CREEKSIDE AT THE CIBOLO Inspiration Garden: A volunteer story
When exploring the extensive grounds at Herff Farm, there is a small patch of wonder appropriately named The Inspiration Garden. From its inception 12 years ago, the idea was to have a display garden associated with the Farmers Market to show visitors where their food comes from.
The brainstorm behind the garden came from longtime volunteer Mark Mason. A dear friend of founders Brent and Carolyn Evans, Mark spent evenings in their living room over 35 years ago envisioning the mission of The Cibolo and ways to connect the community to the earth.
As the inception came to fruition, volunteers gathered at Herff Farm to build garden beds, plant flowers, herbs and vegetables, and design a curriculum using organic practices.
“We wanted to show that carrots don’t come from a tree,” Mason said.
Over time, a group of about 25 volunteers regularly tended the garden during their free time, and Farmers Market visitors were greeted on Saturdays by garden docents to showcase the garden.
Eventually, the group put together Organic Gardening 101 and 102 classes in conjunction with the Teaching Garden. Novices and experienced attendees learned best practices of garden design, soil composition, watering, weeding and more.
The Inspiration Garden attracted volunteers like Chris Snyder, a longtime member of the Hill Country Master Gardeners through Texas AgriLife. Chris began volunteering in the gift shop at the Cibolo Nature Center and eventually made her way to the garden.
When new graduates from 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 the “Tomato Man” for his collection of rare heirloom tomato varieties sold at the Farmers Market on Saturdays, has also been a staple at the Inspiration Garden. Keith regularly teaches classes on how to “Overcome Your Brown Thumb” at various locations across the San Antonio area.
Keith regularly donates plants to the garden and has graciously donated his time and talent to educate visitors. After Covid hit, volunteers either retired or moved away from the area, leaving half a dozen volunteers to manage the garden. They meet regularly, gathering at a picnic table on the property to discuss garden chores.
Meeting with this dedicated group feels more like a gathering of friends who have created a community. Laughter is a regular part of conversations as they talk about what works and what doesn’t in their home gardens.
A regular topic discussed is the need for more volunteers. Anyone with a desire to learn is welcome, according to the group.
The importance of getting people interested in gardening and food sourcing is paramount in a world of packaged food and growing obesity rates. If you also desire to make a change in our community one small step at a time, please join us.
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