A Hidden East Texas Gem: Exploring the Wood County Arboretum at Governor Jim Hogg Park
One of the stars of our visit, this Siam Tulip was blooming spectacularly in the Wood County Arboretum at Governor Jim Hogg Park. Photo Credit: Jacqui Tress
A Gunn Family Tradition at Governor Jim Hogg Park
Governor Jim Hogg City Park & RV Park in Quitman has a longstanding history in my father-in-law’s family, as The Gunn Family has been having their Annual Family Reunion at the park since the early-mid 1970s. We were there recently and the weather was not as hot as usual, not quite as sweltering and swampy...if you know, you know...you don't take "nature walks" in East Texas in the middle of Summer! That is a recipe for DISASTER; if the bugs don't carry you away or eat you, odds are ever in your favor for a case of heat stroke. 🥴😅
But I digress, it was a beautifully cloudy day and not in the 90s, so we took advantage and headed off to explore while the elders did their visiting.
The Park itself was originally about a 17-acre park built and maintained by the Old Settlers Association and named Quitman City Park in 1941.
In 1946, the park was “turned over” to the State of Texas and renamed Governor Hogg Shrine State Historical Park. It is thought that doing so likely made it possible to continue funding the park by giving it a historical designation. Officials in Austin thought it only made sense to connect it to the Hogg Family, as they had genuine connections to the land and area, through the Stinson’s. Ima Hogg, his daughter, later donated additional acreage and was instrumental in getting both The Stinson House and Honeymoon Cottage relocated back to the property for future generations to enjoy.
Another important historical marker on the property is the George Bridge. While not originally located here, it was relocated to the park and remains one of the oldest surviving Pony Truss bridges in Wood County. Built in 1904-05 to cross George Slough on Lake Fork Creek, it served the community for decades before being decommissioned in 1985 due to larger vehicles and heavier loads.
At about the same time, the Nature Trail at Hogg Park needed a foot bridge. The committee wanted something with historical significance that would connect visitors to the landscape and the area's history. George Bridge was small enough to relocate, structurally sound enough for foot traffic, and continues to serve that purpose today. Then, in 2007, the City of Quitman bought the park back from the state that had taken it from them in 1946 and renamed it Governor Jim Hogg City Park & RV Park.
The Wood County Arboretum: A Volunteer-Built Treasure
That was the same year the Wood County Arboretum was founded. The Arboretum was a joint venture sparked by volunteers, initially through the Wood County Master Gardeners working with the Quitman Elementary School Council. In April of 2007, the two groups were working hand-in-hand planting butterfly-friendly beds at Stinson House and their excitement inspired what has become the phenomenal gardens and arboretum we get to experience today.
The Arboretum is very special in a few ways that set it apart from any other I have visited in Texas, and perhaps, I dare say, this region.
What started as a family reunion turned into a wonderful day exploring the Wood County Arboretum at Governor Jim Hogg Park in Quitman, Texas. This short video highlights the gardens, trails, historic landmarks, pollinator-friendly plantings, and some of the beautiful flowers that make this East Texas gem worth a visit. Be sure to watch closely, because a few unexpected residents of the Arboretum might just make an appearance. 😉
First, it is 100% run and maintained by volunteers in the State of Texas. Covering 23 acres, it includes a half-mile walking path, the George Bridge and other wooden walkways, a gazebo, water features in some of the themed garden beds, and many other features. When storms come through and cause damage, the volunteers maintain clear paths and keep everything accessible throughout the year.
Some of the AMAZING plantings we saw were the Japanese Maple, Arkansas Yucca, Gayfeather, Siam Tulip and MANY MORE!
The unique thing is that many parts of East Texas behave a lot like other parts of the world. Our highly acidic soil is similar to what you find in Japan, China and many tropical regions, making it ideal for plants like Camellias, Hydrangeas, Japanese Maples, Ginger Lilies and Siam Tulips.
Then we have the humidity. You know, the kind that makes the grass grow even if it DOESN'T rain for a MONTH. 😅 Add in our mild winters, long growing season, generous rainfall, and the filtered light created by our towering pine forests, and it starts to make perfect sense why so many unusual plants thrive here.
Gardening Inspiration in East Texas
All of these conditions come together to create an environment where plants from around the world can flourish right here in East Texas.
As impressive as the history and volunteer effort behind the Arboretum are, I would be lying if I said the plants weren't what really captured my attention. The Wood County Arboretum is filled with unusual trees, shrubs, and flowers that thrive in our little corner of East Texas, many of which most folks would never expect to see growing here. As gardeners, we tend to look at places like this a little differently. We don't just admire the plants, we start mentally rearranging flower beds, plotting future projects, and asking ourselves, "Could I grow that at home?" 😅
One of the TRUE showstoppers of the Arboretum is the Indian Pink. They usually begin blooming around mid-May and continue for 2-3 weeks, although weather conditions can affect both timing and duration.
All of this to say, we can grow these too!
There is nothing stopping you or me from growing a Siam Tulip or Japanese Maple or Ginger Lilies on our farmstead if we have the right growing conditions!
Siam Tulips are really interesting. They do have purported holistic benefits, which I will let you research for yourself and your family on your own. 🫶 However, these little guys attract bees, particularly our smaller native bees...HECK YEAH! They also draw hoverflies. These guys are natural predators to aphids 😲, as in predatory.
Ginger Lilies (Hedychium species) are loved 💘 by butterflies, especially swallowtails. Bees visit for scent and nectar. Hummingbirds will visit certain species, such as Hedychium coronarium, and their scent is a true pollinator magnet...ooh la la.
Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica) requires dappled woodland light or bright shade. This could be morning shade, afternoon shade, filtered pine or oak light, north or east-facing beds, and naturally moist beds with well-drained soil.
It is native to East Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, parts of Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and the Carolinas. Since it only blooms for a short time, blends in when not blooming, and grows in deep shade, even if you did come across it in the wild, you likely stepped on it and kept on moving. So did I. 🥴🫣 Don't feel bad!
The other thing to note is that this baby does not like to be disturbed. ⛔ So don't try transplanting it from the wild. You have a VERY low likelihood of success. Just order it and go from there...carefully.
I know I am adding some new plantings near the greenhouse openings to draw the pollinators in AND to draw in the APHID ANNIHILATORS!
We are really glad we took that walk. While it isn't very long for most people, it was LONG for me. With a partially fused spine and fused ankles, I tend to measure trails a little differently than some folks. If you're bringing along an elderly family member or someone with mobility challenges, that is something worth keeping in mind.
It was absolutely worth the effort, though.
What started as a family reunion turned into a history lesson, a gardening lesson, and a reminder that East Texas is full of surprises if you're willing to wander a little. We came home with a camera full of photos, a few new plant ideas, and a renewed appreciation for the volunteers who have created and maintained something truly special in Wood County.
And yes, I am already trying to figure out where I can squeeze a Siam Tulip or two around the farmstead. 🌺