Demonstration Gardens Our demonstration gardens are designed to showcase the best plants that thrive in our environment and the best management practices to protect, conserve and sustain our natural resources. |
Rose Gardens at the Taylor County Courthouse Visit the Taylor County Courthouse and view the beautiful Earth-Kind Roses. They are located at the four corners of the new courthouse facility and in the bedding area at the southwestern corner of the new courthouse. |
Rose Gardens at the Taylor County Extension Office A variety of roses are planted in our demonstration gardens located at our office. These roses have never had pesticides or fertilizers applied to them. |
Liberty Garden Visit the Liberty Garden at the Taylor County Courthouse. The Liberty Garden was funded in part by the Taylor County Horticulture Committee, the Big Country Master Gardeners and The Abilene Garden Club. This project was designed by our Extension Horticulturist, Melissa Clifton, to dedicate and commemorate our gratitude to our veterans and active-duty U.S. military forces for their dedicated service to protect our nation's freedom.
Visit the Liberty Garden located in front of the veteran's memorial on the grounds of the Taylor County Courthouse. The Liberty Garden has a unique theme in that it is a red, white and blue garden. White-blooming Crape Myrtle var. Natchez, red-blooming Knock-Out roses and Blue Plumbago are featured in the Liberty Garden. |
The Taylor County Liberty Garden...  The BEFORE and AFTER pictures truly demonstrate the hardiness of these plant varieties. This garden was planted in April 2006 and has endured sweltering summer temperatures, freezing temperatures and two late-season freezes. No pesticides or fertilizers have ever been applied to any of our gardens. Once established, no supplemental irrigation has been applied. These are excellent plant choices for you to add to your landscape. |
The Taylor County Liberty Garden...  ...One Year After Planting! |
Botanical Gardens at the Abilene Zoo Demonstration beds are located throughout the Abilene Zoo which showcase native and adapted plants.  Many bedding areas are located on the grounds and are maintained by volunteers with the Big Country Master Gardeners. Featured on the grounds are two butterfly garden habitats. As you meander through the garden areas, enjoy the beautiful butterflies as they flutter to and fro.
Pictured to the left are the Taylor County Inmate Crew supervised by Deputy Joe Andrade, helping to set and level the sandstone pathway in one of the butterfly gardens. |
Master Gardeners donate new Zoo pet ... ...at the Abilene Zoological Gardens  The newest animal at the Abilene Zoo! The Big Country Master Gardeners donated this ladybug statue to the Zoo, which has been placed in the original butterfly garden. The companion statue, a caterpillar, is located in the BUZZ garden. The statues are a big hit with the kids as they can climb, or sit, on them and not get in trouble.
Work has been underway on the original habitat to thin out existing plants and bring in some new varieties such as daylilies, coreopsis, and blue salvia. |
Master Gardeners working on one of the Demonstration Gardens at the Abilene Zoo.
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