“It’s like Fossil Rim, except you don’t feed the flowers”, is how I described Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden to my daughter and mother-in-law as we were entering the gardens on a recent Girl’s Trip. It’s actually such a beautiful drive-thru garden, over 4 miles and encompassing 100 acres, with a couple of stops along the way to get out and take pictures in the blooming daffodils.
Mrs. Lee began the gardens when she purchased a box of daffodil bulbs from Holland, but was sent an entire boxcar! She and 40 workers planted them on her ranch, which at the time was over 1,000 acres!
Daffodils grow from bulbs, which stay in the ground and split each year, growing another plant. The daffodils are usually the first flower to bloom each year, in mid-February through March and possibly April if it’s not too warm.
The first of two places where you can park your car and walk around to take pictures offers no amenities but is perfect for bringing a picnic lunch, which I highly recommend! There is even a flowerless area by the parking for the kids to run and play! Dogs are even welcome at the garden, but please pick up after them!
Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden is open daily during blooming season, and it is FREE to visit, and donations are appreciated to keep up the groundwork necessary!
Mrs. Lee also built two lakes on her property. This is the 2nd stop along the drive, where you can get out and walk around the lake. There are also port-a-potties here. This is a great place to bring a picnic lunch!
She also had a replica cabin built in 1954 and spent much time here until her death in 1984. The gardens were opened to the public the Spring after her death, at her request. It’s such a beautiful setting and the gardens are an amazing memorial to this incredible woman. Today, people come from around the world to see her garden!
There are even some deer feeders around, so on morning visits you might even see a deer!
Enjoy these pictures from our previous visits in past years to Mrs. Lee’s.
The daffodils are just amazing! I was expecting a drive through flat and boring countryside, although I don’t know why, but the beautiful East Texas rolling hills just add so much to the beauty of the gardens!
As far as you can see, the not-yet-Spring ground was covered in yellow blooms! On a sunny late-February day, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend it!
Please use caution while in the gardens!
The only time the gardens are closed during blooming season is when it rains and the dirt roads are wet. Always be sure to call ahead and make sure before you visit.
When we visited in late February, the trees were still bare from winter, but will be turning green within the next few weeks, making for an incredible sight!
Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden
21600 CR 3103, Gladewater
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
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