PDF version - Zilker Botanical Garden

FALL 2014
IN THIS ISSUE...
FEATURES
 50th Anniversaryof the
Austin Garden Center
Celebration
 The Story Behind Creating
the Austin Garden Center
 The History of the West Lake
Hills Garden Club
 The History of the Heart of
FEATURES
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary
of the Austin Garden Center
The Austin Area Garden Center cordially invites you
to our 50th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday and Sunday, October 18 - 19
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
the Hills Garden Club
 Zilker Botanical Garden
Long-Range Strategic
Planning
CLUB NEWS AND
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 President's Message
 Fall Plant Shows and Sales
 Travis County Master
Gardeners Fall Workshops
ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN
 Events at a Glance
 The Chrysalis Gift Shop at
Overflow parking will be available on Stratford Drive all day on Saturday and Sunday.
Zilker Botanical Garden
 The Walk of Friends
 City of Austin Newsletters
KLRU's "Central Texas
Gardener"
 Yelp Reviews
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THE STORY BEHIND CREATING THE AUSTIN GARDEN CENTER
Compiled by Marion Alsup, President, Austin Area Garden Center
and Steve Blackson, AAGC VP-Publications
Early Planning
Records show that as early as October, 1954, two members of the Violet Crown Garden Club
had approached Beverly Sheffield, the Director of the Austin Recreation Department, to ask
for land. Sheffield was so impressed with the proposal that he suggested creating a group of
all the existing garden clubs in the area who could utilize the facilities if it were built.
Reading from the minutes of the original organizational meeting in May, 1955, six garden
clubs met to form the Austin Area Garden Council. Of the original six clubs, four still exist
today:
• The Violet Crown Garden Club
(The Violet Crown Garden Club was profiled in "Down the Garden Path" Winter 2013.)
• The Men's Garden Club, now known as the Garden Club of Austin
(The Garden Club of Austin was profiled in "Down the Garden Path" Spring 2014.)
• The Western Hills Garden Club, now known as the West Lake Hills Garden Club
(The West Lake Hills Garden Club is profiled below in this issue of "Down the Garden Path".)
• The Heart of the Hills Garden Club
(The Heart of the Hills Garden Club is profiled below in this issue of "Down the Garden Path".)
Two of the original clubs no longer exist:
• The Austin Women's Federation Garden Group
• The Wilshire Area Garden Club
And what were the goals of their proposal? Where could such a Garden Center be built? What
would be its purpose?
Excerpts below from the Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas
Sunday, April 6, 1958
ZILKER BEAUTIFYING IN LONG RANGE PLANS
Someday Zilker Park will be even more beautiful than it is today.
Organized gardeners in this locality have a dream for the establishment of a
garden center for all outdoors lovers to enjoy. The area which has been set aside
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by the City of Austin through the Austin Recreation Department for this purpose is
the Northwest section of Zilker Park.
One needs only to drive along the
flatlands near the river to share the
long range dream of the Garden
Center — that of experimental
gardens with research in flowers,
herbs and grasses favorable to this
area and more formal areas that
someday may be established with
rose gardens, iris gardens and other
cultivated plants.
Along Dry Creek which borders
Rollingwood, the planners envision a
Nature Trail through the native
growth, leaving as much of the
naturalness as possible beneath the
already
established
observation
points.
Area at Zilker considered for Garden Center
And in the abandoned rock quarries, which now scar the face of the park’s
greenery, the gardeners plan rock and cactus gardens chuck-full of native plants
such the Spanish Dagger so representative of the Southwest.
The Garden Center's overall plan is one of civic beautification, preservation and
experimentation — a place to meet and work together, a place for the casual
Sunday driver to view extraordinary beauty and to observe the best in horticulture,
a place for all affiliated garden clubs to hold their flower shows, and a place where
newcomers to Austin can learn from those at experience what grows well here.
©1958 Austin American-Statesman
Momentum Builds
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. The building committee was headed by Dr. Sidney W. Bohls.
Today it is fascinating to read the goals they outlined in an article originally published by
the Austin American Statesman in 1960, and compare them with the "Jewel of the City" that
Zilker Botanical Garden has become today.
