Tours of Zilker Botanical Garden are offered weekdays during the fall and spring. Our highly acclaimed school tour program consists of an interactive slide show which covers such topics as photosynthesis, plant reproduction, plant/animal interactions, pollination, and how plant adaptations are exploited by man to provide our needs. This indoor program is followed by an hour outside touring the gardens in small groups led by trained docents. The students get to experience the serenity of the Tanaguchi Oriental Garden, with its waterfall, koi filled ponds and teahouse; the Butterfly Garden, where they can often see all of the stages of the butterfly life cycle; the Herb Garden filled with the fragrant plants that flavor our foods and treat our ailments; and our Heritage area, which features a blacksmith shop, organic garden and school and home transplanted fro the 1800's.

In addition, we are offering an outreach program where we will bring a field trip TO the schools! This year, the Plantmobile will be coming out to schools with a program on Butterflies and Butterfly Gardening for up to two classes (44 students) at a time. The program consists of a 15 minute show and 45 minute hands-on activity for elementary students, and a 30 minute slide show and 45 minute hands-on activity for junior high students. This program is intended to foster the creation of butterfly gardens at area schools, so priority will be given to schools which have, or wish to have, a garden for butterflies as a school resource. Teachers interested in creating or maintaining school butterfly gardens are invited to a workshop on Butterfly Gardening on Saturday, October 31 at the Garden Center. Call 481-8256 and leave a message if you want more information.

The school tour program is offered free of charge to all area school children. For visits of the Plantmobile a fee of $25.00 will be assessed to cover mileage and materials. Teachers are encouraged to consider making reservation for both a school tour and a visit of the Plantmobile.

Please complete the reservation form, indicating your preferences for a date

Call Julie Graham in the Education Office at 481-8256 for more information.