If you’ve never been to the Zilker Botanical Garden, or maybe you have but it’s been a while, May is the perfect time to do it. Not only are the gorgeous flowers and plants in bloom, but the 2nd Annual Woodland Faerie Trail runs through May 26th. If you have an opportunity to visit it’s definitely worth the trip.
The Faerie Trail is a charming selection of small houses designed by local architects, design professional or recreational groups. They’re whimsical and fun, made out of things found in nature such as twigs, bark, shells, straw, rocks. Some are simple. Others are elaborate. All are unique and created from a love of nature.
The Faerie Trail is especially fun to visit with children. Mine are still at that magical stage where they actually believe faeries reside in the tiny houses. They peered in the teeny windows, trying to catch a glimpse of one fluttering around. When that didn’t work they tried to coax the faeries out, “Come out, come on Tinkerbell and friends.”
Their excitement was contagious and we left inspired to build a faerie garden in our own backyard. I have it pictured in my head — an entire faerie city, with lots of little houses, shops and buildings. Granted, I’m full of good ideas that never come to fruition. But those houses were pretty darn cute so I’m feeling optimistic.
And the Faerie Trail is just one section of several at the Botanical Garden. There’s plenty of amazing things to see, including the butterfly garden, rose garden and a prehistoric dinosaur area. There’s a beautiful waterfall and ponds throughout the grounds.
All ages will appreciate the beauty around every turn, and at just $2 admission for residents ($3 for non-residents, $1 for seniors and children ages 3-12), the Zilker Botanical Garden is a bargain.
Oh and just a little tidbit in case you were wondering … at end of the visit there was still one thing I was confused about regarding the little pixie creatures. It wasn’t whether or not they exist (because clearly they do), it’s what is the correct spelling? I always used “fairy,” but the Zilker Botanical Garden website uses “faerie.” I’d made up my mind that I liked their spelling best — seems fancier and more poetic. Until the end of the trail when I saw this friendly sign.
So I looked it up and good news — both are correct. Faerie or Fairy, take your pic. Which is good info to know the next you find yourself in a Woodland creature spelling bee.
2220 Barton Springs Road Austin, Texas (map)