Excerpts below from the Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas
Wednesday, October 12, 1960 - Page 15
GIANT TOURIST ATTRACTION SEEN IN CITY GARDEN PLAN
by Betty McNabb
A dream that may someday be a multi-million-dollar tourist attraction for the City
of Austin is materializing in monthly conferences of the Garden Center building
committee. Among the mountain laurel, mesquite and sumac which cover a pretty
knoll on the southern slopes of Barton Springs Rood, a building will one day rise to
command a sweeping vista of the Colorado and the Capitol across the river.
Around it will be gardens -- formal gardens with stately walkways, informal
gardens with unexpected nooks and crannies. Winding among the oaks, the elms
and pecans and cedar trees that grow in profusion, the gardens will be a miniature
of the beauty of Texas. Bluebonnets will blow there, cactus will thrive, as well as
the great crimson roses which bloom so lushly in this area.
"Tourists would drive for miles to see such a garden," says Bev Sheffield, City
recreation director. He cites the many gardens of the Deep South, and the
thousands of tourists who visit them every year.
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The Garden Center building would be headquarters for garden enthusiasts in this
area, but it would also be a magnet for tourists who want to know more about our
Texas flowers and more about Austin's other tourist attractions, Sheffield believes.
"Tied in with the park (Zilker) and the Barton Springs swimming facilities, the
Garden Center could persuade visitors to stay overnight or even for longer
periods. Once we attract travelers in off the highways, so they don't just zip
through town, Austin can sell itself. After all, we live in the prettiest town in
Texas."
Members of the Garden Center building committee, working under Dr. Sidney W.
Bohls and with the wholehearted cooperation of Dr. Willis Bodine, president, and
other enthusiasts, are getting close to the drawing-board stage of their longheld
dream. An initial outlay of approximately $50,000 to $60,000 will begin the
building, once the City Council has approved use of the property.
The Garden Center is part of an overall program of beautification of the in-town
property fronting on the Colorado River and the new Town Lake, and lies in neatly
with the city's plan to provide additional recreation facilities.
©1960 Austin American-Statesman
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A Dream Come True
With money raised from plant sales, flower shows, donations from the AAGC clubs,
individuals, and the City of Austin, Zilker Botanical Garden and the Austin Area Garden
Center was closer to becoming a reality.
By 1963 the Austin City Council had approved the use of the property. Plans for the building
had been drawn up and approved. On Sunday, September 8, 1963, ground was broken "...on
a hilltop in Zilker Park."
Excerpts below from the Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas
Monday, September 9, 1963, Page 10
GARDEN CENTER EARTH TURNED
By Clare Ogden Davis, Garden Editor
A dream came true Sunday afternoon on a hilltop in
Zilker Park when Mayor Lester Palmer turned the
first shovel of earth at the site of the Austin Area
Garden Center.
Gardeners of the Area's sixteen clubs, distinguished
Austinites, officers of the Recreation Department,
city officials and well-wishers were on hand to
applaud a project in the making for a quarter of a
century.
Mayor Palmer said, "Never underestimate the power
of organized women," in his congratulations.
"People said you could never do this; they didn't
believe it was possible for the building you have
projected would ever be built.
"Austin is proud of you, proud that you are giving
this whole area a building, gardens, green and
growing beauty for all of us to glory in and enjoy
through the horticultural year."
The invocation given by Dr. C. W. Hall asked the
blessings of God on the effort to show garden
beauty to Austinites and visitors.
Master of ceremonies Joe K. Wells presided as
various garden officials spoke. Part of the formal
report of what has been done and what is planned
was made by Douglas Blachley, president of the
Austin Area Garden Council.
"The impact of the botanical garden we are planning for Austin will be one at the
outstanding features of the State Capital." said Blachley. "We believe that there will be
a great impact from the well-planned test gardens here in a botanical garden. Out in
Lubbock, Texas, where they have made a campaign of chrysanthemum growing the
residents have gained materially, not only in the beauty of their city but in the
educational values they have shown other people. Today is a real milestone in the
progress of our town."
