rings support pumpkin and squash siding.
Gourd-geous displays continue in the entry plaza and along the main walk.
I do believe in fairies, and Dallas Arboretum will remind you that you do too.
The pumpkins will be displayed through November 21st. If you’re a member of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or other participating botanical garden, bring your membership card for free admission thanks to the reciprocal membership program.
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Pam so glad you made it up here – amazing place – fun too – Ann and I would love to show you around where we garden at raincatchers next time you are up this way!
That would be fun, Starla! Thanks for the offer! I hope to have more time for Dallas garden visiting one of these days.
What a production! My local botanic garden is running a great pumpkin hunt (involving what the creators call “stealth education”) but it has nothing on Dallas.
Stealth education – ha!
They outdid themselves this year. What a fun theme. I always look forward to these displays. Thanks again for taking us there.
My pleasure, Lisa. I love seeing what they come up with.
We visit every fall, but haven’t made it there this year yet. Now that I’ve seen your photos I can’t wait.
Maybe it’ll be a bit cooler when you go, Rebecca. 🙂
Wow! This display is, and has been, on my bucket list! Along with the bluebonnets in spring, of course.
Sounds like you need to book two trips to Texas, Robin.