Upcoming Events

Nestled in the trees on the edge of the North Texas Hill Country,
Clark Gardens has two vacation homes to help you escape the stress of busy cities and bright lights.

The Retreat

Experience the ambiance of a hotel with the privacy of a family home.

 The Cottage

A quaint private getaway tucked into the tranquil garden setting.

The Cottage is for those seeking a peaceful getaway in the comfort of a home. With three bedrooms and two baths, the Cottage can accommodate up to 6 guests. It is only a short walk to Rails to Trails and Clark Gardens - an invitation to explore the North Texas outdoors as well as the 35 acres of stunning botanical gardens.

Things To Do

There are a variety of things to see and do in the surrounding area. Check out these local adventures and eateries.

STAFF FAVORITES

EXPLORE CLARK GARDENS

The Retreat and Cottage guests receive complimentary admission during their stay and are encouraged to explore all that Clark Gardens has to offer.

• Magical 35 acres of winding footpaths
• Waterfalls, lakes and lily ponds
• Ducks, geese, peacocks and other wildlife
• G-scale model trains that meander on 1200 feet of track through a miniature world of historic towns
• Walking distance to the Rails to Trails

Nothing like fresh air, sunshine, and adding life to your surroundings with container plants. Visit Mineral Wells featured our special on container planting session. (It was originally recorded Live on their Facebook Page.) Due to popular demand, we are including the Container Plants Information Sheet as a PDF for you to view, print, or download. Thanks for watching!

Even the most challenging person to buy for on your list can take advantage of a Clark Gardens Gift Card.

The gift recipient can enjoy unwinding surrounded by nature, schedule a guided tour, shop at the gift shop, or attend public events without financial consideration.

On December 3rd, Clark Gardens' founder, Max Clark, will turn 95. Mr. Clark continues to work in the gardens 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. No matter the weather conditions, he can be found tending to the garden.

For his birthday, Clark Gardens' board is raising funds to tell Max's love story. The love story of Max and Billie Clark, as well as their love for gardening and the outdoors, will be shared in a documentary. A donation in honor of Max's 95th birthday will help bring this documentary to life.

Donate for Max's 95th

Have you heard? It is written in stone. Your name, that is - at least, it could be. Mark your spot here at Clark Gardens with a custom engraved paver.

For a $200 donation, a custom paver can be engraved for you. The pavers will be placed among the arbor, the gateway into our stunning 35-acre botanical park.

Originally paved with bricks 22 years ago, wear and tear from harsh Texas weather conditions has taken a toll on our arbor's pathways. Winter Storm Uri 2021 was the final straw that caused many bricks to crumble to dust. In this upcoming renovation, we will replace the busted bricks with concrete pavers, a much sturdier material for outdoor conditions. Around 4,000 square feet will be replaced, costing $71,820.

As a nonprofit, Clark Gardens needs your help to complete this beautification project. Not only is the brick arbor currently an aesthetic issue, but it could quickly escalate into a safety issue.

Whether it is a family name, in memory of a loved one, an anniversary gift, or a company shout-out, make sure to reserve your paver quickly – as a limited number are available.

Paver Details

Size: 4" x 8"
Color: Hollandstone Terra Cotta
Engravement of up to 3 lines, with 15 characters each
Engraving Donation: $200

Engraved pavers purchased prior to February 1, 2023, have been installed. Clark Gardens was fortunate to complete half of the arbor beautification project prior to our 2023 March spring opening. To help complete this project engraved pavers are still available for purchase. Ideally the final half would be completed at the same time, prior to 2025's spring opening.

If an engraved paver is not of interest or is out of budget, all other monetary donations are greatly appreciated.

Thanks to generous donors, the labyrinth at Clark Gardens was installed in July 2022. Donations to the labyrinth came large and small, including the pennies and dollars placed in our donation box. Nestled on the west side of the Garden along the Historical Tree Trail (indicated in the map below), the labyrinth invites guests to spend time in this natural setting and engage in physical movement.

above: The yellow triangle marks the location of the labyrinth.

"The Keepers of the Labyrinth" is a group of energy workers, spiritual directors, healthcare workers, and more who have graciously accepted the invitation to share in keeping the labyrinth filled with high vibe energy, prayers, love, healing, and peace.

What exactly is the purpose of a labyrinth?

It is not a maze full of dead ends meant to be a game to get in and out. The labyrinth has no wrong turns, no dead ends or traps.

The labyrinth in the Christian faith dates back to the medieval ages. Today, it is considered a tool to clear your mind and open your heart. An additional benefit of walking a labyrinth is that it aids in the process of meditation and stress relief.

Many Thanks to the Donors

The total cost of this project was $27,000, which was all covered by generous donors, including a $15,000 grant from The Brazos Foundation. Additional labyrinth donors include Amy Lane, Barbara Rice, Blacksmith Blades, Breanna Garcia, Bridgette Goldstein, Buzbee Foundation, Carol Birkes, Chicken Express Mineral Wells, Christiana Rodriguez Lazo, David & Shirl Hawes, Delores & Frank Christian, Dolores Larson, Gina Glover, Howard McCarthy, In Memory of Theo Wayne, In Memory of Zdenek Jary, James & Ellen Hewitt, Janette Kurban, Janis Janes, Joanne Wallis, Kathleen & Larry Brown, Kay Scott Leighton, Kendall & Elizabeth Simon, Marie Evans, Mark & Carol Montgomery, Max & Betty Bennett, Miguel Mendoza, Pat Bazzell, Paul West, Rebecca Barham, Rick & Janice Barnes, Rod Arnold, Thomas Lytle, Venture Farms – Radomske, and Wesley & Maureen Johnson.

Downtown Mineral Wells photo: Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

THINGS TO DO

There are a variety of nearby things to do, places to see, and activities to participate in! Check out these nearby adventures and eateries.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The welcoming community surrounding Mineral Wells offers several interesting places to visit and fun events to enjoy.

• MineralWellsTx.com
• Weatherford-Chamber.com
• PossumKingdomLake.com

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Mineral Wells and the surrounding area includes family friendly parks, activities and more.

EATERIES

Local restaurants for a sit-down meal, quick bite or sweet treat!

Mineral Wells

Coffee & Cocktails at 76067 100 S Oak Ave	Mesquite Pit 3915 Hwy 180 E	Pulido's Mexican Restaurant 100 NE 22nd St	Second Bar and Kitchen  401 N Oak Ave
Taqueria La Estrella 200 NE 27th Ave	Pastafina 201 North Oak Ave	Chili's Bar & Grill 3607 Hwy 180 E	Woody's Bar & Grill 6105 Hwy 180 East
Krazy Creamery 204 SE 1st Street

Weatherford

LODGING

Learn more about our two homes available for booking: The Retreat and The Cottage

Max Clark
Founder

Max is the co-founder of Clark Gardens. His late wife, Billie Clark, and he built the gardens as a private oasis to enjoy. Later on, in 2000, the gardens were opened to the public as a 501c3 non-profit. Max is 92 years young and loves working in the gardens. Before the gardens, he owned his own business, which required frequent travel. While traveling, he would purchase two paperback books, one for the trip to his destination, and one for the journey home. This book collection is what lead to his love of reading and evolved the 1,000 plus book library in his home (westerns were always his all-time favorite). Max has a love and passion for the gardens, unlike anyone else. In his free time away from the gardens, he is either watching historical movies or enjoying time with his family. photo credit Jennifer Crenshaw Photography

Carol Clark Montgomery
Director of Clark Gardens

Carol is the Director of Clark Gardens. She has grown up around the gardens but joined the team full time in March 2008. Carol is an alumna of Tarleton State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. After graduation, she worked at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas as a Microbiologist and later moved to Bryan/College Station, where she lived for 30 years. During this part of her life, she became the sole owner/operator of a catering & event company. After success in the business, she opened the Kyle House. She has been happily married for 42 wonderful years to her husband, Dr. Mark Montgomery. They have three beautiful children named Clark, Travis & Molly, and the light of their lives, a precious four-year-old granddaughter, Vivian. Carol loves to explore new places and meet new people. She and her husband find true happiness in entertaining. They enjoy a glass of wine paired with tasty food, often cooked out of their very own vegetable garden. A fun fact about Carol is she loves her chickens. photo credit Jennifer Crenshaw Photography

Ansley McEntire
Assistant Director

940-682-4856 Ansley is the Assistant Director of Clark Gardens. She has been with the team since March 2017. Ansley has always had a real passion for events. In fact, she knew she wanted to work in this industry since she was eight years old, right after planning her first event. Ansley has a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Public Relations and Event Management. Her favorite flower is a tulip. Fun fact is that she married her high school sweetheart in a botanical garden. She and her husband have two fur babies they adore. She is extremely passionate about traveling. Currently, her number one on her must-visit list is Greece. Lastly, the first dance is her favorite part about a wedding. photo credit Jennifer Crenshaw Photography

Private Events Just Got Better!

