As you explore the sprawling grounds of Herff Farm, you’ll come across a little wonder aptly named “The Inspiration Garden.” Since its inception 12 years ago, the idea has been to have a display garden in conjunction with the farmers market to show visitors where their food comes from.
The idea for the garden came from longtime volunteer Mark Mason. A good friend of founders Brent and Carolyn Evans, Mark spent evenings in their living room over 35 years ago thinking about The Cibolo’s mission and ways to connect the community to the earth.
As the idea bore fruit, volunteers gathered at Herff Farm to plant garden beds, grow flowers, herbs and vegetables, and develop a curriculum using organic methods.
“We wanted to show that carrots don’t come from trees,” Mason said.
Over time, a group of about 25 volunteers regularly tended the garden in their spare time, and visitors to the farmers market on Saturdays were greeted by garden guides who demonstrated the garden.
Finally, the group organized Organic Gardening 101 and 102 courses in collaboration with the teaching garden. Beginners and experienced participants learned best practices in garden design, soil composition, irrigation, weed control and more.
The Inspiration Garden attracted volunteers like Chris Snyder, a longtime member of the Hill Country Master Gardeners through Texas AgriLife. Chris started volunteering in the gift shop at Cibolo Nature Center and eventually ended up in the garden.
As new graduates of the Kerrville Master Gardener program tour the Boerne area, Chris and others answer questions, using the garden as a teaching model.
Keith Amelung, affectionately known as “Tomato Man” for his collection of rare tomato varieties that he sells at the farmers market on Saturdays, is also a fixture at the Inspiration Garden. Keith regularly teaches “Overcoming Your Brown Thumb” classes at various locations in the San Antonio area.
Keith regularly donates plants to the garden and has generously given his time and talents to educate visitors. After the Covid outbreak, volunteers either retired or moved out of the area, leaving half a dozen volunteers to manage the garden. They meet regularly at a picnic table on the property to discuss gardening tasks.
Meeting with this dedicated group feels more like a gathering of friends who have formed a community. Laughter is a regular part of the conversations as they talk about what is and isn’t working in their home gardens.
A frequently discussed topic is the need for more volunteers. Anyone who wants to learn is welcome, the group says.
In a world of pre-packaged foods and rising obesity rates, getting people interested in gardening and food sourcing is of the utmost importance. If you too would like to make a change in our community, one step at a time, join us.
CUTTING LINE:
Longtime volunteer Mark Mason of the Cibolo Center for Conservation came up with the idea for the Inspiration Garden at Herff Farm. Photo courtesy
