With its waterfalls, bridges, and stone paths that wander among crepe myrtles, azaleas, Japanese maples, dogwoods, and cherry trees, the Japanese Garden is a peaceful hideaway in Hermann Park. The garden was designed by world-renowned landscape architect, Ken Nakajima. Natural materials are used, such as rock, wood, and plants, to give a feeling of serenity.…

The Hermann Park Conservancy office is located at 1700 Hermann Drive, Houston, Texas  77004.

The Grand Gateway, the historic main entrance to Hermann Park, includes the area from the Mecom Fountain to the Sam Houston Monument, erected in 1925, and the stretch of parkland along Main Street from the Fountain to the Texas Medical Center. 

Sitting atop the Tudor Family Pine Hill Walk within the McGovern Centennial Gardens, the ornate Friendship Pavilion Friendship Pavilion was a gift to the City of Houston from its sister city Taipei, made for the United States Bicentennial in 1976. The pavilion was situated in Hermann Park in 1978 and was refurbished by the Houston-Taipei Society in…

Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are small to medium to large sized, multi-stemmed, deciduous trees with vibrant flower clusters. The thin bark exfoliates to expose a smooth brown-grey bark underneath. Crape Myrtles are also called the “lilac of the south” because their flowers are similar to the Northern Lilac. Crape Myrtles are found scattered throughout the Park.…

Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassilolia) leaves are small and rough on the top. When this medium to large deciduous elm tree is young, there may be corky wings on the twigs. The close-up image of Cedar Elm wings was taken near the Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children. Light      Full sun Size        50-70’ tall, 40-60’…

Houston’s 2,500 miles of bayous and waterways are an integral part of its landscape giving the city its nickname “The Bayou City.”  One early planner of Houston’s park system noted that the banks of Houston’s bayous were natural parks already. The banks of Brays Bayou in Hermann Park provide a natural setting for people and…

Bald Cypress trees (Taxodium distichum) are deciduous conifers that survive well in city conditions. When growing near water, the roots come to the surface to form “knees.” You will find these Bald Cypress by the boardwalk in Lake Picnic Area to the east of the Molly Ann Smith Plaza. Light      Full sun Size  …