Can I pick any bench in the Dallas Arboretum for an honorarium?
Specific benches within the gardens have been designated for honorariums. Some benches are not available since they reside in a completely endowed garden area or are going to be replaced. An Arboretum staff person can help you select the perfect bench during a walk-through of the gardens.

What if the bench needs to be replaced after I have designated it for an honorarium?
The endowment amount guarantees that your bench will be replaced within the first year should an unforeseen natural disaster occur (such as a tornado). After one year, the bench endowment is placed in a maintenance fund that is used to pay for the perpetual care (such as painting) of your bench throughout its “natural life.” Children’s benches have a projected life span of 10 years due to their placement in the children’s education area.

Each bench is placed within the garden as an integral part of that garden’s design. If, as the garden grows, your bench needs to be moved, the Dallas Arboretum reserves the right to evaluate the site of the bench location. If the garden is incomplete without the bench, we will replace it at no cost to you. If the design of the area is not affected by the loss of the bench, the Dallas Arboretum reserves the right not to replace it.

Will the Arboretum replace the bench with the same kind of bench as before?
If the bench is replaced, the Arboretum will make every effort to acquire the same design as you had originally purchased. If that is not possible, we reserve the right to substitute another design. We will, however, replace the bench label with your personal message should we change the bench. Basically, the bench remains yours.

How are benches marked?
The Arboretum has a standardized labeling system throughout the gardens. The label used for benches measures 5” by 1” and is made of brass with a permanent glued backing. One of these labels is made and affixed to the top of the front of each wooden bench and to the side frame of each metal bench.

What can I put on the bench label?
The label has a maximum of three lines of type. The wording is subject to approval by the Arboretum and the label can accommodate approximately 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation. We recommend wording such as “In tribute to…”, “In honor of…”, “On the birth of …”, etc.

What is the normal contribution for a bench?
$3,000 to $5,000 depending on the location. Children’s benches are $1,500.

Can other family members or friends be notified of a bench honorarium?
Yes, a personal letter can be sent to up to four (4) individuals. Each letter includes specific information about the bench and its location.

Who do I need to speak with or direct endowment funds to at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society?
Linda Partain handles and records all bench honorariums. She can be reached by calling 214.515.6640.

Once you are ready to begin a bench endowment, please fill out and return the enclosed document. It is very important for you to understand and agree to the above information.

Please note that the Arboretum gives extraordinary care to its facilities. If you choose an honorarium, there is no better place to give it life than the Dallas Arboretum.