Ruby Mize Garden Gives Nacogdoches Its Spring Color

Ruby Mize began as an overgrown loblolly pine forest on the SFA campus. Ruby's daughter, Dottie Wisely, set up an endowment for the garden. SFA students, local residents, and nursery workers then helped turn the woods into the 11-acre garden SFA describes today.

The garden changes with the seasons. Azaleas make the big March-to-May show. Camellias, maples, magnolias, hydrangeas, and gardenias keep the walk changing through the year. A weeping baldcypress tunnel bends toward a bridge over Lanana Creek. THC also notes art and floral canopies among the plants.

This is a softer Nacogdoches story. The city is known for old streets and deep history. It also grew a public identity from pine shade, creek bottoms, campus gardens, and years of local work. Ruby Mize puts that story in bloom instead of behind glass.