Top ten pics from San Antonio's botanical garden

10 years ago

Hi everyone, I spent the long holiday weekend in San Antonio, Texas just for fun (no idea why I picked it, but I'm glad I did, I just wanted a short flight to a place I've never been).

ANYWAY, I thought gardeners here might enjoy seeing just the top ten pics I took of their botanical garden (a must see for gardeners visiting that city). I must admit, I had some serious climate envy at the garden, and all over the city (I stayed downtown). The humidity and just slight cooler nights seems to really allow them to grow a lot of plants that really struggle here in Phoenix.

There was a lot of plant overlap (Mexican fan palms, red birds of paradise, coral fountain, oleanders, lantanas, hibiscus, agaves, aloes, and some cacti (less than I expected)), but there was also a lot that seemed to grow well there that struggle here.

Nothing fancy, just ten pics, but I thought you might enjoy.
The link is posted below, just click on it.

And just for fun, below are a few other random pics from around the city (click the link for the pics of the botanical garden). Definitely a fun place to visit, and an easy less-than-two-hour flight.

Happy gardening,
Grant

One of many stairways from street level down to the charming Riverwalk area downtown.

Riverwalk theater. Love the look and the plants. Neat concerts each weekend night. Grandstand seating, built into slope, on opposite side.

One of MANY great mansions in the King William historic district, and easy 30 minute walk south of downtown (walk along the parklike San Antonio river the whole way)

San Jose Mission, already over 500 years old.

One of the MANY restaurants lining the bustling and charming Riverwalk section downtown

The non-touristy part of the Riverwalk, just south of downtown, walking down to the King William historic district. No restaurants or tour boats on this section, but beautifully planted and very park-like.

Here is a link that might be useful: Top ten pics I took from San Antonio's botanical garden

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

violetwest
10 years ago
lovely pics; hope you had your fill of the humidity!
richsd
10 years ago
Grant, those pictures are great. Thanks for sharing.
I've never been to San Antonio, only briefly in Dallas and Houston to visit family.

One thing I remember about Houston from my trip years ago was the palm trees were all brown due to their recent cold weather (winter visit.) I found that interesting.