Clark Gardens has four air-conditioned indoor locations to accommodate groups, big and small.
Make your reservations today: 940-682-4856 

Our Four Fabulous Indoor Venues

The Retreat

For large or small groups, our stunning, secluded Retreat (pictured above) is a beautiful 4,000 square foot home with an indoor pool, a barbecue grill, a hot tub, multiple decks and one large outdoor table and several small tables as well. The spacious multi-level Retreat sleeps 10 and is perfect for a weekend getaway with friends or an exquisite event venue. This well-equipped haven is suited for a 50-75 persona indoor wedding, or an event hosting 150-200 guests when utilizing both the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The History House

Located in the Garden with easy access to Lake Pavilion and Oxbow Lake, is the History House. The History House can be set up to your liking for a board meeting, luncheon, shower or birthday party. Located not 50 feet from the Model Train Station and Children's Play House, it's the perfect location for a child's birthday party. Heated and air-conditioned and adjacent to the restrooms, the History House allows for easy access (unload right in front) with guests parking nearby at the Garden's office.

The Bridal Suite

The Bridal Suite (pictured above), situated next to the Bowling Green and Arbor, received a complete facelift in January 2018. This is the perfect spot for luncheons, small dinners, and showers for up to 10-20 people. The suite comes with a mini-fridge and access to a covered patio with seating.

The Cottage

The Cottage (pictured above) opened in August 2018. This charming 1,600 square foot home has been completely remodeled and upgraded with new appliances and beautiful modern furniture. The private house can sleep 6 and has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has a large patio for dining and a big screen TV (great for watching sporting events or a favorite movie). The Cottage is perfect for luncheons, baby or bridal showers, board meetings and girls' getaways. The best part... it is only 50 feet from our beautiful gardens.

Make your reservations today: 940-682-4856 

April 21st, 22nd & 23rd, 2026
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Dear Educators:

Clark Gardens invites you and your 1st grade students to participate in Pollinator Power!

The field trip is a fun-filled day for first-graders to learn about pollination. There are multiple learning stations for the kids to visit and experience.

The Clark Gardens Field Trip is available for 7 classes daily with a maximum of 22 students each on: Tuesday April 21st, Wednesday April 22nd, and Thursday April 23rd, 2026.

Students arrive no later than 8:45 am with activities beginning at 9:00 am and concluding by 1:00 pm. Picnic lunch is allotted between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm (Schools are encouraged to bring picnic lunches.).

All participating teachers receive four, one-time admission passes to Clark Gardens.

Reservations open now.
7 classes daily
Limited availability for attending.
Register early!

Registration Deadline:
February 4, 2026

[ 2026 Pollinator Power Registration Form ]

Contact us for more information and to register:  or (940) 682-4856

What Teachers Are Saying...

"Yes! We loved it!"

"Amazing!!!!!"

"Awesome!"

"The activities were great. Many great hands on activities."

Through our Celebrations, Memorials & Tributes Program you may honor a loved one with a tribute tree or bench in their name. Your tribute becomes a living part of the gardens and supports the maintenance and care of the Clark Gardens grounds.

$1,000-Tree Planting

Contribute to our tree planting fund which provides planting and maintenance for trees throughout Clark Gardens. Notification of your generous tribute is sent to a designated person. Trees are marked for family and friends to identify the life that has been created in honor of a special someone or event. With this contribution the honored person will be listed in our monthly newsletter. It is our primary goal to ensure the quality and to maintain the long-term viability of your dedicated tree for a minimum of five years. However, Acts of Nature and other circumstances may cause damage to the tree requiring its removal. If damage is made to the dedicated tree within the five years Clark Gardens will replace the tree at no cost.

