Garden bloggers from all over the United States, Canada and England gathered in Austin in early May to tour the finest and best gardens. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center, the Zilker Botanical gardens and fourteen private gardens were viewed over three days. The first night’s event started at the Austin Central Library where we enjoyed their rooftop sustainable garden with a view of Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Lake. This eco-friendly building and its landscape were a perfect start for the Garden Blogger’s Fling.
Rooftop Garden of Austin Central Library
We saw many garden styles from large estates to cottage plots. All of them shared a fondness for yucca and agave (I have never seen so many different kinds), deer resistant plants, water-conserving methods, and phenomenal hardscaping (usually using rocks from their own property.)
Yucca baccata in front of sun-baked limestone wall
What we didn’t see in Austin is a story in itself: no bedding plants and hardly any bushes because of deer pressure and no weeds because of the true grit of the owners themselves or in some cases, staff.
I am awed by my fellow Texas gardeners. We say gardening in Dallas is tough but Austin gardeners may be tougher! Less water, rocky soil and more critter problems (deer bedding down in the garden, eating the garden and rutting in the garden.) In the truest sense, they turned problems into brilliant design.
Starla and I want to share pictures from the Garden Bloggers Fling 2018 over the next few weeks. We think you will be inspired, learn and renew your commitment to good gardening.
Ann Lamb
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 
I can’t wait to read your impressions of the Austin gardens, Ann. It was lovely to meet you and Starla at the Fling!
Truly a lovely event, so well planned, amazing gardens and all accommodations absolutely perfect.
We both enjoyed meeting other garden fanatics. Our thanks to the planners, sponsors, and lovely people who worked for months to have their gardens ready.
Ann