Rienzi is one of Houston's treasures as our city has very few gardens of this caliber open to the public.  Part of the rehabilitation of the gardens included a plan to design an attractive, educational, demonstration area for lilies and bulbs. The educational opportunities in the Bulb Garden are abundant and there is really nothing like it in Houston. Part of the inspiration came from Peirre-Joseph Redoute, often called the Raphael of flowers and history's most famous botanical artist who was employed by the Empress Josephine to record the plants and flowers in her gardens at Malmaison. 

In 2003 while working on the project, Timothy Adcock, landscape architect for Thompson+Hanson, came upon a reprint of the book Les Liliacees. The book contained images of watercolors painted by Redoute of liliaceae cultivated in France by the Empress Josephine at Malmaison.

Yet the solace and joy experienced in strolling the 4.4 acres during the different seasons is equally valuable. Once experienced, it will become a favorite place to spend time.

The tours of the house are by appointment and you may visit its website by clicking here or by calling 713-639-7800.

Rienzi is located at 1406 Kirby Drive between Shepherd and San Felipe. Admission to the gardens is free. The gardens are open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 to 4, the gates close at 5. Tours are self-guided.