The Earthkind Demonstration Garden is a free public access garden in front of the Travis County AgriLife Extension Service offices. The garden serves to demonstrate to the public recommended native and adapted plants and growing techniques. We strive to promote attractive landscaping that protects the quality of our surface and groundwater; and to promote water-efficient landscape design and maintenance.

The garden has plants for different needs, including drought-tolerant plants, plants for color in sun, plants for shade, and plants for different height requirements. There are ornamental trees, flowering shrubs, perennial flowers, Earthkind roses, vines, and groundcovers. The garden is home to many species of insects, including beneficial insects.

The garden is Earthkind, which means that chemical products are not regularly used. Instead, well-adapted, disease resistant plants are grown, making it possible to garden without using fungicides. Plants that attract beneficial insects are planted throughout the garden to eliminate the need for chemical pesticide sprays. Regular applications of mulch that decomposes into compost provide the only fertilizers. A drip irrigation system below the mulch allows for even watering throughout the garden with minimal loss of water to evaporation.

The garden can be visited any time. If you come during regular business hours, M-F 8-5, you can pick up a brochure of plant names for a self-guided tour, and if there is a Master Gardener available, you can get a personalized tour of the garden. Check our calendar for occasional Open House Days at the garden, when we feature special demonstrations and gardening tips free to the public.

The garden is located one block west of Hwy 183, two blocks north of Bolm Road, near Austin-Bergstrom Airport and just north of the Colorado River. Map and more info-