The focus of the Chandor Gardens Foundation is to preserve the heritage of the Gardens and work with the City of Weatherford to further develop the Chandor property, in keeping with Douglas Chandor's artistic vision.
Douglas Chandor was one of the great portrait artists of the 20th Century. Five of his paintings are on display in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. His portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt is displayed in the White House, and his coronation portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, graces the British Embassy in Washington, DC.
His passion for gardening and his artistry intertwined to be beautifully expressed in the gardens he created and named White Shadows. After the untimely death of Douglas in 1953, his wife, Ina, paid tribute to him by changing the name to Chandor Gardens.
Today, Chandor Gardens is a destination unto itself. It is the location of joyous events, memory-making occasions, and pleasant wanderings.
Enjoy a self-guided journey through 8 unique gardens in Parker County. Discover what lies behind the hedges, fences, and gates!
The Friends of Chandor Gardens, part of Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc., are thrilled to present the 5th Annual Secret Gardens of Parker County Tour of eight gardens. Embark on a self-guided adventure through these seven hidden gems, each offering a unique and enchanting experience.
Uncover the beauty that lies beyond the hedges, fences and gates while wandering through these picturesque gardens. From tranquil oases to vibrant floral displays, each stop on the tour promises to inspire and delight.
The gardens can be visited in any order between the times of 9 am and 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 6. 2026.
Make your own itinerary, go at your own pace, and enjoy your time in these beautiful gardens.
Garden Locations: Will be posted closer to tour date
Tickets:
Thank-you to our Sponsors! - We could not hold this event without your generous support.
** Proceeds benefit preservation and enhancement projects to Chandor Gardens reflecting the artistic vision of Douglas Chandor **
Please consider volunteering for the Chandor Nature Trail “Spruce Up” from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m every 4th Saturday at Chandor Gardens, hosted by the Crosstimbers Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas.
Interested volunteers can contact Cross Timbers trail steward Christie Tull, at or call 817-307-9307.
FYI - Volunteer hours count towards Texas Master Naturalist and Texas Master Gardeners.
About the Trail: Chandor Nature Trail, located at Chandor Gardens, is just under one mile long and is open for hikers and their leashed dogs free of charge during Chandor Garden hours.
See you on the trail!
Chandor Gardens Foundation is excited to present VOICES of Fort Worth’s "Where It All Began!" a cappella choral concert on April 11, 2026, at All Saints’ Church, 121 South Waco Street, Weatherford, TX at 3:00 PM. Doors will open for seating at 2:45 PM.
Ticket holders are invited to enjoy a pre-concert reception with "English Tea" style refreshments in Barlow Hall, located beside the church, starting at 2:00 PM.
VOICES of Fort Worth is a premier a cappella choral ensemble with 21 vocalists known for their exceptional vocal harmonies and moving performances. Under the direction of Dr. Jerome M. Bierschenk, the group has captivated audiences for 14 years with their rich sound and artistic expression.
The concert program will feature Dr. Bierschenk's favorite songs from VOICES of Fort Worth's repertoire. In honor of America's 250th Birthday, the group will perform the iconic patriotic song "America the Beautiful."
Chandor Gardens Foundation extends its gratitude to All Saints’ Church for allowing us to host this special concert in their historic church, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026.
The connection between All Saints’ Church and Chandor Gardens is significant, as Douglas & Ina Chandor were members of the church, with their wedding and funeral services held there.
Tickets- $25 +fees
Friends of Chandor Gardens Members are invited to a day tour on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 of the following locations in Cleburne, TX:
Layland Museum of History - 11:00 A.M. (201 N.Caddo St.) - Housed in one of the last remaining original Carnegie library buildings. In 1900, the Women’s Club of Cleburne contacted steel industrialist Andrew Carnegie for assistance in building a library for the community. Carnegie, a champion of libraries, contributed $20,000 to the project, which the community then matched. The building opened on May 25th,1905. It is a Greek Revival style building featuring ionic columns with ornamental necking. It became a museum in 1963. Our group will have a docent lead tour of the museum.
Garden of Eating Bistro - 12:30 P.M. for lunch (205 S. Main St)
Polo Rosa Vineyard & Winery - 2:00 P.M. (1335 E FM 4, Cleburne). Owner Donna Patrick is opening the Tasting Room (a heritage building) exclusively for our group. Wine tastings and bottles of wine will be available for purchase. FYI - Donna & Duane Patrick were the guest speakers at the Nov, 2025 Friends Meeting.
The drive to Cleburne is about 40 miles from Weatherford, TX, so allow enough time so that you can arrive at the Leyland Museum just prior to our 11:00 am booking. Note: The museum doesn't open until 11:00 am.
**IMPORTANT ** - Members please register for this tour by April 13, 2026 with Nancy Wester - 972-746-6078 (call or text). Let Nancy know whether you are going to want to purchase a Tasting Flight at Polo Rosa Winery
Raising awareness and understanding of wildlife pollinators and the ecosystems that sustain them – and us!
Join us for our ongoing “Wine & Words” Speaker Series the evening of Saturday, April 25, 2026 in the Great Room at Chandor Gardens, Weatherford, TX to hear an inspiring author talk with conservationist, journalist, and nature writer Monika Maeckle. Maeckle will discuss her book “The Monarch Butterfly Migration: It’s Rise & Fall” and will also highlight her latest book “Plants with Purpose: Twenty-Five Ecosystem Multitaskers”
Monika will share with us her journey from curiosity to involvement about monarch butterfly migrations that touch on a variety of subjects and issues from milkweed species to tagging butterflies to the changes seen in annual migrations. The Monarch Butterfly Migration Its Rise and Fall – In this informative and interesting book, we learn about the natural history of the monarch butterfly migration from 1976 to the present woven with a lot of cultural history and memoir.
