Exploring Georgetown’s Demonstration Gardens

More than five acres of thriving vegetable beds, colorful flower plots, and hands-on learning opportunities make the Demonstration Gardens a living, breathing classroom for green thumbs of all levels in Georgetown and surrounding communities. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your gardening skills, gather inspiration for your own backyard, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll through a lush green oasis, the gardens welcome visitors year round with something new to enjoy in every season.

In 2009, Williamson County AgriLife Extension planted the first plots at 3151 SE Inner Loop in Georgetown as a simple tomato trial garden. Over time, the space sprouted into a diverse landscape of themed gardens, including a backyard “mixed-use” section (veggies, herbs, and flowers), an herb-only garden, and a rose garden.

What’s Growing This Season?

Even in winter, there’s plenty to see and learn at the gardens. Visitors can be motivated by frost cloth protecting tender crops, admire the results of pruning and mulching, and witness the early signs of spring—wildflowers and bulb shoots eagerly soaking up February rains. Master Gardeners tend to the gardens every Tuesday and Friday from 9am to noon, allowing visitors to drop by, ask about seasonal gardening challenges, and see what’s being tested in the soil. This year, trials will include cover crops, blackberries, sunflowers as a trap crop, four varieties of cabbage, trellising techniques for tomatoes and cucumbers, bush beans, and T-posting zucchini to combat pests and mildew.

Since the gardens are county-owned and open from dawn to dusk, residents are welcome to explore freely—just remember, the veggies and fruits are part of ongoing trials, so no picking! (But do pick up after your pup.)

Grow with AgriLife

The Williamson County AgriLife Extension offers a range of programs for gardeners of all ages, including:

• Junior Master Gardeners: Nearly 20 young gardeners are currently earning certification through hands-on lessons in botany, vegetable tastings, and service projects.
• Hands-On in the Garden: This monthly series covers everything from planting techniques to irrigation strategies and tool sharpening. Each session at the Demonstration Gardens features speakers, breakout discussions, and demonstrations by Master Gardeners. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and water — and be ready for dirty hands. 
• Plant Sale: On Saturday, March 22, the Williamson County Master Gardeners will host a plant sale at the Georgetown Community Center featuring a plant presentation (perennials, grasses, cacti, succulents, and herbs) kids’ activities, and an Ask the Gardener Help Desk.

Scan the code to learn more about Williamson County AgriLife Extension’s events and programs.

A Legacy of Gardening in Georgetown

For over 80 years, the Georgetown Garden Club has been beautifying the city—one tree, flower bed, and community project at a time. Since its founding in 1940, the club has led efforts to plant roadside flowers, landscape public spaces, and donate trees to the city. Their work can be seen across Georgetown, from the sunken garden in San Gabriel Park (a favorite spot for weddings and events) to the flowering crepe myrtles lining Georgetown’s entrance roads. Monthly meetings feature topics like growing roses and orchids, composting, and attracting hummingbirds and monarch butterflies to your yard. Check out the club’s upcoming events, including a plant sale that serves as its main fundraiser during the Red Poppy Festival April 25-27, Flower Show in April at the Georgetown Community Center, and Arbor Day Celebration in November at the Georgetown Community Center & Sunken Garden.

Scan the code to learn more about the club (georgetowngardenclub.org).

Spring into Gardening

Essential Prep for a Thriving Yard 

As winter loosens its grip, it’s time to wake up your garden and get it ready for a new season of growth. From tackling winter weeds to fine-tuning your irrigation system, Pam Lovelace with Williamson County AgriLife Extension shares essential tips for creating a beautiful, flourishing garden this spring.

• Check Your Irrigation System: Cold weather can take a toll on hoses and sprinklers, so inspect your irrigation setup for leaks or damage. If you haven’t already, empty irrigation hoses to prevent cracking from hard freezes.
• Prepare Your Vegetable Beds: Give your veggie garden a boost by working compost into the top six inches of soil. Adding a layer of mulch will help lock in moisture and keep weeds at bay.
• Tackle Winter Weeds: Winter weeds are already growing, so stop them before they spread. Mow frequently or hand-weed to prevent them from forming flowers and seed heads. To keep summer weeds from taking over, apply a pre-emergent herbicide now. 
• Test Your Soil Before Fertilizing: Spring is a great time to submit a soil sample to determine if your lawn needs fertilizing. If needed, plan to apply fertilizer in mid-April—once your grass is actively growing.
• Prune Your Roses: February is prime time for pruning shrub roses. A good trim now will encourage healthier growth and more blooms once spring arrives.
• Stay Frost-Ready: While March 4 marks the average last freeze date for Williamson County, keep frost cloths handy to protect young plants from unexpected cold fronts.