As if the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden didn't dominate the Dallas wedding and event space by a large enough margin, the nature lover's haven will open a new edible garden with venue space in fall 2017. The Arboretum broke ground yesterday on the $8M farm-to-table garden designed by SWA Architects and Buchanan Architecture with consulting from home and garden expert P. Allen Smith and Arboretum horticulturalists.

The two-acre year-round food oasis named A Tasteful Place will also have a pavilion of nearly 4k SF to host seminars, receptions, demonstrations and events. Buchanan Architecture's Russell Buchanan tells us the pavilion will be fully air conditioned and include both a demo kitchen and catering kitchen. Plus, a decked out AV booth will accompany the demo kitchen for recording and broadcasting.

The garden includes an orchard, vineyard and raised beds of mixed flowers, vegetables, fruits and herbs, plus tons of shaded porches and patios.

But all of that will pale in comparison to the view visitors will get when walking into the garden. The vantage point from atop an elevated platform will showcase Big D's skyline across White Rock Lake. Stick around during twilight for the best sunset this side of the Mississippi.

Russ says Buchanan Architects will use many materials already seen at the Arboretum, such as Texas limestone and cypress wood, to create a modern design with a rustic feel.