The gardens are located at the former home of Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer, Father of Texas Botany. The house sits on the banks of the Comal River and is one of the oldest remaining structures in New Braunfels. The home was donated to the New Braunfels Conservation Society by Ferdinand Lindheimer’s granddaughter and has been carefully restored and maintained. Tours of this historical home are given by appointment. The gardens are open to the public with no appointment necessary. Garden clubs, tourists and New Braunfels citizens are welcome to visit the beautiful gardens.
In 2002, the Comal Master Gardener Association agreed to work with the Conservation Society to provide a Garden for the Lindheimer Home. The original plan for the side garden was to use as many Lindheimer-named plants as possible and to design the gardens in keeping with what they might have been in the 1800s when the Lindheimer family was in residence.
The plants have changed over the years for various reasons. At present the garden still boasts Lindheimer’s Senna, Lindheimer’s Muhley, Devil’s Shoestring, Lindheimer’s Silktassel, Woolly Ironweed, Lindheimer’s Morning-glory and Lindheimer’s Texas Star among others in season.
Workdays are a great day to visit the Lindheimer House Gardens, as volunteer workers will be happy to answer any questions you might have.The prime objective of the garden is to keep the garden rich in color using natives, seasonal annuals, many old plants, like iris, poppies, larkspur, zinnias and old roses, and plants and herbs that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
The backyard garden has some dappled sun but is primarily in full shade most of the day. It is difficult keeping shade-loving plants in this space because the deer eat most of what is planted! However, it is a quiet spot to sit. There are two seating areas, and it is a pleasant walk to the edge of the property that overlooks the Comal River.
Location: 491 Comal Avenue, New Braunfels
Workdays: Workdays are the 2nd Tuesday of each month except December. All Master Gardeners are welcome to spend a pleasant two hours helping to keep the gardens tidy and in good shape for the public to view.
Questions? Email Lindheimer@comalmg.com