Thursday, February 26, 2015

Barton Warnock Center

Today's garden spot is a little bit different from the lush, tropical gardens of Florida that I've been sharing.  Barton Warnock Center, in Lajitas, Texas, serves as the eastern gateway to the Big Bend Ranch State Park.  Set against a stark, southwestern backdrop, it covers two acres, and is filled with plants of the Chihauhaun Desert.  These include native cacti, desert shrubs, and trees.


On the self-guided tour, visitors will learn how geology shaped the cultural heritage of the area - how plants, animals, and humans adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert, and how the plants were used for food, shelter, and medicine by the early inhabitants.

The Center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  Admission for adults is $5.00.  Children under twelve are admitted free.

14 comments:

  1. Even the desert can have a garden. It has its own beautiful foliage.

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    1. Desert plants are certainly unique. And you're right - they do have their own beauty.

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  2. The desert is so beautiful! After living in NM for 4 years, I can honestly say it's one of the most beautiful places on earth.

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    1. My husband lived in Arizona for a while. He and my mother-in-law both feel the same way.

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  3. Possibly not beautiful in the conventional way of a garden but still fascinating to see and learn from!
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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  4. not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when i think of garden! but yes, even the desert...

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    1. Desert plants can be beautiful in their own special way.

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  5. when the desert is in bloom, it can be gorgeous. What's funny is I think most of your gardens in FL,etc are closer to me in DFW area, than this one in far west TX. I've never been to Big Bend - it's a lot of hours of driving. Have a good weekend

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  6. Deserts seem kind of mysterious and interesting to me. I used to think there wasn't anything there, but later found out about all the plants and animals that can be found.

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  7. I like the terrain and the fact that flowers grow in such soil. There's something hopeful about the scenario. Like an oasis in the desert. Or a wild flower in the middle of a parched land.

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    1. It's amazing that plants can thrive in such a harsh environment.

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