The Wildflower Center is growing with intention. Over the coming years, you may notice temporary closures, construction activity, and other changes across our gardens and spaces as we invest in new gardens, improved accessibility, and long-term resilience.
This page shares the latest updates and highlights the long-term vision guiding these improvements.
CURRENT CLOSURES
McDermott Carriage House
Renovations on the McDermott Carriage House are nearing completion. The space will soon serve as an open-air spot to sit a spell, grab a drink of water, use the restroom, and soak in the view of the forthcoming Pollinator Garden.
Built in 1885 by John Driskill, founder of Austin’s Driskill Hotel, the structure once housed horses used for transportation and deliveries. After relocating to the Wildflower Center in 2001, it was carefully restored as a multi-purpose learning space.
Café
The Café is currently closed for remodeling as we refresh and improve the space.
In the meantime, food trucks are available onsite Friday through Sunday, and light snacks and beverages are available in the Shop & Gallery.
Schreck Pollinator Garden
Coming Soon! Surrounding our newly renovated McDermott Carriage House, the Schreck Pollinator Garden will be a living demonstration of sustainable design.
We can’t wait for you to explore this space, which will feature sun-loving native plants that attract monarch butterflies, sphinx moths, bumble bees and more.
LOOKING AHEAD
The changes you see across the Wildflower Center are part of a long-term vision to grow our impact as Texas’s official state botanic garden and arboretum.
Through a comprehensive site plan, we are working to expand access, enhance gardens, strengthen research and conservation, and advance sustainability across the landscape.