House & Theater District

This tree delights in all four seasons. In late spring, after the foliage has emerged, it has an abundance of creamy white bracts which last quite a long time.  Flowers are followed by bright red, bumpy fruit (like large raspberries) which are edible and can be quite sweet. The deep red fall foliage and the stunning exfoliated bark give fall and winter interest. Cornus kousa is slower growing and later blooming than other dogwood trees.  With age it reaches 30 feet tall with a similar spread and can look quite stately.

American spikenard is a large, aromatic woodland perennial native to eastern North America. Growing up to six feet tall, it features bold compound leaves, arching stems, and clusters of small green-white flowers that mature into dark purple berries. A valuable native species, it supports pollinators and provides late-season food for birds and wildlife. Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples and early herbalists, its fragrant roots were valued for treating respiratory issues and fatigue, and even flavored early root beers. Sometimes called “life-of-man,” Aralia racemosa is now appreciated not only for its medicinal past but also for its role in restoring woodland ecosystems.

White gaura, is a graceful, drought-tolerant perennial valued for its airy white flowers that resemble dancing butterflies. It is native to the southern United States and Mexico, particularly Texas and Louisiana, Oenothera lindheimeri thrives in hot, sunny locations with well-drained soil. The Belleza™ White cultivar stands out for its compact, tidy growth habit and prolific blooming from late spring to fall.  While it appears dainty, this plant is surprisingly tough, its deep root system helps it survive drought and heat, and its flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a beautiful and ecologically beneficial addition to gardens. Check out other cultivars of gaura on display throughout the gardens! 

Goldenrod has been called by some the single most important plant for North American pollinator biodiversity. It is considered a keystone species and is the host plant for approximately 104 species of butterflies and moths. Many bees are goldenrod specialists, meaning that about 42 species of bees will visit only goldenrod for a food source. Although abundantly important in its native range, it is considered an invasive species in introduced areas due to its ability to rapidly spread and thrive in a variety of conditions.

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘October Skies’ is a compact, aromatic aster cultivar prized for its vibrant fall display. Forming neat mounds about 18–24 inches tall and wide, it features narrow, blue-green leaves with a pleasant fragrance when crushed. From September through October, it bursts into bloom with masses of daisy-like flowers in soft sky-blue to violet-blue, each with a bright yellow center. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating drought and poor conditions, and adds reliable color to autumn gardens. These native perennials come in a variety of sizes and colors, and are one of the last major food sources for bees and other pollinators before the advent of winter. On a side note, asters, means stars in Latin, referring to the spectacular display of blooms at the end of summer!