©1963 Austin American-Statesman
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Building Dedication
Thirteen months after ground-breaking, the construction of the building was complete.
Invitations to the dedication ceremonies were sent to city council members, civic leaders,
local dignitaries, Parks and Recreation Department officials and AAGC clubs' members.
Mayor Lester Palmer cuts the ribbon for the Austin Area Garden Center.
And with the ribbon cutting, the dream came true!
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Renovation and Expansion
Through the years, the Garden Center has undergone renovations and expansion. First the
patio was enclosed. Then in 1997, the Garden Center added a new wing for offices.
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When the renovation was complete, city leaders held a re-dedication of the
building. Tha AAGC donated $125,000 towards the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Gus Garcia accpting the donation from AAGC President Dr. Norman Wagner.
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The Austin Area Garden Center Today
Today, the Austin Area Garden Center is enjoyed by both local residents and thousands of
out-of-town vistors every year. Nearly every day, or evening, one or more of the garden
clubs that belong to AAGC are using the meeting facilities. AAGC's major fund-raiser, the
annual Zilker Garden Festival, is held every spring to support the garden.
And then there are the flower shows, plants sales, gardening workshops, and many special
events held throughout the year... just as the original garden club pioneers envisioned when
they proposed creating the Austin Garden Center!
Compiled by Marion Alsup, President, Austin Area Garden Center
and Steve Blackson, AAGC VP-Publications
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THE HISTORY OF THE WEST LAKE HILLS GARDEN CLUB
Submitted by Edie Musgrove, West Lake Hills Garden Club
The West Lake Hills Garden Club was
founded in 1952 by the twelve members of
a canasta group who shared a common
interest in establishing new yards and
gardens in the unique environment of the
hills west of Austin.
The club was originally called the Western
Hills Garden Club and had a limited
membership of twenty-five.
When the name of the community changed in 1956, the name of the club became the West
Lake Hills Garden Club and the club has grown to 44 members in 2014.
West Lake Hills Garden Club association with the Austin Area Garden Center
The West Lake Hills Garden Club is proud of the fact that in 1954 it was one of the original
garden clubs to help plan and develop the Austin Area Garden Center at Zilker Park.
The Austin Garden Council was established as a
non-profit organization under the Austin Parks
and Recreation Board to help oversee and
maintain the grounds of the Garden Center,
including the native-stone building, which was
built in 1964.
As a member of the council, our club helped
support the Garden Center by participating in the
Zilker Garden Festival, an annual flower show and
fund-raising event, and donating 85% of the
proceeds to the Garden Center. The remainder
was kept in our treasury. In return for our
affiliation and support, our club has access to
their speakers' list and to the clubhouse for
meetings.
West Lake Hills early Bonsai demo at ZBG
The West Lake Hills Garden Club also participated in Yule Fest,
an "open house" Christmas party for the citizens of Austin, by
furnishing cookies and serving hot chocolate one evening. In
addition, we furnish refreshments every other year for a Garden
Council meeting.
The success of the Austin Garden Center depends on the
contributions of its member clubs. The facility is one of the
most popular in Austin, welcoming thousands of visitors from
the United States and abroad each year.
All members are cordially invited to attend the monthly Council
meetings held at the Garden Center and to tour the beautiful
grounds.
Santa visits Yule Fest
Submitted by Edie Musgrove, West Lake Hills Garden Club
From the West Lake Hills Garden Club 2014 directory
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THE HISTORY OF THE HEART OF THE HILLS GARDEN CLUB
By Mary Lou Liston, Heart of the Hills Garden Club
The Heart of the Hills Gardeners celebrated 50 years as a gardening club in 2002. It began
in 1952 in the home of Mrs. Herbert C. Wilson, who lived in the Burnet Road area. She
invited neighbors to join the club, who in turn invited others. Currently, the club has 16
members.
At first the club met in the homes of its members. Many things were shared - growing tips,
green thumb secrets, and a recipe or two. Over the years, these gardening friends showed
off roses or the latest hibiscus from their own yards. Information about plants and flowers
has been shared, along with seedlings, plant starters, laughter and smiles.
Not only club members gave programs in those formative years. When the club moved to
hold meetings at Zilker Botanical Garden in 1954, wonderful speakers shared their
knowledge on topics like landscaping with rocks, heirloom roses, Texas wildflowers, and
butterflies and bees. The club made crafts, including wreaths, angels, terrariums, dish
gardens, and painted butterflies from butterfly vine flowers. Many were sold to donate
money to Zilker Botanical Garden.
In the late 1960s, members had the privilege to observe Mr. Tanaguchi while he was
creating the Oriental Garden. Many of the current members have seen the many changes at
Zilker, and are very honored to have been a part of it all.
Helen Ratican, a Heart of the Hills charter
member, remembered trading seeds, plants,
and knowledge. Looking back Helen said,
"We made plot gardens at various schools,
and held flower shows at Municipal
Auditorium, schools such as Emmit,
Montopolis Nursery School, School for the
Deaf, and state hospitals, to name a few." So
many flowers and ribbons to remember!
She also recalled the club's sponsored
Flower Queens and the many field trips all
over Texas to learn, enjoy scenery, and
relish each other's company.
Heart of the Hills meeting at the Garden Center
"And we can’t forget we always ate good on these trips. Many trips were taken on Bee
Crenshaw's bus. Those were great times all together." Helen added.
In 2002, Heart of the Hills celebrated its golden anniversary with a gold and white adorned
Garden Center, where historical albums, newspaper articles, and lots of pictures brought
back wonderful memories.
Congratulations to this hard-working and heart-filled club who has helped make Zilker
Botanical Garden what it is today. And best wishes for another 50 years of sharing, laughter,
and smiles.
By Mary Lou Liston, Heart of the Hills Garden Club
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ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN LONG-RANGE STRATEGIC PLANNING
by Ed Parken, AAGC VP-Special Projects
The AAGC Strategic Planning Group
A small team of 3 members of the Austin Area Garden Council, President Marion Alsup, VPPublic Affairs Mary Ann Neely, VP-Special Projects Ed Parken, along with Margaret Russell
(PARD Manager), have been working on a project to define a new organization to run Zilker
Botanical Garden.
Feasibility Study
The Council hired a consultant from Seeds of Change and we have completed a feasibility
study. A key part of the study was a 28-question survey. Over 700 folks responded to our
online survey and over 500 folks took the print version of the survey. In addition we had inperson interviews with six high profile individuals that had interest in or were aware of the
issues with the Botanical Garden.
The printed survey was done at the Garden and included only adults and seniors that had
paid admissions. The paper survey covered 7 consecutive days in mid-June. A group of
AAGC volunteers did an outstanding job getting the visitors to take the survey and then they
also put the survey data into electronic form.
Survey Results
A key question in the survey was: Should a non-profit organization such as a conservancy or
foundation run Zilker Botanical Garden?
The result from over 1,000 responders was 57% supported a conservancy, 6% were opposed
and 37% did not have an opinion.
We have proposed a co-managed conservancy run by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The nonprofit
would run the Garden taking over more of the funding of responsibility with time. Ideally the
city would be responsible for only capital infrastructure issues with the nonprofit running
and managing the organization. The board would be made up with a PARD person, several
AAGC people and a mix of interested folks that want to see a prosperous and beautiful
Botanical Garden.
Future Plans
Sara Hensley has reviewed this work and supports our group to take the next step. Over the
next few months we need to get confirmation that our clubs will support this approach. With
approval we will set up a non-profit 501(c)(3) to establish a ZBG Conservancy. This will have
to be approved by the City.
Then we will need to go before the Park Board for public approval. We also have to put
together a board, attract supporters, develop a strategic plan, and formulate a business
plan... this list just goes on and on. The good news is we have verified support for this
approach and we can go forward.
Ed Parken, AAGC VP-Special Projects
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CLUB NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
from Marion Alsup, President, Austin Area Garden Council
Hangin' Out with the Flowers…
Why do YOU think Zilker Botanical Garden is important?
Why is it worthy of our support?
We asked these questions in our June survey of visitors and
supporters. Over 1,200 people responded online and in person, from
248 zip codes all across the United States and visitors from out of the
country as well. Their answers were enlightening.
Marion Alsup
One recurring theme was education:
• "One of the best places in Austin, to relax, learn about different flowers, shrubs and
trees. Truly is a 'jewel' in the cityscape."
• "Important for a large city to have a garden such as Zilker—not only a beautiful and
pleasurable experience for all ages but to provide educational experiences about
plants, trees, flora that pertain to the geographic area."
• "To promote the enjoyment of gardening."
Several people mentioned family outings:
• "Citizens in cities the size of Austin and much smaller have traditionally valued
botanical gardens. The gardens were a favorite spot for my children when we moved to
Austin in 1984 and helped them to develop their love of nature. The gardens are an
Austin treasure."
• "Both my children were there weekly from when they were babies. I took them there to
relieve anxiety, provide sanity and just enjoy so much when they were newborns! Then,
as they got older, they toddled through and developed a love of nature and the
outdoors. I will be forever grateful for the peaceful oasis that the Garden provided me
when I was at home with young kids, and now as they are older they still enjoy running
up and down the Garden to explore the dino area, balance on the rocks in the koi
pond, and just explore in a serene, well shaded and diverse setting."
• "The only place in Austin that a family can visit nature in the works. You can see how
the whole family is enjoying their surroundings."
How about some civic pride:
• "All major cities need places to go where people can connect with nature and
experience serenity."
• "Every city should have a botanical garden for their citizens to enjoy and learn from."
• "EVERY world-class city needs one!"
• "Every great city should have a botanical garden!"
• "A city the size of Austin should have a botanical garden."
• "A great city requires great public amenities from arts to gardens."
There were some reminders of health of the community:
• "Parks and outdoor spaces are vital to the health and well-being of a city. Botanical
gardens, recreational spaces, art parks, arboretums are all equally important. ZBG
should be the crown jewel of the Austin park system."
• "We live in an increasingly "big box" world. The clubs that use the Gardens, the
Gardens themselves and the education provided is a very precious thing free of
profiteering commercial interests. It is also a brilliant venue for family and community
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events like the annual festival. It is one of the most important public arenas in Austinto me, probably the most important."
• "There has to be more to Austin than night clubs and 6th Street."
• "To allow the creation of community of persons who appreciate horticulture and green
spaces in a city that is quickly changing to a very dense population."
• "It is important for Austin to have a variety of outdoor/nature areas to meet the needs
of its growing population. Being able to be out in nature has proven to be beneficial for
mental and physical health."
• "Diversity for the older visitors to Austin that are not in town for music or partying."
Take some time to stop and smell the roses:
• "Visiting ZBG does inspire everyone to stop, slow down, observe, listen, smell, touch
and learn about plant variations and cycles; it's like a living museum, a cool oasis in
the hot hectic city landscape. Worth its weight in gold!"
• "Look across the river at the apartments going up. As we become more crowded, it will
be even more important for Austin's population to have a place that is tranquil, natural
and safe."
• "It's one of Austin's Crown Jewels! Offers a rich and beautiful experience for everyone.
A place to see native and exotic plants. Lots of people live in boxes these days. Zilker
Botanical Garden is a place to get out in nature, wild and designed."
• "One of the most beautiful places in all of Austin! Sustains my soul."
• "Austin has grown significantly in the past few years and the pace of life has
dramatically increased. We need a serene environment to escape to in order to restore
a sense of calm and peace."
• "Sometimes you just wanna hang out with the flowers, man. "
It's all good:
• "Austin has long been known for its green spaces which contribute greatly to the
quality of life which makes it attractive as a place to live. With increased, often
reckless, development, much of the green space has been eroded. ZBG can act as an
example for Austinites, as well as the rest of the country, showing how to grow plants
sustainably. Additionally, thriving and well-maintained gardens can build bridges
within the community and serve as places where people can go to appreciate nature
and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Furthermore, botanical
conservatories and gardens that are well-maintained and diverse bring in tourists and
events that generate income."
Thank You Volunteers!
This survey has been a very useful measurement of community support for Zilker Botanical
Garden. It wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of many volunteers - greeting
visitors to the garden, handing out surveys and pens, bringing them a cool drink.
Then after the surveys were gathered, more volunteers helped compile them into a form we
could send to be processed. Thank you ALL for the generous contribution of your time and
labor! And now that it's done, let's go "hang out with the flowers, man!"
Marion Alsup, President, Austin Area Garden Council
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FALL PLANT SHOWS AND SALES
October
The Violet Crown Flower Show
Saturday, October 18, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 19, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
The Austin Area Garden Center 50th Anniversary Plant Sale
Saturday, October 18, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 19, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
Participating clubs include:
• Texas Bamboo Society
• First Austin African Violet Society
• Travis County Master Gardeners
• Austin Herb Society
• Austin Organic Gardeners
• and Austin Daylily Society.
TRAVIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS FALL WORKSHOPS
The Travis County Master Gardeners, in association with the Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension, holds many events throughout the year. You can visit
their web site at: http:/www.tcmastergardeners.org for more information
on their upcoming workshops.
You can register online at: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty or by phone
at: 979-845-2604.
September
Wednesday, September 4, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
"Vegetable Gardening"
AgriLife Extension office: 1600-B Smith Rd, Austin.
$10 for early registration and $15 for late or on-site registration.
With its warm days and cooler nights, along with more stable weather patterns, Fall
just may be the best season for vegetable gardening in Central Texas. In our second
course on Backyard Basics, Master Gardener and vegetable specialist Tommie Clayton
will share her many years of experience in gardening, with details on planting
schedules, proven varieties for our area and other helpful resources.
Saturday, September 13, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
"Backyard Food"
Austin Community College South Campus
1820 W Stassney Ln, Austin
Registration: $25; ($30 late and onsite)
Join AgriLife Extension Master Gardener volunteers and other community experts for
this special workshop on all things backyard food. We'll cover the basics of growing
fruits and vegetables, as well as garden recipes (basic canning and preserving howto's) backyard chickens, and backyard bees.
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Wednesday, September 24, 9 am – 1:00 pm
"Growing Fruit" with Monte Nesbitt, AgriLife Extension state-wide Fruit Specialist
Travis County Health and Human Services
502 E Highland Mall Blvd., Austin
Registration: $30 by Sept 17; ($40 September 18 and onsite)
Part of Travis County AgriLife Extension’s Forward Farming series and in partnership
with the Office of Sustainability-City of Austin, this program will cover information
appropriate for current and potential fruit producers, while also being useful and
easy to understand for the backyard enthusiast.
From site selection, soils, fertilization, and pruning to sustainable production
practices and dealing with particular insects and diseases — we'll cover the
production basics, as well as unique specifics. This workshop is only offered semi-
annually and is not to be missed!
October
Thursday, October 2nd, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
"Integrated Pest Management"
AgriLife Extension office: 1600-B Smith Rd, Austin.
$10 for early registration and $15 for late or on-site registration.
Wizzie Brown, Integrated Pest Management Specialist for the AgriLife Extension
Service, will discuss natural pest control in the garden and landscape, as she teaches
about pests and the damage they inflict at various times of the year. Learn to
encourage the good guys and discourage the bad guys in your vegetable garden in
this third class on Backyard Basics.
November
Thursday, November 6th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
"Backyard Chickens"
AgriLife Extension office: 1600-B Smith Rd, Austin.
$10 for early registration and $15 for late or on-site registration.
For our final class on Backyard Basics, Master Gardener and blogger Ally Stresing will
share her love of backyard chickens in this informative talk on the care and
maintenance of the home flock. From constructing a predator-proof coop, to
choosing proper feed, to handling boredom and the pecking order, Ally will guide
you through the ins and outs of caring for happy, healthy hens.
For more information on any of the workshops above, you can email Daphne Richards
at [email protected] or by phone at: 979-854-9600.