While Texas may have more hospitable growing conditions than Arizona does, they don't have mountains (except west Texas of course.)
Related Discussions
Top Ten components of a cottage garden?
Q
Comments (17)
I've seen some charming, wonderful, take-your-breath-away cottage style gardens in England and Scotland. (Wish I could post some of the photos, but they are of someone else's house. KWIM?) The ones I'm remembering didn't always have the trellis, arbor or fences, although some were in small yard enclosures. Abundance of blooms in a variety of color were the biggest part of the charm. Something moss covered seems to be necessary, as well. That and a geniune English cottage to set the thing off! (Can you imagine a thatched roof during a Texas summer? Yikes!) Just as someone else said, different climates demand different plant material. We use what will work here. Maybe an American style cottage garden has the trellis and arbor. I would think an American style CG would not have many, if any, clipped shrubs. We are the rebels, after all. :0) Great thread. I've enjoyed reading everyone's responses.
...See More
April 12th San Antonio Swap
Q
Comments (51)
This is the closest thing I could find to a physical address: "Mac Arthur County Park - Precinct #3 1611 NE Loop 410 Facility Reservation Information Mac Arthur Park is located in Northeast San Antonio on Loop 410 West between Harry Wurzbach and Nacogdoches" The park is on the north side of 410. When I just now typed 'macarthur park san antonio texas' into google maps I got a map with a listing of things named after Gen. MacArthur. The first listing 'A' is the park. It fronts on 410 East and is bounded on the back by Chisholm Trail. Sounds like you will be coming from the east and heading west. I think you would take the Starcrest exit (might be able to go one more, but I am sure Starcrest exit will get you on the access road in plenty of time), stay on the access road and you will see it on your right. It is easily visible from the access road. If taking the Starcrest exit you will go down a dip and see the entrance to Los Patios. Just keep going and the next thing you will see is MacArthur Park. Bob and I drove by it this week. Lots of construction in the area, but should be no problems. Let us know if you need some more help.
...See More
New here - Questions for San Antonio gardeners
Q
Comments (9)
I have had wonderful results with indigo spires. As we have had such a mild winter they have been blooming since last May. When I lived in Timberwood park, they were one of the few things the deer did not eat. I seldom watered them. They will get droopy when they need water, otherwise don't water. Mexican bush sage is another that the deer did not eat. Please come join us at the San Antonio Spring Swap on March 21. Let me know if you would like for me to bring you several pots of indigo spires. This pic. of indigo spires was taken about a month ago. Be aware that the bees love them. Yesterday I was sitting in the middle of three very large plants and prunning off the dead blooms. Bees were all around and never bothered me. I have learned that if you don't swat at them, they will leave you "be". Kathy Here is a link that might be useful: SA spring swap
...See More
San Antonio Plant Swap, Saturday, April 9, 2016, Rogiers Park
Q
Comments (153)
Patty dear, there were only enough rainlilies for me. I think they're pink. Okay, actually, there are lots & I'll set ya some aside when I plant them. He says they grow like crazy. Keep an eye on that Matthew guy--he's got some amazing stuff. He likes roses & citrus & natives. Ditto on the salvias. I have another incredible looking one from Tash (Lovesblooms) that you, et. al., need--S. clarea turkestanica, I think. Grows up to a really majestic size with an astonishing bloom stalk. Threw lots of babies that are coming up now. Meant to dig a bunch but these past couple of months got ridiculously busy & I barely even made it to bring what I'd promised. Thank you for the tip re. washing the blinds first. I don't recall for sure, but I likely stuck that oxalis in with some stuff I took to Ragna's house last time--asked for or not--you know I do that sort of thing. I will see that you get some fer sure, because it's obviously so necessary to your happiness. I didn't think a person could kill oxalis, but I've done very well with that beautiful thing & am ashamed. I see a couple of pitiful leaves poking up, though, so there's hope.
...See More
grant_in_arizona
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the nice comments, Violet and Rich, it was a fun random trip. I just picked it at random: some place I've never been, not cold, and 2 hours or less away by air. It really was fun, and I did have serious climate envy. The botanical garden has the second highest spot in Texas, a whopping 46 stair steps up, LOL, so no mountains anywhere near, hah! Here's the view from it. Thanks again and happy gardening all! I hope other road-trippers post botanical updates of where they visit too. All the best!
grant_in_arizona
Original Author
10 years ago
Oh, and here's the Alamo too. It's right in the middle of downtown and was a former mission, which I did not know (they say that's why it was hard to defend as it wasn't originally a military building). Anyway, just thought I'd share it. Happy gardening!
grant_in_arizona
Original Author
10 years ago
Anyone know what this one is? I thought it was some sort of red flowered Ruellia? I picked up a fallen seed pod and just planted them, so I'm hoping to find out for myself, LOL. If you have a suggestion, don't be shy. Happy gardening!
richsd
10 years ago
Maybe it's in the Mallow family, a hibiscus relative?
grant_in_arizona
Original Author
10 years ago
That's what I was wondering too, Rich, I wish I had taken more (and better ) pics of it. I think it's some sort of mallow relative or ruellia relative. Of course, I'm just guessing. I sure hope they sprout and thrive. We'll see! I'll do some more dedicated Googling since it's too rainy today to get much done outside. Thanks!
tomatofreak
10 years ago
Grant, I resisted looking at your pics because 1) I can't get away to anywhere for a much needed vacation and 2) I loved San Antonio on the couple of trips I took there long ago and it's a nostalgic memory. I was there on a mission and didn't get far beyond the riverwalk, but it is an enchanting place. Thanks for the vicarious get-away!

Top ten pics from San Antonio's botanical garden

Comments (8)

violetwest

richsd

Related Discussions

grant_in_arizona
Original Author

grant_in_arizona
Original Author

grant_in_arizona
Original Author

richsd

grant_in_arizona
Original Author

tomatofreak

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Top ten pics from San Antonio's botanical garden

Comments (8)

violetwest

richsd

Related Discussions

grant_in_arizonaOriginal Author

grant_in_arizonaOriginal Author

grant_in_arizonaOriginal Author

richsd

grant_in_arizonaOriginal Author

tomatofreak

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

grant_in_arizona
Original Author

grant_in_arizona
Original Author

grant_in_arizona
Original Author

grant_in_arizona
Original Author