Rienzi Gardens
Gardens
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view imageStaff photo
Azaleas at Rienzi, March 2011
Designed by the noted landscape architect Ralph Ellis Gunn in the 1950s, Rienzi's Gardens are an accomplished combination of formal gardens and natural Texas woodlands. The 4.4 acre property in the Homewoods division of River Oaks is nestled on two sides by steep ravines leading to Buffalo Bayou. Initially heavily wooded, this landform was carved by annual inundations over geologic time. The variety in elevation has resulted in a range of native plant communities, from floodplain species to upland forest trees such as beech and Southern magnolia. Ralph Ellis Gunn embraced the challenge of celebrating the property’s natural topography while fostering an artistic yet logical garden program in response to the engaging architecture of the Masterson’s John Staub home.
Garden Gallery
Today, Rienzi's gardens are beautifully maintained by Garden Club of Houston. Seasonal plants and flowers bloom throughout the year; springtime guests will be welcomed by a particularly delightful palette of colors.
Rienzi’s gardens are open and free to the public during regular museum hours. A welcome escape from the noise of the city, the lush green spaces house a plethora of wild life and plant species. A docent guided tour of the gardens is available upon request with advanced planning.
The Garden Club of Houston and Rienzi: A Partnership
Rienzi’s gardens have been a project of the Garden Club of Houston for the last 10 years. Each year the members of the club help to care for the grounds with various activities and plantings. GCH and MFAH also partner to produce Florescence, a bi-annual Garden Club of America Major Flower Show. For more information about the Garden Club of Houston please go to www.gchouston.org/.
Azalea Trail
The River Oaks Garden Club’s Azalea Trail has featured a stop at Rienzi since 1999. The house and 4.4 acres of beautiful gardens are open to all ages.
The 2012 Azalea Trail takes place March 9 - 11, from 11 a.m - 6 p.m. For tickets and other information, visit www.riveroaksgardenclub.org or call 713.523.2483.