$2,000- Honorary Bench

Provide a place for respite and reflection. Benches will be placed strategically throughout the West Garden. An engraved label with a person's name is affixed to the bench. Clark Gardens Director assigns the appropriate location. With this contribution the honored person will be listed in our monthly newsletter. Honorary benches will remain in place until such time that they are unsafe or aesthetically unacceptable for up to 10 years.

Additional Memorial & Tribute Opportunities

• Additional naming opportunities start at $5,000.
• Naming of an entire area of the garden starts at $10,000
• Sculpture opportunities available

To learn more about our Memorials & Tributes Program please contact Director, Carol Clark Montgomery via email or call 940-682-4856.

Of concern to all! - The Value of a Tree

"A tree is worth $193,250 according to Professor T.M. Das of the University of Calcutta. A tree living for 50 years will generate $31,250 worth of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, control soil erosion andincrease soil fertility to the tune of $31,250. This figuredoes not include the value of fruits, lumber or beauty derived from trees. Just another sensible reason to take care of our forests."

From: Update Forestry Michigan State University

Thank you to our donors!

$25-$100

• Chandler Schoonover (2021)
• Dolores Larson (2021)
• Dorla's Piano Studio (2021)
• Rogue Music Alliance, LLC (2020)
• Shannon Adams (2020)
• Thomas Lytle (2021)

$101-$500

• Alice & Dana Burwell (2021)
• Amy Lane (2022)
• David & Shirl Hawes (2021)
• David Flaugher (2022)
• Freeze Carpet
• Kent & Kim Olson (2022)
• Max & Betty Bennett
• ProEpic
• Randi Toro (2021)

$501-$999

• Randy & Misty Nix (2021)

$1,000-$5,000

• Buzbee Foundation
• Emily Young & Darryl Russell (2021)
• Mineral Wells Area Chamber Of Commerce & Visitors Bureau (Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant)
• Wesley & Maureen Johnson

$5,001-$25,000

• Brazos Foundation
• Mark & Carol Montgomery
• Max Clark

Grow At Clark Gardens Sponsors

• 1st National Bank Texas
• Birdwell & Clark Ranch
• Chicken Express
• Crazy Water
• Don & Sandra Crawford
• Dr. Mark & Carol Montgomery
• Mineral Wells Area Chamber Of Commerce & Visitors Bureau (HOT Grant 2022)
• Palo Pinto General Hospital
• The Market At 76067

Gifts in Memory of:

Memorial of Theo Wayne - Towards Labyrinth

From: Anne Anderson, Kori Schroeder, Margaret Youmans, and Tim & Jane Fischer.

Todd Loop Memorial Tree

From: Amy May, Charlette Kwok, Christy Alvear, Rhonda Farley, and Sandi McSpadden.

Labyrinth Donations

From: Amy Lane, Barbara Rice, Blacksmith Blades, Breanna Garcia, Bridgette Goldstein, Buzbee Foundation, Carol Birkes, Chicken Express Mineral Wells, Christiana Rodriguez Lazo, David & Shirl Hawes, Delores & Frank Christian, Dolores Larson, Elaine Jary, Gina Glover, Howard McCarthy, In Memory of Zdenek Jary (Elaine Jary), James & Ellen Hewitt, Janette Kurban, Janis Janes, Joanne Wallis, Kathleen & Larry Brown, Kay Scott Leighton, Kendall & Elizabeth Simon, Marie Evans, Mark & Carol Montgomery, Max & Betty Bennett, Miguel Mendoza, Pat Bazzell, Paul West, Rebecca Barham, Rick & Janice Barnes, Rod Arnold, The Brazos Foundation, Thomas Lytle, Venture Farms - Radomske, and Wesley & Maureen Johnson.

Madge Holder

From: Gwen Adcock, Max and Betty Bennett, Bill & Milly Chevaillier, Mary Duggins, Michael & Shari Ford, Susan Fall, Brock Haynes, William & Jane Holder, Doris Holder-Farley, Regan Johnson, Chloe Langston, Perri Leavelle, and Debbie Van Winkle.

John Holder

From: Brock Haynes, Chloe Langston, Debbie Van Winkle, Doris Farley, Gene Jolly, Gwen Adcock, Julia Lawhon, Mary Duggins, Perri Leavelle, RE Brown, Regan Johnson, Susan Fall, and William & Shari Ford