The new Butterfly House is open year-round. Beginning in September every year, master gardeners stock the house with as many varieties of butterflies as they can capture or breed.
JASPER ARBORETUM AND OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER
225 Water Street, Jasper, TX 75951 (1 block south of the courthouse)
Mailing address: Jasper Master Gardeners c/o Texas A&M AgriLife, 271 E Lamar, Suite 101, Jasper, TX 75951. PHONE: 409-384-3721 or call the Chamber of Commerce at 409-384-2762.
This 14-acre complex features several park areas sponsored by a coalition of organizations and the City of Jasper. The original plans for the gardens were designed by horticulturalist Dr. Dave Creech at the request of Estelle Debney, founder of the Jasper Arboretum board, with the support of the Woman’s Civic Club.
Sandy Creek runs through the center of the park from Hwy 96 to the scenic stone-arched Main Street bridge. The north bank features formal gardens, children’s park, and Library Gardens (dry garden, rose garden and butterfly garden).
The historic Beaty-Orton House built in 1888 is surrounded by the sunny garden (color plantings and heritage azaleas) and the home itself is filled with period antiques. The house is open for tours by appointment only and may be reserved for special events like weddings and quilt shows by calling Jasper City Hall, 409-384-4651.
The newest addition to the park is the Buttefly House next to the Master Gardener greenhouse and Outdoor Learning Center. In front of the greenhouse is a pergola with brick patio and swings, a favorite lunchtime stop for downtown Jasper. Behind the greenhouse is a potting shed/classroom overlooking Sandy Creek, where otters sometimes play.
Next to the greenhouse is the Butterfly Gardens and Meditation Pond. In partnership with our Fall Festival, The Butterfly Festival is held the third Saturday in October. There is now a permanent Butterfly House where children can get a closer look at the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly.
Future development on the south bank will include a larger pond with fountains, footbridge over the creek, nature trail with Texas native plants and a log cabin Nature Center. Both the Jasper Arboretum and Jasper Master Gardeners are 501(c)3 not-for-profit organizations supported by donations and plant sales.