Submitted by Mikala McFerren Travis County Master Gardeners
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ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN
Zilker Botanical Garden
Admissions:
Adult Austin Resident
Adult Austin Non-Resident
$2
$3
Children (3-12)
Seniors (age 62+)
$1
$1
SPECIAL EVENT
MONARCH APPRECIATION DAY
Saturday, September 13, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
We depend on pollinators to produce one out of three bites of the food we consume.
Over the last few years, studies show a rapid and significant decline in the number of
pollinators. Come learn what you can do to provide food and habitat for these
important members of our food web and ecosystem!
Family Friendly. Free with regular admission.
EVENTS AT A GLANCE
September 2014
Sunday, September 7, 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
Afternoon in the Garden
Sunday, September 21, 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
Afternoon in the Garden
October 2014
Friday through Sunday, October 3 -5
Austin City Limits Festival
Zilker Botanical Garden Closed
Friday through Sunday, October 10 -12
Austin City Limits Festival
Zilker Botanical Garden Closed
Saturday, October 18, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 19, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Violet Crown Garden Club Flower Show
Saturday, October 18, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 19, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Austin Area Garden Center 50th Anniversary Plant Sale
Sunday, October 19, 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
Afternoon in the Garden
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November 2014
Sunday, November 2
Daylight Savings Time Ends.
Zilker Botanical Garden Hours 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday, November 2, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Afternoon in the Garden
Sunday, November 16, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Afternoon in the Garden
November 22 - January 3,2015
Holiday Tree Display in Greene Room
November 27
ZBG closed for Thanksgiving holiday.
Events scheduled at the Zilker Botanical Garden-Austin Area Garden Center are always
posted, and kept updated, on the Calendar of Events page on the web site.
THE CHRYSALIS GIFT SHOP AT ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN
Where can a visitor purchase post cards, cookbooks, jewelry,
puzzles, Gatorade, framed prints, and unique gifts?
Drive to Zilker Botanical Garden and shop at The Chrysalis Gift Shop, where your shopping
experience will be satisfied with such great gifts as Remarkable Plants of Texas, The Garden
Guide, Food by Design from the Violet Crown Garden Club, New Braunfels Garden Club
Cookbook, books about trees, butterflies, snakes, or dragonflies.
Then there are cool towels, shopping bags that can be stuffed
inside themselves to form a ball that can be attached to a purse,
tee shirts, very special Austin gifts for the person who has
everything, beautiful jewelry, night lights of nature, boxes that
look like flowers.
Bring your birthday child along and let him shop for himself in the
children's section for wooden snakes, dinosaurs, puzzles, books,
cardinals that sing their song, or perhaps he will purchase a
framed nature print for his room. It is all there and some of the
items are fashioned here in Austin by Austin artists
The Chrysalis Gift Shop
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THE WALK OF FRIENDS
DONATE A BRICK TODAY!
Order forms are available at the Garden Center or
downloaded from http://www.zilkergarden.org.
Click on Support and then Walk of Friends.
It's easy! Select the size of brick you would like, choose
your message and return the form with your payment.
Contact Sandra Holt at 512-345-3164 for more
information, or visit:
http://www.zilkergarden.org/support/friends.html.
The Walk of Friends
AUSTIN NOTES
KLRU'S "CENTRAL TEXAS GARDENER"
KLRU's "Central Texas Gardener"
Sign up for Austin Notes, the
City's dynamic e-mail update
system and get news about
Austin neighborhoods, parks,
road closures, and more.
Read More...
This weekly gardening show is a
rich source of information for all
Austin
and
Central
Texas
gardeners.
Check out their weekly show
schedule for topics and air times,
the "To Do List" for monthly
gardening
tasks,
and
much
more...
Read reviews from visitors to Zilker Botanical Garden on Yelp.com.
4½ stars out of 5 makes our garden sing!
"Down the Garden Path" is a publication of the Austin Area Garden Council, Zilker Botanical Garden.
Contact us at [email protected] with comments or suggestions.
©2014 Austin Area Garden Council, Zilker Botanical Garden
www.ZilkerGarden.org
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