Well, I'd say April or May is a good time to visit, in a typical year (not sure this is a typical one). Otherwise, it's mostly all dry and past bloom.

Don't be overly excited it, I find it to be maybe less than many botanical gardens (been three times), but still worth a visit.

Thanks, that's exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. However, I'm doing the visit more for info on creating a more natural environment on some property southwest of Austin than simply visiting a beautiful garden. Do you think a visit there would fill that expectation?

You'll have a chance to see a lot of different natives..if that's what you want. There ARE some very nice little known natives.

I'd do more than walk around there. I'd get in touch with them and see if you can set up a visit with a staffer to ask specific questions about setting up a natural environment. That's likely to be more effective than just trying to pull someone aside. It might be very helpful to forge a relationship with someone there that you could call on for insight later.

Check out thir site./ They have a great plant sale on April 8th(I think). They do have classes in Native gardening on Saturdays, with for Large scale and/or small scale. This would be good if you can plan to be up here on a specific day.

Native Plant Gardening series

I am finding it tempting.

I visited there many years ago and I found it very informational, as well as beautiful. Our garden group visited last April on the day of their annual plant sale and the place was beautiful and much has been added since I was there the previous time. If you are interested in native plant landscape/gardening, it is definitely worth the trip. Many of the plants at their sale are not readily available at nurseries, but The Natural Gardener in Austin has a very good supply of natives at moderate prices.

Molly

Might be better to go on different days than to visit AND do a plant sale, lol. I might not be able to tear myself away from the sale!

Yes, a plant sale and visit on the same day can be tricky. We arrived before the gates opened and went directly to the plant sale as many items are sold out very quickly. After we made our purchases, we were able to enjoy the grounds. A visit to wildseed farms in Fredericksburg rounded out a beautiful trip for us.

Molly

Yes, even being an out of towner, I found and loved Barton Springs Nursery.

I checked out the Natural Gardener website (as mentioned by Molly) and am now chomping at the bit to go there. Also the Barton Springs nursery.......

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions; I can't wait to continue working on improving my wildlife situation on the property, which is between Giddings and Smithville (I actually reside in an area northwest of Houston).

I used to live in Katy, but now in Arkansas. Last trip to Austin (to visit a friend), I carried a carryon with plants from Barton's Spring in it...all thriving three years later.

We stopped at Barton Springs nursery as well as the Natural Gardener and loved that nursery also. I would recommend visiting all 3...ladybird Johnson, Barton Springs and The Natural Gardener. If it is an overnight trip, drive down to Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg.

Molly

My 85 year old dad, who is very tottery when walking, wants to visit the Lady Bird Center and has for many years. He has always been into gardening and used to have extensive and beautiful plantings and vegetable gardens; it breaks my heart that the most he can do now is totter out and water a few things. Does anyone know if a visit by a person, possibly in a wheelchair type thing (he isn't capable of walking it) would be possible?

Yes, I didn't notice clearly, but I do believe it's wheelchair accessible. I'm sure the site tells you this (if it's so), or you could contact someone via site and ask.

The paths ar made of decomposed granite and some paths are cement. They do have some very small bridges that have a small arch with a minor slope. I do not remember how the entries into the buildings are. He might not be able to go up onto the roof level to see the water collection system.