Native Gardens

Our 16 unique gardens are designed to inspire, to educate and to demonstrate the beauty of native plants. We want them to serve as models for homeowners as they restore their own property to a more natural state. 

Theme Gardens
The Theme Gardens are an extensive exhibit of Texas natural areas. Here, 23 beds demonstrate just a few of the infinite varieties, uses and adaptations of plants native to the Texas.  See gardens typical of different regions, as well as a garden dedicated to the botanists who chronicled Texas plants. Other gardens demonstrate techniques for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, using water and rock features and protecting your plants from voracious deer.
Read more about the Theme Garden

Ann and O.J. Weber Butterfly Garden
This garden demonstrates the codependent relationship of plants and insects and the critical role of pollinators in sustaining biodiversity. It is designed to attract and sustain pollinators by using a diverse range of plants native to the Texas Hill Country. Benches, walking paths and shaded areas allow visitors the opportunity to quietly observe the activities of butterflies and other pollinators. An insectary next to the garden protects the caterpillar (larval) phase of the butterfly life cycle from birds, wasps, and other predators.
Read more about the Butterfly Garden

South Meadow
The South Meadow is seeded with wildflowers native to Central Texas and during springtime is  a rainbow of color. The aqueduct  which runs along and above the promenade is covered with Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and transports rainwater from the Auditorium roof to the Entry Cistern.

Little House Courtyard
Designed for young children ages two to six, this garden encourages outdoor exploration. It incorporates interesting native plants that help children learn about shapes, smells, textures and colors while having fun. The courtyard also features a wikiup (a framed hut used by nomadic Native Americans), a shaded arbor, tree stump stools and large pots in which children can discover plastic insects and lizards.
Read more about the Little House Courtyard

Erma Lowe Hill Country Stream
Sit on one of the benches next to the Erma Lowe Hill Country Stream and listen to the musical trickle of the water as it flows over the rocks. Living things seem to gravitate towards water. Proof lies in the palm-shaped pinnules of the maiden hair ferns (Adiantum capillus-veneris) and the curious fingers of countless children. Neither can be deterred from dangling pieces of themselves into the current.