Wood County Arboretum holding fall barn sale

Celebrate cooler temperatures and enjoy toe-tapping bluegrass this week with a visit to the fall barn sale at the Wood County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Bargain hunters are invited to shop from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday on the grounds of the arboretum, 175 Governor Hogg Pkwy., anchored by the historic 1869 Stinson House.

“We’re very excited to offer a bluegrass band this year, playing from 10:30-1 p.m.,” said Deanna Caldwell, president of Friends of the Arboretum, which oversees the grounds. “This is going to be a great sale with lots of fun finds to outfit homes and gardens.”

Proceeds from the sale benefit the arboretum, which operates with all volunteers and a budget built off fundraising projects, such as last month’s plant sale.

“We have extra costs this year with taking down eight or nine dead trees on the property,” said Lin Grado, garden manager. “We hope people will come out to shop and enjoy the music and support the arboretum. Items will be set up through the gardens, so you’ll have a great opportunity to see the beautiful fall bloomers that make the arboretum such a special place.”

The one-day event is expected to feature a variety of holiday and household items, plus a variety of items to suit just about everyone including art, sporting equipment, garden supplies, outdoor items, children’s toys, furniture, linens and collectibles.

The 23-acre arboretum, which features a walking trail, tribute plantings and themed gardens, is recognized as a go-to paradise for nature enthusiasts and education leaders. 

It is also home to a grant-funded Monarch garden, supported by the Native Plant Society of Texas, as part of its Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas project. The garden features native plant species that the butterflies find attractive. 

For more information about supporting the arboretum, visit www.woodcountyarbo.org, call 430-235-5461 or email  woodcountyarbo@gmail.com. 

-Jacque Hilburn-Simmons