By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Dale Dardeau, West Orange City Council Member, is also known for his love of roses.

Dardeau was elected President of the Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs.

Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs, consisting of garden clubs, plant societies, and nature-oriented organizations was formed, with the goal of obtaining and sustaining a public garden center, in 1951.

In 1968 the City of Beaumont set aside 10 acres of land in Tyrrell Park for the Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs to develop.  The original Beaumont Garden Center Building was constructed using bricks from the Southern Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and was dedicated on August 20, 1971.

Through fundraisers and donations from generous individuals, organizations, and businesses, the Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs developed and currently maintains the area, the oldest public garden in Southeast Texas.

Dardeau, member of The Golden Triangle Rose Society, and Master Rosarian, has 200 rose bushes in his yard and others he cares for in Beaumont and Starks.

The group also meets at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Tyrrell Park Garden Center, a now 500 acre City of Beaumont Park.

Tyrrell Park Garden Center is open to the public and showcases gardens from 26 garden clubs in the area. The roses are in full bloom during the third week of April.

The Golden Triangle Rose Society has two rose shows a year, the last Saturday in April, and one in the fall.