History

     Thelma and Charles Mercer had a dream of sharing their small, private garden with the community.  Their personal oasis along Cypress Creek was preserved as a Harris County Precinct 4 park in 1974.  Through community support and volunteer commitment, Mercer has grown to be a nationally recognized arboretum and botanic garden.

     Over 260 acres East Texas Piney Woods showcase the region's largest collection of native and cultivated plants.  This living museum stimulates the senses with texture, color and fragrance.  Visitors enjoy the gardens for their aesthetic value, appreciate the critical role of plants in environmental and quality of life issues and learn about the economic significance of the Plant Kingdom.  From lowly ferns to majestic oaks, all plants have a story to tell.  Mercer shares these stories with the world through children, visitors and community programs.  A major goal at Mercer is to connect people with plants to link the understanding of horticulture with its benefits to society.

     The Mercer Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) support organization, assists with funding for the continued enhancement of programs and collections.  Mercer's education department is funded through the support of the society and Harris County.