AZALEA TRAIL HISTORY

River Oaks Garden Club (ROGC) was organized in 1927 by 27 residents of the emerging River Oaks area. It was not until late April 1935 that they held the first "Garden Pilgrimage," as it was known then. That first year, there were 12 gardens on the tour, five of which were on Lazy Lane. Proceeds from the tour were used to beautify the grounds of River Oaks School, known today as River Oaks Elementary. In 1936, the Pilgrimage became known as the Azalea Trail, as three gardens were opened in March to display azaleas in addition to the April Pilgrimage. People were unfamiliar with the beautiful azaleas because they were not native to the area, so ROGC used the Azalea Trail to educate the public on azaleas and horticulture.

The 1940s brought challenges to the Azalea Trail, as the war years led to severe shortages of plant material. ROGC members began to cultivate bedding and landscaping plants from seeds and cuttings and introduced the "Victory Garden" concept into landscape design at their own homes. The Victory Gardens incorporated vegetables into the borders of flower gardens and fruit trees into the broader landscapes - a practical shift from the isolated vegetable gardens and fruit orchards of the past. The ROGC Victory Gardens proved to be greatly appreciated by Azalea Trail attendees, setting the stage for a new interest in marketing fresh produce at the Greens Market held on the ROGC's Forum building grounds.

Azalea Trail attendance continued to grow, attracting an impressive 10,000 visitors in 1945. Visitors that year included several thousand service men and women, who enjoyed the Trail as honored guests. Among them was a contingency of military officers, visiting Houston to lay the cornerstone for a new, 39-building Naval Hospital (this later became the Veteran's Hospital). The officers accompanied military patients from McCloskey Hospital in Temple, Texas and were entertained by ROGC members for the entire weekend. Garden Club members hosted a series of social events, and, although ROGC had fewer than 50 members, ten gardens and three homes were featured on the Azalea Trail that year. These efforts were more important during the war years than any previous time. The Shreveport Times related the sentiment of those who attended the Trail, noting that, "The beauty of a garden is yours to keep, in your heart. We all need beauty now more than ever before. Our hearts are troubled and our minds are worried, but peace and beauty can be found in a garden filled with lovely colors and beautiful flowers."

In 1948, the ROGC's historic Forum building first opened as an information center during the Azalea Trail. Flower arrangements by members were also on exhibit, and member Frances Hannay published a pamphlet for the public called "Period Flower Arrangements".

In 1957, night gardens were featured on the Azalea Trail for the first time. In 1961, Miss Ima Hogg granted permanent supervision of Bayou Bend Gardens to ROGC. To this day, Bayou Bend Gardens remain an important jewel in the Azalea Trail crown.

In 1982, The Mayor of Houston issued a proclamation, designating Azalea Trail Days and commending ROGC's contribution to the historical preservation, conservation, and beautification of the city.

In 2006, the City of Houston was designated an "Azalea City." What started as a means for ROGC members to educate the people of Houston has evolved into the heralding symbol for Spring in the City of Houston.

Today's Azalea Trail offers Houstonians an enjoyable weekend that educates the public about architecture, flower arranging and horticultural possibilities in our region. Trail proceeds are given back to the community for projects in horticultural education, conservation and civic beautification.

This year marks the 82nd Annual Azalea Trail with Maudie Beard and Terry Harmon serving as chairmen. ROGC is proud to continue to feature Bayou Bend Gardens, Rienzi, and the Forum of Civics Building on the tour, along with four magnificent homes and gardens located in River Oaks. The ribbon cutting, which opens the Trail, will be held on Friday, March 10, at 10:30 AM at the Bayou Bend Lazy Lane entrance.

One lucky Azalea Trail participant will be entered in a drawing with a chance to win these gorgeous 18K gold and diamond earrings generously donated by Tenenbaum Jewelers. To be eligible for the drawing, the participant MUST have visited all six venues and it be marked on their ticket. The winner will be notified by telephone on Monday, March 13, 2017.

A Bientot
2501 River Oaks Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77019

The Arbor Gate
15635 FM 2920 Road
Tomball, Texas 77337

Bayou Bend
Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center at Bayou Bend
6003 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77007

The Cottage at Bayou Bend
6003 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77007

Bering's
6102 Westheimer
Houston, Texas 77057

Bering's
3900 Bissonnet
Houston, Texas 77005

Buchanan's Native Plants
611 E. 11th Street
Houston, Texas 77008

Briargrove Pharmacy and Gifts
6435 San Felipe St
Houston, Texas 77057

Cornelius Nursery
2233 South Voss Road
Houston, Texas 77063

The Empty Vase
2511 River Oaks Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77019

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
4501 Woodway Drive
Houston, Texas 77024

The Houstonian Hotel
111 North Post Oak Lane
Houston, Texas 77024

Indulge Decor
2903 Saint Street
Houston, Texas 77019

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 5601 Main Street
Houston, Texas 77005

RANDALL'S - all locations

Rice Epicurean Market
2020 Fountainview
Houston, Texas 77057

Thompson + Hanson
3600 West Alabama
Houston, Texas 77027

River Oaks Plant House
5930 Westheimer Rd
Houston, Texas 77057

Wabash Antiques & Feed
5701 Washington Avenue
Houston, Texas 77007

* DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS EVENT: