Zilker Herb Garden
Austin Herb Austin Herb Society volunteers work tirelessly in Zilker Botanical Garden. Tall limestone planters built in the early '70s make it easier and safer for people to touch and smell the plants. The cloverleaf design lends itself perfectly to an herb garden. Most of the plants are within reach and very fragrant even if only accidently brushed against. Throughout this area are signs with common botanical names, and a legend denoting herbs for butterfly or hummingbird food. There are fragrant, native, or ornamental herbs as well as herbs used for medicinal and culinary purposes and dyes.
All hands welcomed, but gloved hands are more appreciated. If those gloved hands are carrying gardening tools, that's the best yet. As the saying goes: "More hands make light work." In the past few years, the native herb garden has expanded to include a woodland garden with wildflowers, and a cacti ^ succulent, planting among the natives. There is also a shade garden on the backside of the limestone walls along the pebble path, which is beginning to take shape as more herb plants prove their ability to thrive in shade.
In 2005 the metal sculpture by artist Claudia Goldman was commissioned by the Austin Herb Society and installed in the Herbs & Roses Bed at the west end of the parking lot. The sculpture looks very much like echinacea in bloom. Planting design was changed to display the unusual colors of several variety of echinacea purpurea added recently.
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