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| Zilker Botanical Garden |
| Written by Chelsea Wallace | |
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A sanctuary filled with colorful butterflies, native and exotic foliage, quiet nature paths, and a sensational series of ponds is situated amongst the proverbial concrete jungle, located right in the heart of Austin. This urban greenspace is none other than the Zilker Botanical Gardens, signaled by the stone sign off Barton Springs Road. The exquisite 31 acres inspire nearly half a million people to visit these gardens each year. Since the natural beauty is ever-changing, locals return seasonally to find new surprises. The gardens, as well as nearby Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, were donated to the city by Colonel Andrew Zilker, who came to Austin as a penniless 18-year-old in 1876. Though he arrived from Indiana with just the shirt on his back, Zilker soon struck gold, or rather, for the sake of historical accuracy—water. Zilker earned his fortune by opening the first ice manufacturing plant in Austin. He utilized his land to house horses, which would transport the ice, and took advantage of the cold, clean Barton Springs water to make the ice. In 1918, Zilker donated his land to the city of Austin, and the gardens and park were named in his honor.Today, more than ten separate gardens and features make the Zilker Botanical Gardens a pleasant and educational experience. The garden is free year round, and visitors can stroll on their own, or take advantage of docent-lead tours to learn the many secrets behind the awe-inspiring beauty. The Green Garden demonstrates that a water shortage doesn’t have to mean nixing the lush greenery. Homeowners learn which native plants are environmentally friendly in the hot Texas climate, as they require less water and pesticides. Demonstrations also show visitors the environmental benefits of composting and reducing impermeable cover on their own land.  Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden The Herb and Fragrance Garden treats your senses to a sweet melody of fragrance and color. Maintained by the Austin Herb Society, raised flowerbeds surround the statue “Rosemary, Goddess of Herbs.” Just a few of the many scents in the garden include soothing thyme, mint, and chamomile. Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden, a favorite on the grounds, has an inspiring story behind its magnificence. In 1969, 70-year-old Mr. Taniguchi transformed these three acres, without salary or a contract, in just 18 months. Mr. Taniguchi shaped the series of ponds to spell out “Austin,” signaling that the peaceful garden is a gift to the city. The Hartman Prehistoric Garden, inspired in 1992 when it was discovered prehistoric creatures once inhabited the grounds, is planted with types of plants that represent would have been present when dinosaurs roamed. A moat around Dino Island is stocked with gar, an ancient type of scaly-armored fish that has survived the test of time.  Hartman Prehistoric Garden In addition, the grounds are also home to the Doug Blachly Butterfly Trail and Garden, the Mabel Davis Rose Garden, the Cactus and Succulent Garden, and Pioneer Village. Each section offers its own unique magnificence. Individual gardens are interconnected with streams, waterfalls, and koi-filled ponds, making a walk throughout a brilliant celebration of nature. Zilker Botanical Gardens are so many things to Austin: a respite from the stress of everyday life, a photographer’s dream, a new nature experience. Mainly, the gardens sit as a shrine to the everlasting love of natural beauty here in Austin. |
Natural beauty abounds in this jewel of Austin.