A GARDENER’S MECCA
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! (Please see the "Can I bring my dog" section of our FAQ's and Policies page.)
The Natural Gardener has been voted "Best Nursery" ten times in The Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin Poll, and the gardens at the store have been featured in Texas Highways, Herb Companion and Fine Gardening magazines. The Natural Gardener is a three-time winner of Today’s Garden Center’s “Revolutionary 100 Garden Centers” in the nation. In 2008, Garden Center Magazine honored The Natural Gardener with the national award of “Innovative Garden Center of the Year.”
 A Texas Treasure
Come wander through 8 acres of rustic Hill Country beauty. Shop for plants in our world-class nursery, take a leisurely stroll through the butterfly garden, wander the old farmhouse store. Venture out to the test gardens to study new plants and organic gardening techniques. Sit in the tipi or walk the labyrinth. Visit with the donkeys, chickens, and goats. Attend a free class in the Revival Tent. Enjoy a picnic in the herb garden. There are so many fun things to do while you're here. We want you to make yourself at home.
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 A Vision Realized
In 1992, the state of Texas announced it was finally time to begin widening Highway 290 through the little community of Oak Hill, and John Dromgoole found himself faced with a dilemma. He’d been operating his organic gardening business out of the beautiful and historic Patton Building (‘The Old Rock Store’) but now the fate of the old building- and the whole community of Oak Hill- was in limbo. A couple of things were certain: the business had all but outgrown the old place, and road work in front of the store wouldn’t be good for future business.
One afternoon, while driving through a rural area a few miles southwest of the old Patton store, John noticed a neglected farmstead for sale. The old farmhouse had a good amount of land around it and John immediately began envisioning possibilities for growing his business there. He talked it over with his wife, Jane, and it wasn’t long before they’d decided to take the leap; they bought the land, and in August of 1993, they opened the doors of their new store.
Today, The Natural Gardener is a world-class gardening destination known for its pioneering work in organic gardening and sustainable living. The old farmhouse and surrounding land is now a vibrant community resource that includes teaching gardens, free classes, display gardens, a retail plant nursery, a soil yard, a retail garden store, farm animals and acres of beautifully cultivated grounds and wildlife habitat.
 Lady Bug Natural Brand
Over the years, as The Natural Gardener grew, John had trouble finding enough high quality products to fill the store’s shelves. Eventually, he realized if he wanted high quality, all-natural gardening products, he’d have to make them himself, so in 1999, Lady Bug Natural Brand was born. In January 2011, Lady Bug flew to its new, larger home: Lady Bug Soil Yard and Manufacturing Center in Dripping Springs, Texas.
These days, we can buy organic gardening products in almost any store, thanks in large part to John and other Austin area natural gardeners who demanded cleaner, more earth-friendly products. Today, Lady Bug Natural Brand Products are being sold at garden centers, feed stores, and Whole Foods stores across the United States.
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