Exploring The Natural Gardener in Austin—A Haven for Plant Lovers

The Natural Gardener

After visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, my grandfather and I decided to explore The Natural Gardener, a truly remarkable garden center and educational facility, nestled in the southwest outskirts of Austin. A few days before, I had come across an educational class they were offering online, but unfortunately, I couldn’t attend. However, it intrigued me enough to visit the facility itself – and I’m so glad we did!

“The Natural Gardener is one of the most beautiful and unique garden centers in the world. It’s like a candy store for gardeners, but non-gardeners love it, too. It’s a fun, beautiful, educational destination for everyone. Bring the whole family to The Natural Gardener- even the dog!” — TNG Webpage.

What is The Natural Gardener?

The Natural Gardener is a premier organic gardening center located in Austin, TX. It’s more than just a nursery—it’s an experience. Founded by John Dromgoole, this establishment has been a staple in the gardening community for years, offering quality plants, expert advice, and an inspiring environment for all visitors.

Here is a beautiful greenhouse with a rustic wooden lattice roof, filled with lush hanging plants and greenery. The cozy, nature-inspired space features natural light, a ceiling fan, and an inviting atmosphere for plant lovers.

A Tour of The Natural Gardener

1. One of the main attractions is the extensive nursery filled with native Texas plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. Whether you need seasonal blooms or drought-resistant plants, they have an impressive selection.

2. The Herb and Vegetable Garden

For those who love homegrown produce, this section of The Natural Gardener is a dream come true. You can find a variety of herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees perfect for any garden.

3. The Butterfly Garden

This space is dedicated to attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. It’s a magical spot for nature lovers and a great way to learn about the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem.

4. The Composting Section

Sustainability is a major focus, and the composting section teaches visitors how to turn kitchen scraps into rich soil for their gardens.

5. Children’s house for play

Best Products to Buy at The Natural Gardener

Organic Seeds and Plants—Perfect for anyone starting a home garden.

Compost and Soil Amendments—Improve the health of your soil naturally.

Gardening Tools and Supplies—Everything you need for successful planting.

Natural Pest Control Solutions—Keep your garden healthy without harmful chemicals.

Unique Garden Decor— From handmade pots to whimsical statues, there’s something for every garden style.

According to My Experience, Tips for Visiting The Natural Gardener

• Go Early: The place can get busy, so arriving early ensures a more peaceful experience.
• Bring a List: With so many plants and products, it helps to have an idea of what you need.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: There’s a lot to explore, so be prepared to walk!
• Ask Questions: The staff is super friendly and eager to help.

This photo brings back memories of a great conversation I had in this garden with Laura Wills, a fellow gardening enthusiast from Austin. We talked about how, even though Austin and Portland share the same hardiness zone, our soils and drainage are completely different.

In Austin, the soil is shallow with limestone underneath, which makes water drain super fast. Meanwhile, in Portland, we have more of a clay-like soil that holds onto water for much longer. This difference means that some plants thrive in Texas but struggle in our gardens, and vice versa.

It’s not just about the cold or the rainfall—it’s the combination of both, along with how well the soil drains. That’s why desert plants do much better in Austin than in Portland. To help our gardens here, we mix in crushed gravel and compost to improve drainage and give plants a better chance to grow.

The Natural Gardener (Official)

Website: https://tngaustin.com/

Contact info: (512) 288-6113

Location

The Natural Gardener Photos

Finally, I want to mention the man behind it all—the visionary, the kind-hearted leader in organic gardening, John Dromgoole. He warmly welcomed us as we enjoyed our lunch, sharing stories about his work with Lady Bird Johnson and his journey to becoming a pioneer in sustainable gardening. I have deep respect for him and everything he has done for Texas, the gardening community, and the planet.

As many of you know, I work at a nursery myself. I understand the immense effort it takes to grow each plant, nurture it in greenhouses, price it, label it, and display it beautifully. Then there’s the daily maintenance—watering, pruning, and keeping everything in top shape. Running a nursery is not just a job; it’s a labor of love. Most of us aren’t in it for the money—we do it because we truly love plants and want to share that passion with others.

That’s why I’m so thrilled to say that The Natural Gardener excels on every level. The nursery is immaculate, the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly, the plants are healthy and reasonably priced, and the extra touches—classes, expert advice, seeds, garden products, and beautifully designed display gardens—make it a true destination nursery. It’s no surprise that gardeners from all over Texas visit this place. If I lived closer, I’d be here all the time!

With that in mind, I encourage everyone to support their local nurseries. They offer unique plants you won’t find elsewhere, and their knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect plants for your space. Local nurseries depend on your support to thrive.

From one nursery worker to The Natural Gardener, it was an absolute honor to visit. I hope to return someday—hopefully when it’s not raining!

According to my opinion, it is highly recommended to visit The Natural Gardener