Humble in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Thelma Loraine Mercer

December 21, 1902 - September 20, 2000

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 17, 2026

1. Thelma Loraine Mercer Marker

Inscription. A visionary naturalist and innovative horticulturalist, Thelma Mercer and her husband, Charles, created a charming and unique garden sanctuary on the original 14.5-acre property that would become Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens on January 8, 1974. Her legacy endures in this place of beauty, serenity, and learning that is enjoyed by all who enter these gates.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is January 8, 1974.

Location. 30° 2.29′ N, 95° 22.883′ W. Marker is in Humble, Texas, in Harris County. It is on Aldine Westfield Road half a mile north of Treaschwig Road, on the right when traveling north. The statue and marker are near the entrance to Mercer Botanic Gardens. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Houston TX 77073, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico

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state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Papyrus (Not Just a Font) (a few steps from this marker); The Herb Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Borden Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); Shakespeare Garden (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Endangered Species (about 400 feet away); Rain Gardens in Texas (about 400 feet away); Prehistoric Garden (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Endangered Species (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Humble.

Also see . . . Mercer Botanic Gardens. From the American Camellia Society.

Excerpt: "In the late 1940s, Thelma and Charles Mercer purchased a beautiful 14.5 acre tract of natural land along Cypress Creek. Thelma was an avid horticulturist, and she and Charles did much of the initial selective clearing to make space for some
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 17, 2026

2. Thelma Loraine Mercer statue
of her favorite native trees that included dogwoods, rusty black-haw viburnum, several species of hawthorns, plus many others. Thelma also planted large camellias that are still seen throughout the central gardens. She also introduced many other plant species, such as camphor, Ginkgo, Bauhinia, Philadelphus and tung oil that naturalized and are still growing beautifully.

"When it came time for the Mercers to retire, they could not bear the thought of a developer bulldozing their “paradise.” So, in 1974, they convinced Harris County to purchase their original 14.5 acre tract with the stipulation that it would grow and be maintained as an educational and horticultural facility for the public’s enjoyment."

(Submitted on September 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Thelma Loraine Mercer statue at Mercer Botanic Gardens image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 17, 2026

3. Thelma Loraine Mercer statue at Mercer Botanic Gardens

Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.