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Native Plant Society of Texas

Boerne Chapter

Boerne NPSOT Native Seed Library

*****  Grand Opening Friday, May 23rd at 5:30 P.M. *****

We are excited to announce the launch of the Native Seed Library at the Patrick Heath Public Library in Boerne, Texas. This new initiative is aimed at encouraging the use of native plants in landscaping and gardening in the Boerne community. Native plants are well-suited to the local climate and require less water and maintenance than non-native species.

What is the Native Seed Library?

The Native Seed Library is a community resource where people can get seeds of native plants to grow in their own gardens and landscapes. With this seed library we hope to make it easier for residents to access and cultivate native plants, which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy, sustainable ecosystems. 

By growing native plants, you can help support local wildlife, improve soil health, and conserve water, all while adding beauty to your outdoor spaces.

If you’re able, we encourage you to save and return seeds from your plants to the library so others can benefit from them too. By doing so, you help maintain the seed library for the entire community.

What Types of Seeds Are Available?

The Native Seed Library offers a selection of species that are native to the Edwards Plateau Eco-Region of the Texas Hill Country. The inventory will change throughout the year, so be sure to stop by often to see what’s available. Some examples of native plants you may find include:

  • Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
  • Lantana (Lantana horrid)
  • Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis)
  • Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)
  • Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)

How Does It Work?

The Native Seed Library operates just like this: 

  • Stop by the Patrick Heath Public Library on 451 N. Main St., Boerne, TX and explore our selection of native plant seeds.
  • Make your selection (limit to 3 packets per person).  
  • Grow and care for your plants.
  • Return seeds to the library for others to borrow (optional).
    • Kindly put your clean and dry seeds in an envelope and label the envelope before dropping them off!

What Are the Benefits of the Native Seed Library?

  • Community Building: The seed library is a place where neighbors can share and exchange seeds, knowledge, and gardening tips, fostering a sense of community around conservation efforts.
  • Promotes Biodiversity: By growing native plants, you help increase local biodiversity, which is crucial for ecosystem health.
  • Supports Pollinators and Wildlife: Native plants provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
  • Conserves Water: Native plants are drought-tolerant and require less water than many non-native species, making them perfect for our Texas Hill Country climate.

How to Help Make the Native Seed Library a Success!

The Native Seed Library is open to all members of the Boerne community. If you’re interested in helping support the initiative, here are a few ways you can get involved:

  • Donate Seeds: If you have extra native plant seeds from your garden, consider donating them to the library. Donations help keep the seed library stocked and accessible to all. Just put your clean dry seeds in an envelope, label it with the name of the plant, then stop by the library and drop off your seed envelope at the front desk of the library.
  • Volunteer: We are always looking for volunteers to help manage the seed library and assist with events or educational programs. If you’re passionate about native plants, this is a great way to get involved!
  • Share Your Experience: We encourage you to share your gardening experiences with us! Post pictures of your native plant gardens on social media and tag us (Boerne Chapter – Native Plant Society of Texas) to inspire others in the community.  Use the tag #BoerneNativeSeedLibrary in your posts.

Visit Us at the Patrick Heath Public Library

The Native Seed Library is located at the Patrick Heath Public Library, right in the heart of Boerne. Stop by to borrow seeds, pick up gardening tips, and learn more about the importance of native plants.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, the Native Seed Library is a great resource for all.

Location: 451 N. Main St., Boerne, TX 78006

Hours: Visit the library during normal operating hours for access to the seed library.

Join Us in Promoting Native Plant Conservation

We are thrilled to offer this new initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our local environment. By using native plants in our gardens, we can all make a difference in preserving the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country for generations to come.

For more information about the Native Seed Library, to learn how to donate seeds, or to get involved, please contact us at boerne-chapter@npsot.org 

Thank you for supporting native plant conservation in Boerne!

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason