Oh so long ago, beginning in 2000, many plans were made to construct Victoria Educational Gardens. In 2006 Victoria County Master Gardeners began construction on the East side of The Officer’s Club. The main feature is the Tropical Water Pond Ecosystem, but there are several Mini Gardens which have evolved over the years since our Grand Opening of this phase in 2007.
The Rose Arbor (Entrance) -Imagine strolling down the brick walkway through a rose-covered arbor when roses are in full bloom. Here you can sit on the benches and enjoy the colors and fragrances of roses and other flowering plants in this area.
The Heirloom Garden – On the right is the heirloom garden, which contains plants that would have been passed down through generations of families.
The Patriotic Red, White and Blue Area – On your left is the patriotic garden with different plants that bloom red, white and blue.
Bulb Area – This area has some native small trees and bulbs that bloom at various times of the year.
Rainwater Collection Tank – Exiting the rose arbor, notice the painted cistern, which is part of the rainwater harvesting system that catches rain (when we have it) from the Officer’s Club roof.
The Daylily Areas North and South (by Patio) – The daylily garden is on the left as you leave the rose arbor and enter the eastside gardens. They were magnificent in bloom in May. There is a daylily area with seating to the right.
The Military Honor Garden (Along the Officer’s Club Patio) – Dedicated to the men and women who have served our country in the military, a display of bricks donated by family and friends are engraved and placed with the names of sons, daughters, husbands and wives, who are remembered.
Antique Tile Water Feature – This feature is an original feature that was restored by our master gardener Pat Koening. It is designed with colorful tiles.
Tropical Water Pond Ecosystem surrounded by Tropical Plants – The water garden is a focal point of the garden complex with many varieties of plants that require a damp to wet area to grow. The pond features a bog filtration system. You will see a large number of Koi and goldfish swimming in the pond that is separated by a land bridge. The tropical garden surrounds this area.
The Garden Labyrinth – Lined with Texas stone, the labyrinth leads to a Crape Myrtle and Texas Stone bench. There are messages along the stones for children to enjoy as they make their way through.
The Meditation Garden – The meditation arbor is located where you can view a wide area of the garden while seated. From here, you can see the turf grass demonstration plots and a fine view of the perennial garden at the gazebo.
Texas Superstar Area – On your right is the Texas Superstar garden. These plants are proven to be able to survive and flourish in Texas growing conditions.
Tea Room Gazebo Perennial Area – You will find perennial plants that are excellent for our area in this area around the gazebo. You will also find comfortable seating. which is a focal point of the garden. There is a long brick walkway approaching it from the pond with well-maintained turf grass demonstration plots on each side. This area has provided a picture-perfect setting for several weddings.
Turfgrass Area – This area has various kinds of turfgrass and is divided into sections. The Pathway of Friends and Family goes through the area. Consider purchasing a paver and having it placed here to honor a loved one or special group you have enjoyed.
Pathway of Friends and Family (Pavers) – This makes a beautiful walkway to the gazebo and is ideal for a wedding aisle. Consider purchasing a paver and having it placed here to honor a loved one or special group you have enjoyed.
Xeriscape Area with Disappearing Water Fountain – The xeriscape garden contains plants that require very little water, many of which are native to Texas or at least acclimated (naturalized) to Texas. This is very important, especially during long periods of drought.
Ornamental Grasses and Wind Chimes – Just adjacent to the Superstars area, at the farthest part of the garden, are chimes that are surrounded by the ornamental grass garden.
The Antique and Old Rose Area – Antique “old garden” roses are seeing a rebirth in landscapes. The historic interest, color, fragrance, and form make them indispensable. There are two sections in the garden devoted to antique roses – one inside the fenced area across from the gazebo and another outside the fenced area by the greenhouse. There are also roses along the Rose Arbor.
The Iris Area – The bearded iris, Siberian iris and Louisiana iris can be found here. Bearded irises have been known to bloom three times per year. The Siberian irises have attractive foliage with flowers growing on thin stems, and are long-lived once established. Louisiana irises require six to eight hours of sun a day to bloom at their best.
The International Garden Area – These plants have their origins from all over the world. They have numbered signs, and as in all other sites, the plant lists from adjoining mailboxes will have the corresponding descriptions.
River Rock Bed (for drainage) – There are plantings of gladiola and other plants that add color to the terrace.
The Terrace Garden – The terrace garden is slightly raised above the rest of the gardens and features seating that allows you to see most of this side of VEG.
Groundcover Demonstration – A groundcover is any low, mat-forming or trailing plant that can be used to cover the ground surface. Again, utilize the plant information list found in the mailboxes as they are very descriptive; this one is exceptionally so.
Zen Garden – Japanese Zen gardens are made entirely of stone and sand, without the use of water or vegetation. Raked in patterns meant to symbolize mountains, water, etc., the lack of vegetation and water is meant to force the viewer to contemplate their symbolism and metaphorical value.
The Pergola – Society Wisteria adorns the pergola allowing great coverage for a shady place to sit above the gardens and take it all in.
The Shade Area – the shade garden features plants such as azaleas, ferns, hostas, bulbs and other plants that need shade. A Red Buckeye and Live Oak provide shade, along with small trees such as Dwarf Magnolia and Chinese Pistache.
Information is based on information from the article written by Master Gardener Emeritus Dick Nolen
Here are some scenes after the VEG Mini Gardens got established:
The water garden exists today in what used to be the large swimming pool of the Officer’s Club. It has a bog filtration system and is home to numerous plants and fish. A natural bridge allows one to cross the garden to and from the gazebo and military honor garden.
A focal point on the east side of VEG, the gazebo can be accessed via a pathway of pavers honoring family and friends. With turfgrass varieties on both sides, this site provides a beautiful setting for an outdoor wedding in VEG.
| The military honor garden exists at the base of the patio container garden at the Officer’s Club. Pavers, honoring family members or friends who served our country, fill this area with a legend kiosk to locate names. |