The original rendering of Rock Springs Park by Hare & Hare was used to create a rose garden inspired by the gardens of Versailles, France. | Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Botanic Garden
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, Texas’s oldest botanic garden is turning 90. To celebrate, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is offering free admission between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Guests can stroll through the 23 specialty gardens, enjoy complimentary samples from Nothing Bundt Cakes + hand-make their own birdseed ornament.
How well do you know the garden’s lush history? Let’s look back on the last 90 years.
Origins
In 1912, the city of Fort Worth purchased 37.5 acres of land known as Rock Springs Park that would eventually become the botanic garden we know and love today.
In 1929, the Tarrant County Rose Society proposed a rose garden for the park. Thanks to a $340,000 grant, the construction of the park and its rose garden prevailed — despite economic struggles of the Great Depression. On Dec. 18, 1934, the park was renamed Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
TCU Mens Basketball | 7 p.m. | Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena | $6+ | The Horned Frogs will square up against the South Alabama Jaguars.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Animal Enrichment Drive Gift Drop-Off | Tuesday, Dec. 17-Friday, Dec. 20 | Times vary | Fort Worth Zoo | Free | Grab a gift from the Amazon wishlist, deliver it to the zoo + sip hot chocolate while you meet the outreach animals.
Trivia Night | 8-10 p.m. | Flying Saucer | Cost of purchase | Who doesn’t love beer and a little friendly competition before the holidays?
Wednesday, Dec. 18
UIL State Championships | Wednesday, Dec. 18-Saturday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | $20 | Come for one of four nights of state football championships for 1A DII, 1A DI, and 2A DII.
Trinity Metro has partnered with Lyft for a $2.3 million refurbishment of the bike share program beginning next month. New additions to the program include a fleet of 400 bikes, including 340 electric models, and 62 smart docking stations that are set to be planted in high-density areas by mid-April. (Fort Worth Report)
Eat
Heim BBQ is on the move. On Sunday, Dec. 29, Heim will close its Burleson location to take up residency in Weatherford. Heim Barbecue — which helped thrust Fort Worth into barbecue fame — plans to open the new location midyear. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram + The Dallas Morning News)
Outdoors
A new city park is coming to north Fort Worth. As part of the open space conservation program, city council consented to acquire 300 acres of land neighboring Eagle Mountain Lake for $13.4 million. (Fort Worth Report)
Arts
A rare Roman sculpture collection is stopping by the Kimbell Art Museum starting Sept. 14, 2025. “Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection” was established in the 19th century and has grown to become the largest private collection of sculptures of its kind. (CultureMap Fort Worth)
Community
City council approved the development of a 175-ft Buddhist stupa at the Huong Dao temple in east Fort Worth. This $100 million, 28-acre expansion will include a core stupa, a parking lot, and 150+ residential units for housing monks + nuns. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Trending
Forever begins now. WFAA reporter Scoop Jefferson shared the engagement that’s on everyone’s feeds right now. Grand Prairie’s own Selena Gomez is engaged to her record-producing, songwriting boyfriend Benny Blanco. (WFAA)
Sports
Missed yesterday’s game against the Carolina Panthers? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Feel Good
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These best-selling men’s flannel pajama pants are comfortable, warm, and soft to the touch. Hello, new favorite pants of the season.*
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of high waisted joggers. They’re constructed with ultra-soft modal fabric, making them perfect for casual hangouts with friends + family over the holidays.
As a wannabe Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, I got teary-eyed after seeing DCC Armani Latimer — who is vocalizing her struggles with alopecia — rock the Cowboys field last week sans wig. What a role model and inspiration to young women. She’s the real MVP. ✨
Answered
Answered
Which film are you most excited to see at the new Omni Theater?
Earlier this week, we asked readers which film they are most excited to see at the new Omni Theater.
29.5% are most excited for “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope”
26.9% voted for “Animal Kingdom”
20.5% voted for “Orbital”
16.7% voted for “Cities of the Future”
6.4% suggested other options including “The Polar Express”