Discover Austin: Zilker Botanical Garden - Episode 47

The Zilker Botanical Garden is located on 26 acres in Zilker Park and has been referred to as the "jewel in the hear of Austin." A couple hours spent here and you'll understand why.  The gorgeous blooms (which vary depending on when you visit) and the peacefulness of the garden make you forget you're in the city.

Other Discover Austin topics mentioned or seen in this episode: Lady Bird Lake

Just a hop, skip, and paddleboard ride from downtown is a horticultural oasis. 

Often called “the jewel in the heart of Austin,” the Zilker Botanical Garden is located on 26 acres in Zilker Park, just south of Lady Bird Lake.  It’s filled with a variety of gardens many of which are connected by waterfalls, streams, and ponds.

There is a cactus and succulent garden that highlights the species that grow well in the Central Texas environment.

The herb garden has a variety of herbs meant for different purposes all of which are grown in raised beds.  The statue is Rosemary, Goddess of Herbs.

The rose garden offers a variety of both shrub and climbing roses.  The best times of year to view the roses in bloom is April to June and then in October.

Pioneer Village is an area in which a rotating display of plants are grown using organic methods used by early settlers.  There is a school house and cabin, which were both built in the 1800s, as well as replica of a blacksmith shop.

The daylily garden is in full bloom from April to July.  This plant is well suited for the Central Texas area and comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors.

The prehistoric garden recreates what it might have been like in the Zilker Botanical Garden at the time dinosaurs roamed through the area.

The Butterfly Garden and Trail is filled with butterfly-attracting plants so you can see a host of butterflies as you wander through.

Three acres are dedicated to the Japanese Garden.  It is a beautiful area with lots of water, some bridges, a teahouse, and, of course, Japanese plants.

The garden originally opened in the early 1960s.  The city of Austin owns the land, but for the garden’s operations, it partners with the Austin Area Garden Council and the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservatory.

What is blooming when you visit will, of course, vary upon the time of year.  You’ll find much more to see in the spring and summer than in the fall and winter.  Visit the website to find out what’s blooming before you go.

The Zilker Botanical Garden truly is a jewel in the heart of Austin.  I invite to spend a few hours strolling through the property and enjoying all it has to offer.  I’m Craig Smyser, thanks for joining me for this episode of Discover Austin.