Native Plant Garden

The Heard’s mission is to bring nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore, and preserve our environment. While most of the Heard’s property is preserved or restored to a state in which once-dominant ecosystems can be shared with future generations, the Heard also uses two garden spaces to educate the public about designing wildlife-friendly landscapes, wildlife habitats, native plant gardens, and residential bird and butterfly gardens. Using native plant life, the Heard hopes to also share techniques for conserving natural resources.

Experience a wonderful display of trees, shrubs, grasses, vines, ground covers and perennials native to the Lone Star State. This garden demonstrates how native plants can be used in a urban garden setting. Many of the trees and shrubs were donated to the garden by the late Benny Simpson, a native plant researcher at Texas A&M research center in Dallas.

Spicy and floral fragrances greet those visiting the Heard native plant garden in spring. As early as mid-February the Red Bay and Agaritas begin to flower sending sweet saffron scents throughout the garden. There is always something new to see, smell and enjoy!