Ribbon cutting at Pyron Garden kicks off 66th Annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail

Published 5:45 am Saturday, March 22, 2025

The second day of spring brought a windy but beautiful morning Friday as visitors made their way to the Pyron Garden for the opening ceremony of Tyler’s 66th Annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail.

The Pyron Garden, a private backyard owned by Joan Pyron located at 212 W. Dobbs Street, has long been a cherished gem in Tyler for both residents and tourists alike. The weeks-long flower trail kicks off each year at the garden.

“(Joan) always says this is God’s garden, so she wants to share it with the world,” said Susan Travis, VP of Sales at local tourism organization Visit Tyler. “She lets people take photos here, hold graduations, get married, get engaged — she’s a very gracious lady. We’re so thankful for her.”

Since the mid-1990s, Joan Pyron has opened the garden to the public — not just during Tyler’s Azalea & Spring Flower Trail but all year long.

“This is my favorite time of the year,” Joan said. “I love to put the flowers out… so many people come in all the time. I love to visit with them, it’s like a party.”

When Joan and her husband Guy moved to Tyler from Dallas, the house was in disrepair and the garden overgrown. With time and care, they transformed it into the beautiful space it is today. Guy, who passed away in March 2020, played a key role in the garden’s creation.

“Believe me, he was not a carpenter, nor did he know how to build fences and all this other stuff,” Joan said. “But he did it, and he did a beautiful job of it.”

The garden’s beauty hasn’t gone unnoticed. It has been featured in publications like Southern Living, Better Homes and Gardens, and Texas Monthly.

“That’s why I tell everybody this is God’s garden,” Joan said. “He gave it to me to do.”

The trail’s opening ceremony included remarks from James Sheridan, board chair of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, who praised the garden’s beauty.

“What a beautiful place this is,” Sheridan said. “It’s a picture of… how God tends and takes care of us.”

Angel Cummings, a soloist with the award-winning Texas College Choir, sang the National Anthem, followed by welcoming remarks from Mayor Don Warren.

“It’s a beautiful day. I come to do this each year,” Warren said. “This is really one of my favorite events of the year… it’s about the beauty.”

Travis highlighted key features of the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail and introduced the 2025 Rose City Ambassadors, a group of local youth who play an important role in the festival.

“It was a little chilly, but it’s gonna turn into a very beautiful day, perfect temperatures, a great day to get out and see the azaleas,” Travis said.

Todd Haymans, executive pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church, led the ceremony with a prayer, then 2025 Texas Rose Festival Princess Mary Michael Dial cut the ribbon, officially marking the opening of the 66th Annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail.

From now until April 6, visitors can stroll the brick streets in the historic Azalea District and enjoy the beauty that makes Tyler a must-see destination during the annual flower trail. For three weekends, visitors can explore more than 10 miles of blooming azaleas and spring flowers, take part in community events, and enjoy one of Tyler’s most colorful traditions. The trail features art shows, quilt displays, historic home tours, shopping events, and artisan and flower markets.

Since the homes in the Azalea District are private residences, visitors are encouraged to explore the area during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant blooms while respecting homeowners’ privacy.

Flower trail events

March 8 – April 5

Quilt Show at the Goodman Museum | Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 624 N. Broadway Ave.

The exhibit features more than 20 quilts from the 1830s to the 1940s, including an 1830s quilt and an 1880s Goodman-LeGrand family heirloom, displayed throughout the historic home.

March 21 – March 22

44th Annual Tyler Quilt Show – “A Stitch In Time” | W.T. Brookshire Conference Center (2000 W. Front St.)

This judged quilt show features over 200 quilts, 20+ vendors, 2 raffle quilts, demos, lectures, a silent auction and a country store. Proceeds benefit community service projects like Quilts of Valor and Cuddle Quilts.

Now – April 6

Art in Bloom – Rose City Art Gallery & Gifts | 328 S. College Ave.

Explore a variety of artwork and handcrafted items celebrating spring, including colorful paintings, sculptures and nature-inspired gifts.

Now – April 6

Carriage Rides | Wednesday – Sunday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Bergfeld Park (1510 S. College Ave.)

Take a scenic ride through the Azalea District for $5 to $20. Groups of 6 or more can reserve by calling Mark at 903-681-2647 or messaging Cowboy Carriages on Facebook. Cash required. Carriages for 4, 6 and 12 available.

March 22

Spirits of Oakwood | 5 p.m. | Oakwood Cemetery (corner of North Palace and Oakwood Street)

Costumed historians share the stories of notable individuals at their gravesites, offering a glimpse into local history.

March 22-23

Azalea Arts and Crafts Fair | Bergfeld Park (1510 S. College Ave.)

Browse handmade jewelry, art, literature and more. Enjoy live entertainment and food trucks while you shop.

March 22

Tyler Azalea Run | 7 a.m. | Bergfeld Park (1510 S. College Ave.)

Run a scenic 10K or 5K route through the Tyler Azalea Trails.

March 22, 29, April 5

Botanical Garden Tours with Smith County Master Gardeners | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Tyler Rose Garden (420 Rose Park Dr.)

Meet certified experts in the garden to learn about plants, landscaping and local history.

March 28

Candlelight Garden Party | 7 to 10 p.m. | 3117 Dinah Lane

Kick off Historic Tyler on Tour weekend with a tour of the Curtis’s 1955 International Ranch-style home, live music, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Ages 21+. Tickets: $150 (non-members), $125 (members).

March 29 — March 30

Historic Tyler on Tour | Various Times

Tour four historic homes in Tyler, showcasing Mid-Century designs. Featured homes include International Ranch, Standard Ranch, Colonial Revival Ranch and Spanish Ranch styles, designed by architects E. Davis Wilcox and Carl Gregory. Ages 12+. Tickets: $25 (non-members), $15 (members).

March 29 — April 5

Antique & Collectibles Week | Various Locations

Explore unique treasures at local antique shops, enjoy exclusive deals and discover hidden gems. Complete a Bingo card for a chance to win exciting prizes. Participating locations in Tyler include Blue Bird Antique Mall & Treasure Shop, Ye Olde City Antiques, The Armory, The Loft Downtown Mall, The Royal Passage Antiques, The House of Wynne, Trading Post, Our Little Corner, plus Main Street Market Antique & Vintage Goods in Lindale and Southern Charms in Bullard.

March 29

East Texas Symphony — The Music of Queen | 7:30 p.m.| UT Tyler Cowan Center

Conductor: Richard Lee; Special guests from Jeans ‘n Classics with the Tyler Civic Choral. Experience the iconic music of Queen, including hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, Somebody to Love and more. This dynamic performance blends rock band, chorus and full orchestra for a thrilling live experience.

April 4 — April 5

Rose City Artisan & Flower Market | Goodman-LeGrand Museum (624 N. Broadway Ave.)

Explore artisan and plant vendors, gardening talks by experts and creative products for plant lovers at this vibrant market.

For more information about the trail, check out Visit Tyler’s website at www.visittyler.com/business/azalea–spring-flower-trail.