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Tyler -- Royal Oaks

Smithsonian Gardens

Object Details

General
Royal Oaks represents one of the premier gardens of Tyler, Texas, dating to the mid-1930s - the unique era of the oil-drilling boom in eastern Texas. The gardens are located in Tyler's historic azalea district, adding to their heritage and community preservation status. From azaleas to dogwoods to a historic Black Gum, the elements are a community treasure.
Major plantings include Live Oaks, Magnolias, Dogwoods, Japanese Bloodgood Maple and Crepe Myrtles. Flowering plants include Camellias, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Wisteria and Forsythia. St. Augustine grass, Mondo grass, native Yupons and other greenery complete the tableau.
Special features include the herb garden with Bay Tree topiary and sculptures of a little boy playing the flute, a metal heron and distinctive bird bath. The badminton courts were added in 1939, thus generating a Badminton Club that exists to this day. The original gazebo was hand-carried by eight men, relocating it when the swimming pool addition was under way. The gazebo is now draped and serves as a bathhouse in summer. The original barn, which housed Shetland ponies for many years, still stands. Visiting dignitaries have included J. Edgar Hoover, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan.
Persons associated with the garden include Mr. and Mrs. B. G. Byars (former owners, mid-1930s-1979); Noel Pullam (landscape architect, 1970s); Lambert's (landscape designer, 1930s); Arabella Gardens (landscape features, 1990s- ); Breedlove Nursery (landscape features, 1950s).
Former owner
Byars, B. G.
Byars, B. G., Mrs.
Landscape architect
Pullam, Noel
Landscape designer
Lambert's
Landscaper
Arabella Gardens
Breedlove Nursery
Provenance
The Gertrude Windsor Garden Club
Collection Compiler
Weller, Eleanor
Place
Royal Oaks (Tyler, Texas)
United States of America -- Texas -- Smith -- Tyler
Topic
Gardens -- Texas -- Tyler
Former owner
Byars, B. G.
Byars, B. G., Mrs.
Landscape architect
Pullam, Noel
Landscape designer
Lambert's
Landscaper
Arabella Gardens
Breedlove Nursery
Provenance
The Gertrude Windsor Garden Club
See more items in
Eleanor Weller collection
Eleanor Weller collection / Garden Images / United States / Texas
Container
Box 44
Custodial History
The Gertrude Windsor Garden Club facilitated the 2016 submission of this garden's documentation. The 1992 photographs were donated by Eleanor Weller Reade in 2011.
Archival Repository
Archives of American Gardens
Identifier
AAG.ECW, File TX165
Type
Archival materials
Slides
Collection Citation
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, Eleanor Weller Reade collection.
Collection Rights
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Scope and Contents
The folder includes worksheets, site plans, and photocopies of images.
Collection Restrictions
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Related Materials
Royal Oaks related holdings consist of 2 folders (12 35mm slides (photographs); 5 digital images)
See others in
Garden Club of America collection, ca. 1920-[ongoing].
Related link
Record ID
ebl-1530043205252-1530043205329-0
Metadata Usage
CC0
GUID
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/kb6686ad750-7ae2-46b4-93cf-f27e4f884c4b

Related Content

  • Eleanor Weller collection

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