XERISCAPE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
Opened to the public in 1986, this garden is one of Austin's most important examples of "Xeriscape at Work." It is primarily a showcase of the seven principles of Xeriscape: good design, soil improvement, use of mulch, limited lawn areas, native and low-water use plants, efficient irrigation and low maintenance. In particular, it provides a display of over fifty native and low-water use plants including trees, shrubs, groundcovers and wildflowers.

Antique Iron Gates mark the entrance to the Xeriscape garden. They were given in memory of Dr. Dorothy Schons by the members of Xi Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.

Saint Francis of Assisi statue is set on a pedestal of natural rock. It was donated by the Catholic Women's Study Club of America in 1977.

The Peace Aviary features ring-neck doves in a fanciful castle, a black wrought iron decorative bird cage.

CACTUS AND SUCCULENT GARDEN
The Austin Cactus and Succulent Society began construction on the garden in 1989. The first plantings of mostly native West Texas cactus and succulents began in 1990. The garden was dedicated in the Spring of 1991 and is primarily maintained by the Austin Cactus and Succulent Society.

Top of Page

ZILKER DINOSAUR TRACKWAYS
Dinosaurs tracks believed to be those of an ostrich-like dinosaur, ornithomimus, were discovered in January 1992. While uncovering these tracks, bones of a marine turtle, osteopygis, were uncovered in March 1992. The estimated age of the tracks and bones is 100 million years. Ongoing research at the site will uncover more details regarding the dinosaurs and their environment.

Top of Page

DOUGLAS BLACHLY BUTTERFLY TRAIL
Construction began in 1989 and will progress in five stages.
The first stage, The Douglas Blachly Butterfly Trail, was funded by a grant from Texas Botanical Garden Society Board member Ruth Puett. The butterfly Open-Air Hatchery Garden stage was initiated by a donation from Curtis and Patricia Meadows.
The Butterfly Garden and Trail have been filled with local flowers and plants which attract numerous species of Texas butterflies, providing visitors with a view of many of Austin's attractive species as well as migrating varieties. Guided tours will feature the interaction between insects and plants in an ecosystem.
The Trail is adjacent to the Rose Garden.

Top of Page

AROUND THE PARKING AREA
The Herb and Fragrance Garden was planted by the Austin Herb Society. A design of raised beds contains over eighteen varieties of fragrant herbs.

The Posey Perennial Garden and J. Curtis Harper Fountain, a Bicentennial gift to the City, was dedicated in 1975. The pool reflects the perennial plants in the garden: verbena, aster, phlox, daisies, amaryllis, and many others.

The Freda Bodine Caladium Garden was endowed in June 1992 by Dr. Willis Bodine, in recognition of the late Mrs. Bodine's untiring efforts in promoting the use of caladiums in Austin Landscaping.

The Antique Light Standards graced Lavaca Street from 1926 until 1975, when some of them were donated by the City of Austin Electric Department as a Bicentennial Project in 1975.Some still remain on Lavaca Street. The Austin Area Garden Council donated funds toward the installation.

The Hamilton Parr Memorial Azalea Garden is one of the most spectacular color gardens of its kind, with brilliantly landscaped azalea beds, a green brook bubbling from a pond and a deep-shaded flagstone patio. Built in memory of an outstanding Austin Gardener, more than 5,000 plants in a rotating color-drift scheme transform a rugged hillside.

Top of Page

FLORAL DISPLAY GARDEN
West of the entrance on Barton Springs Road, an area has been set aside and planted with annuals and perennials provided by the Men's Garden Club of Austin and the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Some of the plants are native or naturalized plants indigenous to this area.

Top of Page

AUSTIN AREA GARDEN COUNCIL HISTORY
The Austin Area Garden Council began over 40 years ago with the goal to create a place to serve as a focal point for the several gardening organizations in the Austin area. In 1946 the Violet Crown Garden Club, Inc., set aside $50.00 to initiate a building project. The club immediately organized and sponsored fund-raising events to add to the initial donation. Mrs. W. Bradfield is credited by many as being the first person to approach the city with the request for city-owned land to be designated as a building site. Mrs. Alden Davis continued the quest, and in 1955, when the city of Austin accepted the idea, a governing group was needed for the entire project. Several different names were used, "Austin Area Garden Council" was finally chosen, and on January 31, 1956, the group held its first meeting, with five clubs sending representatives. Today the Council represents almost 2,000 members 41 clubs The purpose of the organization is "to promote the education of citizens in the art of gardening for the beautification of homes and countryside." Today the Council, in concert with the City Parks and Recreation Department, sponsors the annual Christmas celebration, Yule Fest, and in the Spring sponsors Flora Rama, the largest flower show in the area.

Top of Page

ZILKER GARDEN FESTIVAL
This special annual two-day event is held the first week in May as a fund raising project for the Garden Center. All member clubs cooperate to present a celebration of games, food, plant sales and a gala flower show. The Parks and Recreation Department also supports this project.

Top of Page