During the program, she will share insights from her books, answer audience questions, and reflect on her work as an advocate for pollinators and biodiversity.
Both books will be available for purchase and signing immediately following the presentation.
Tickets - $35 (+fees) ticket price includes wine & beer
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Chandor Gardens Foundation is excited to have Opus Nova Chamber Music Series returning to the Great Room at Chandor Gardens on Tuesday, May 5th at 7:00 PM with a "Homage to Benny Goodman". The musicians for this chamber music concert will be; Daniel Anastasio (piano), Stas Chernyshev (clarinet), and Ann Hung (clarinet).
Follow us on Facebook to keep in touch with our Chandor Gardens Foundation community.
For more information about any of our featured events please call 682-268-0102.
Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc.’s Virtual Memorial Wall is a way for family members and friends to convey that a loved one’s memory will last and will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.
This Virtual Memorial Wall, which is part of a Memorial Gift having been made by a friend or loved one, is an endearing way to keep lost loved ones close and to reminisce about their importance in our lives.
It is designed to bring back happy memories, while also expressing that those we have lost will always be honored and loved.
CLICK an image below to see more about those honored here.
The following are a few ways to give which will make a lasting impact at Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. right now or in the future:
Your treasures like valuable antiques, stamp and coin collections, works of art, cars, boats, and other personal property can make suitable charitable gifts today. This allows you to benefit our work today and receive a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize.
NOTE: The financial benefits of the gift depend on whether we can use the property in a way that is related to our mission.
Related use property-e.g., a piece of artwork given to an art museum-is deductible at the full fair market value. Any other property is deemed nonrelated use property and the deduction would be limited to the lesser of fair market value or your tax basis in the property.
If the federal income tax charitable deduction claimed for a gift of tangible personal property exceeds $5,000, you must obtain an appraisal from a qualified appraiser and submit a special IRS form with the tax return on which the deduction is claimed.
** Of Particular Significance: Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. is specifically hoping for the gradual return of original art by Doulas Chandor, as well as Douglas and Ina’s furnishings, personal effects, and antique garden features as part of our mission to preserve this historic gem for future generations.
Honor the memory of a friend or loved one by giving a memorial gift in their name to Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. Your donation is a thoughtful way of continuing the legacy of a friend or loved one, while supporting the mission of Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc.
Included as part of a memorial gift we also will add a picture of your friend or loved one, along with a short message or sentiment if you so desire, to our Virtual Memorial Wall on this website. One of the most touching aspects of the Virtual Memorial Wall is that it lasts forever and it is designed to bring back happy memories, while also expressing that those we have lost will always be honored and loved.
We ask that you provide us your name and address, the deceased person’s name, and the name and address of the person to whom you want us to send an acknowledgment (to you or to the person you designate as the recipient). We’ll send a card to the person you wish to be notified of your gift.
Please complete the Memorial Gift form.
If you are 70½ years old or older, and have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) you can take advantage of a simple way to benefit Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. and receive tax benefits in return.
Beginning at age 70½, people with an IRA are required to withdraw a minimum amount from their account every year. This is known as the required minimum distribution. The required minimum distribution is taxed as income. People who do not need the income or who wish to reduce their tax liability can meet the required minimum distribution by transferring funds from their IRA to a charity. This way of giving is called a Charitable IRA Rollover.
This law no longer has an expiration date so you are free to make annual gifts to Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. this year and well into the future.
Why consider this type of gift?
Leave a legacy of support for Chandor Gardens.
A planned or deferred gift is a meaningful way to leave a legacy of support to an organization that has had meaning or has touched your life. You don’t need to be wealthy to make a planned gift. With thoughtful planning, you have the opportunity to make a significant gift that will benefit the future of Chandor Gardens, and make a lasting statement about what is important to you.
Examples of these types of gifts are:
A planned gift is an investment in Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. A planned gift may also help you achieve certain personal financial goals, particularly with regard to tax planning and management.
The most straightforward way of making a planned gift is through a bequest in your will or trust. This allows you to distribute your property in accordance with your wishes.
You can make a primary or contingent gift to Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc using the following simple language:
I hereby give and bequeath to Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc., a not-for-profit corporation in Weatherford, Texas (specific amount, percentage of estate, or specific property) for general purposes.
Not everyone wants to commit to making a gift in their wills or estates. You can also name Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. as a beneficiary on your retirement accounts, life insurance, and annuities. It only takes 3 easy steps to make this type of gift.
Here's how to name Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. as a beneficiary:
The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.
Contributions from our generous past and present sponsors & supporters are making our mission to preserve the heritage of the Gardens and work with the City of Weatherford to further develop the Chandor property, in keeping with Douglas Chandor's artistic vision possible.
We are thankful to the following companies and individuals who have provided financial and in-kind support.
The Chandor Gardens Foundation hosts several events during the year, both large and small. You can actively engage in these events by becoming a financial sponsor. The Foundation will recognize your business in a number of ways i.e. marketing collateral, website, and social media, depending upon the level of support you provide.
If you want to support our efforts but would rather donate your resource, this too is as valuable as money itself. The Foundation will recognize your business in a number of ways i.e. marketing collateral, website, and social media, depending upon the level of support you provide.
Chandor Gardens Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 114, Weatherford, Texas 76086
682-268-0102
Chandor Gardens
711 West Lee Avenue, Weatherford, Texas 76086
817-598-4334
www.chandorgardens.com
Chandor Gardens is on the National Register of Historic Places of the National Park Service.
The Chandor Gardens Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Copyright ©2026 Chandor Gardens Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.
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