Blooms and Barrels

More than 40 varieties of native and adaptive plants will be available, carefully selected to thrive in the unique beauty and challenge of the Hill Country landscape. These are plants raised and chosen by people who understand this soil, this sun, and this stubborn limestone.

Tina Pierson, HCMG Blooms and Barrels chair and HCMG treasurer, says this year’s selection is especially strong. “Proceeds from the sale stay right here at home, helping the Hill Country Master Gardeners support more than two dozen educational projects and public gardens across the Texas Hill Country.”

And that’s just the beginning.

New this year:

• A Member-Grown Plant Area featuring propagated plants lovingly cultivated by Master Gardeners themselves
• A broader selection of vegetables and herbs than ever before for those eager to grow their own kitchen gardens
• The debut of the HCMG Marketplace, offering handmade items and crafts — painted pots, note cards, weavings, and whimsical fairy sticks
• The Shed, a treasure trove of gently used gardening tools, pots, and supplies waiting for a second life

Returning favorites include the beautifully painted rain barrels that sold out quickly last year, as well as traditional rainwater harvesting barrels — practical solutions for conserving precious Hill Country rainfall. Sales of the rain barrels help fund scholarships for students pursuing horticulture degrees at major Texas universities.

Visitors are invited to stroll through the demonstration garden, ask questions of on-site Master Gardeners, and see firsthand what thoughtful stewardship can grow. The Hill Country Junior Master Gardeners will showcase the garden plots they’ve cultivated all year — and yes, they’ll be selling fresh eggs from Mabel and her henhouse friends.

Educational materials will be available and Hill Country Master Gardeners will be on hand to discuss everything from landscaping to pruning and propagation, vegetable gardening, and herb cultivation. For those who’ve ever considered joining this vibrant volunteer organization, information about applying and training to become a Hill Country Master Gardener will also be available.

Blooms & Barrels happens just once a year. In the Hill Country, that means if you miss it, you’ll be waiting for another spring.