GARDENS
The gardens are open for visitors to enjoy even when the house is not open. Many plants are labeled so that you may see and learn what plants grow well in our environment.
Plant Exchange
We host Plant Exchange which Keep Aransas County Beautiful sponsors in the gazebo every second Saturday, 10 – 12 AM. Bring a plant and take a plant (or two). Stay and visit with like-minded folks and also enjoy the exhibits inside the History Center
ABOUT THE GARDENS
“Doc” Bruhl Herb Garden
The house was once owned by Albert Bruhl, a pharmacist and civic leader who served three terms as mayor of Rockport. He was not just a druggist, but a very special one, a man who kept his pharmacy license renewed for 55 years and who was one of the youngest ever to pass the Texas license exams at the age of 19. He was often called “Doc” as a trained medical person. He was known for his remedies made from herbs.
Monarch Way Station and Wildlife Habit Certified Gardens
Monarch Way Station
Monarch Waystations are places that provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Without milkweeds throughout their spring and summer breeding areas in North America, monarchs would not be able to produce the successive generations that culminate in the migration each fall. Similarly, without nectar from flowers these fall migratory monarch butterflies would be unable to make their long journey to overwintering grounds in Mexico. The need for host plants for larvae and energy sources for adults applies to all monarch and butterfly populations around the world.
Wildscape certification by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and National Wildlife Federation
An effective wildlife habitat will provide all three basic needs for wildlife- food, shelter, and water in a way that they can readily use and easily access. Providing the basics, in a diverse and well-planned manner, makes a garden more attractive to native wildlife.
Since wildlife thrives in the presence of plants they have adapted to, native plants are encouraged in the Wildscapes program. Properties applying for certification must ensure that at least 50% of the plants used in their landscaping are native to Texas.
HUMMERBIRD CELEBRATION
At the History Center we display memorabilia from Connie Hagar, Texas’ First Bird Lady who recorded migrations and bird species for Rockport in the 1930s-1960s.
We are also a Hummer Home. Our gardens supply nectar and feeders for birds to enjoy before their trip south to Mexico.
We often host a Hummer Breakfast by subscription where visitors may enjoy an early treat in the garden while watching and photographing the hummers.
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