The Boerne chapter of NPSOT maintains a number of native plant demonstration gardens in and around Boerne. Our demonstration gardens serve as teaching gardens to showcase native Texas plants and as inspiration for beginning and seasoned native gardeners.
Maintenance of these gardens would not be possible without dedicated volunteers from the Boerne Chapter of the Native Plant Society. Our volunteers understand that native plants are key to sustaining pollinators, birds, the insects that birds rely upon, and other wildlife.
Original Demonstration Garden at the Cibolo Nature Center
In 2005 the Chapter’s very first Native Plant Demonstration Garden was created on the site of the then new Cibolo Nature Center (CNC) to serve the public as a source of inspiration for the use and benefits of native plants. NPSOT members not only prepared the native plant garden site, but also rescued native plants from the construction site of the new Cibolo Nature Center (CNC) parking lot.
On March 25, 2005, the Chapter held its first workday for the Demonstration Garden. NPSOT members Ellie Dillon, Betty Dunn, Mary Fenstermaker, Jane McAuliffe, J.W. Pieper, Wilt Shaw, Glenn Sturgis, Bill & Kathy Ward, and Suzanne Young.
The demonstration garden encompasses the main parking lot area, including the central island and raised beds bordering the parking area.
This garden is also where we teach students how to identify plants in the Native Landscape Certification Program classes.
Volunteer Workday: Second Saturday of each month
"Bill's Garden" Demonstration Garden at the Cibolo Nature Center
The second demonstration garden at the Cibolo Nature Center is referred to as Bill’s Garden, in honor of Chapter founder and garden designer, Bill Ward. It is located in the shaded area between the Auditorium and Administrative buildings at the Cibolo Nature Center.
Volunteer Workday: Second Saturday of each month
Pollinator Demonstration Garden at the Boerne Visitor Center in Downtown Boerne
Established in April 2020, this demonstration garden is located in the heart of downtown Boerne at the Boerne Visitors Center at 282 North Main Street.
Designed as a demonstration garden to support our chapter’s Pollinator Garden Assistance & Recognition Program (PGARP), this garden showcases a host of unique native plants and attracts several species of pollinators, including many monarch caterpillars. All native plants are identified with signage featuring QR codes so that visitors can learn more about the plants displayed.
Members Terry Lashley, Lorraine Popp, Gary Fest, Veronica Hawk, Rheda Boardman, and Rachel Thompson were instrumental in getting this pollinator garden off the ground.
Demonstration Garden at Main Plaza in Downtown Boerne
The native plant demonstration garden at Main Plaza at 100 N. Main Street in Boerne is located in two raised beds facing Main Street on either side of the Sheriff sculpture. These beds are planted with native perennials with the goal of having something in bloom in every season of the year. By selecting plants with a variety of bloom times, we can ensure that pollinators and hummingbirds have access to nectar (food) year-round.
Demonstration Garden Planter at the Chamber of Commerce on Main Street in Downtown Boerne
A large round planter by the Chamber of Commerce building on 121 S Main Street in Boerne demonstrates that many native plants can do well in small containers and that native plants in container gardens can be a low maintenance and sustainable way to add biodiversity and create habitat in small spaces all year long.
Demonstration Garden Planters at Veterans Plaza in Downtown Boerne
Veterans Plaza at 801 S. Main St. in Boerne is one of the original four park sites in Boerne. The park is filled with a variety of trees and sidewalks that lead to the center of the park, where the Veterans War Memorial is located. The NPSOT Boerne Chapter maintains demonstration garden beds in the raised planters facing Main Street, directly across from St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
These planters raise awareness about the declining habitats for highly beneficial species, such as monarchs and other pollinators, while demonstrating that even small native plant gardens can have a significant impact on supporting our pollinators.
Demonstration Garden at the Parks & Recreation Department on Adler Road
A large round planter on the Curry Trail behind the Boerne Parks & Recreation Department Building at 1017 Adler Road demonstrates how native grasses can be incorporated with flowering plants for a beautiful effect. This garden also features a kidneywood tree at the center and green milkweed which often hosts monarch caterpillars.
Boerne City Campus Natural Area (BCCNA) behind the Boerne Library
While not your traditional native plant demonstration garden, the BCCNA is a wonderful area to explore Texas native plants in their natural setting. Located behind the Patrick Heath Public library, the BCCNA is a 13 acre area along the Old No. 9 Trail. In partnership with the city and other community organizations, the Boerne Chapter of NPSOT is making significant strides in restoring this space into a thriving native habitat and wildlife corridor within the city. Once complete, the area will offer a peaceful retreat with hiking paths for exploring the diverse flora and fauna, making it a space for relaxation, observation, and education.
Volunteer Workday: First and Third Thursday of each month
Demonstration Garden at the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department
Overseen by long-time member, Wilt Shaw, the garden at Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department can easily be seen as you travel along SH46 east toward Bergheim. Vibrant displays of wildflowers are quite the showstopper in both spring and fall.
