Our Story, Channel Garden Photo by Outland Weddings

Max and Billie Clark portrait

Clark Gardens was founded on the blooming love story of Max and Billie Clark. When it came to their mutual love for gardens and nature, Max built anything Billie desired- She served as much of the inspiration for the gardens, lakes, pavilions, and fountains seen at Clark Gardens today.

Billie passed away in September 2012, just a few weeks short of their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Today Max continues his labor of love by working in the garden daily and carrying on what he started with his bride in 1972.

Billie left a legacy of beauty to North Texas. Clark Gardens has become an oasis to thousands year-round and is the starting point for couples as they begin their journey in marriage among the very space Max and Billie built together.

About Our Team

 

Ansley McEntire
Assistant Director

Ansley McEntire

940-682-4856 Ext: 100

Ansley is the Assistant Director of Clark Gardens. She has been with the team since March 2017. Ansley has always had a real passion for events. In fact, she knew she wanted to work in this industry since she was eight years old, right after planning her first event. Ansley has a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Public Relations and Event Management. Her favorite flower is a tulip. Fun fact is that she married her high school sweetheart in a botanical garden. She and her husband have two fur babies they adore. She is extremely passionate about traveling. Currently, her number one on her must-visit list is Greece. Lastly, the first dance is her favorite part about a wedding.

photo credit Jennifer Crenshaw Photography

 

Carol Clark Montgomery
Director of Clark Gardens

Carol Clark Montgomery

Carol is the Director of Clark Gardens. She has grown up around the gardens but joined the team full time in March 2008. Carol is an alumna of Tarleton State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. After graduation, she worked at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas as a Microbiologist and later moved to Bryan/College Station, where she lived for 30 years. During this part of her life, she became the sole owner/operator of a catering & event company. After success in the business, she opened the Kyle House. She has been happily married for 42 wonderful years to her husband, Dr. Mark Montgomery. They have three beautiful children named Clark, Travis & Molly, and the light of their lives, a precious four-year-old granddaughter, Vivian. Carol loves to explore new places and meet new people. She and her husband find true happiness in entertaining. They enjoy a glass of wine paired with tasty food, often cooked out of their very own vegetable garden. A fun fact about Carol is she loves her chickens.

photo credit Jennifer Crenshaw Photography

 

Max Clark
Founder

Max Clark

Max is the co-founder of Clark Gardens. His late wife, Billie Clark, and he built the gardens as a private oasis to enjoy. Later on, in 2000, the gardens were opened to the public as a 501c3 non-profit. Max is 92 years young and loves working in the gardens. Before the gardens, he owned his own business, which required frequent travel. While traveling, he would purchase two paperback books, one for the trip to his destination, and one for the journey home. This book collection is what lead to his love of reading and evolved the 1,000 plus book library in his home (westerns were always his all-time favorite). Max has a love and passion for the gardens, unlike anyone else. In his free time away from the gardens, he is either watching historical movies or enjoying time with his family.

photo credit Jennifer Crenshaw Photography