HISTORY OF THE GARDENS

Weston Gardens’ demonstration gardens date all the way back to the 1930’s and 40’s. They were originally built as a private estate by Leon and Peggy Bandy. Developed before air conditioning, every space in the gardens was curated for outdoor entertaining. Take a step back in time where it is said that “anyone who was anyone” in Fort Worth danced on the rock ship or sun bathed by the creek.

The Westons

Weston Gardens’ garden center was started in 1984 by Sue and Randy Weston. Sue is a CPA and Randy had a masters in mathematics. The couple quickly grew tired of their big, corporate jobs and just wanted to work together. They both took a leap of faith, bought land on Anglin Drive, and opened up Weston Gardens garden center.

Little did the couple know of the historic gardens that resided just across the street from their new plant nursery. Until, a customer came into the gift shop and told the Weston’s of the estate that was once called, “Dripping Springs”. Sue and Randy instantly knew the property would be the perfect asset to their garden center, as demonstration gardens. A place where their customers could visit to see the plants they sold in their matured state and then purchase them at their garden center.

English Gardens, Texas Style

A slogan Randy Weston created to describe the gardens. The gardens are designed with English garden inspiration but, incorporating Texas native plants. Weston Gardens is one of the first full Texas native plant nurseries.

Each niche in the gardens has a unique story to tell. Continue reading to learn what the spaces in the gardens use to be and the Weston’s ongoing restoration of the estate.

Historical Features

Built by Leon and Peggy Bandy as a weekend home. Leon referred to the entire estate as “Dripping Springs”. Back then, the gardens were considered way out in the country because they had not been developed yet. The Bandy’s use to have a Great Dane that would nap on this same dirt road, now called Anglin Drive.
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Over a wire bridge suspended over Chambers Creek, you will find a ship that never quite took sail. Being created during the prohibition, Leon Bandy built the ship for dances and parties. Leon Bandy completed the ship in 1942. Guests would dance on the bottom patio and grab a drink at the bar, located on the top level.
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Crystal clear water from the property’s active springs made this a prime spot for sun bathing and relaxing all summer long. Water levels remain constant due to constructed rock dams in the creek. The creek is Chambers Creek which runs into Village Creek that flows into Lake Arlington.
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Chinese Wisteria, planted by the Bandy’s in the 1930’s, covers this arbor. It is a rare site to see because Wisteria only blooms for a week, usually in March. Most people say it looks like purple snow!
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Completed in the 1940’s. The original water lilies have flourished here for approximately 40 years. They are still in the original, redwood boxes from the 30’s. The lilies have never been identified. The Weston’s named them the “Bandy Lily”. Take a piece of the gardens home with you and purchase your very own Bandy Lily at the garden center!
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Through arches of Winter Honeysuckle, you will find our timeless wedding court. The stone wedding altar is part of the original 1930’s landscape. The fountain quit working years after the Bandy’s sold the property. The Weston’s restored the water feature back to it’s original working condition. This small project was just as important to them to complete due to wanting to keep the relaxing feeling running water gives to this room.
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The barn was built in the 1920’s. It was an actual working barn where Leon and Peggy Bandy’s horses were stabled. Inside the barn, the brick flooring are made of Bois d’arc wood. They are from downtown Main Street in Fort Worth. Mr. Bandy collected the bricks before the clay bricks were installed.
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