Front Yard Vegetable Garden in Texas (Plus My Tiny Garden Gecko!)

Gecko lizard in greenhouse

With grocery prices continuing to rise, I've become a big believer that every sunny patch of ground has potential. Instead of maintaining a thirsty front lawn, I decided to transform part of ours into a productive vegetable garden. Looking back, it became one of my favorite gardening projects—and I even gained a tiny helper along the way.

Why Grow a Front Yard Garden?

Front yard vegetable gardens have become increasingly popular for good reason. They make use of unused sunny space, reduce grocery bills, and allow families to grow fresh food close to home. With a little planning, vegetables can be just as attractive as ornamental landscaping while providing a practical harvest throughout the growing season.

 This season I started:

• Zucchini
• Three varieties of bell peppers
• Two varieties of heirloom beans
• Tomatoes already growing in the backyard

Living in Texas often allows for a long growing season, and I've harvested tomatoes well into November during warmer years.

Why I Welcome Geckos in My Garden

One of my favorite "garden helpers" is the tiny gecko. These little reptiles feed on mosquitoes, moths, flies, beetles, and many other insects. They're completely harmless to people and make wonderful natural pest control around greenhouses, patios, and vegetable gardens.

Every time I see one, I smile because I know another little insect hunter is on patrol.

Woot! We got rain last night. What a blessing! With the ground nice and soft, I tackled my front yard with the hoe and rake - tearing up the ground. Yep, I'm working on my front yard garden. I googled pictures of front yard gardens and read about indignant neighbors. I fail to see how they would much prefer to see a neglected crab-grass side yard that's turning yellow, over a plush veggie garden.

The only thing... I do plan to add a poultry fence to scan about 15' by 25' in diameter - this will protect the veggies from critters. So far, I've spotted opossum and bunny rabbits in the wee hours of the morning, not to mention stray dogs.

planting in Styrofoam cups

Pamela and I couldn't locate any biodegradable planters at the store, so I decided to use Styrofoam cups. We punched holes in the bottom for drainage and marked each cup to identify the seedlings. I figured by the time they are ready to transplant; the front yard garden will be ready. Although this is early summer, I highly expect to have a good growing season, as I've had tomatoes still blooming in November.

This morning we planted, Zucchini, 3 varieties of Bell Peppers and 2 varieties of beans.

The baby gecko pictured above, we found in the greenhouse. He measured less than an inch. This insectivorous is a welcomed guest! I call him my GECKO INSURANCE against unwanted bugs.

Speaking of GECKO, I actually use Geico car insurance. Three times since we've purchased our car, we've had 2 fender benders and we've hit a deer. Each time, the insurance company speedily took care of us.

No joke, but one of my fender benders happened when I was leaving the grocery store. A man with California plates rear ended me and the officer who took our insurance looked at us both and said, "I have both bad news and good news for you two." He glanced at the man, "The bad news is that you'll have to pay for this accident." and then he looked at me and said, "The good news is that you just saved a bunch of money by switching to Geico car insurance!"

Yes, I know corny, but the cop actually broke the ice and made us laugh! So anyway, I enjoy gecko insurance in my garden too! (And no, I don't work for Geico.)

Greener in Greenhouse: Starting a Year-Round Garden in Texas

New greenhouse 

For years I had dreamed about owning a small greenhouse. Living in Texas means dealing with scorching summers, surprise cold snaps, and an unpredictable growing season. A greenhouse offered the opportunity to start seeds earlier, protect tender plants, and extend my gardening season. Looking back, it became one of the best gardening investments I ever made.

Why Use a Backyard Greenhouse?

Even a small greenhouse offers several advantages for home gardeners:

• Start vegetables earlier in the season.
• Protect seedlings from wind and heavy rain.
• Extend the growing season.
• Grow herbs close to the kitchen.
• Create a warm place for tender plants during cooler weather.
• Experiment with heirloom varieties that need extra care when they're young.

What I Planned to Grow

My greenhouse eventually became home to seedlings like:

• Tomatoes
• Bell peppers
• Beans
• Zucchini
• Herbs
• Lettuce
• New Zealand spinach
• Heirloom vegetables

Having a protected place to start seeds gave them a much better chance before transplanting them into the garden.

Why I Became Interested in Seed Saving

Around this time I also began learning more about heirloom vegetables and saving seeds from year to year. Growing open-pollinated varieties meant I could preserve many of my favorite plants while becoming a little more self-reliant each gardening season.

Why Honey Bees Matter

Honey bees are among the hardest-working pollinators in the garden. Without pollinators, many vegetables and fruiting plants produce fewer harvests. That's one reason I've gradually shifted toward using fewer pesticides and encouraging more beneficial insects and wildlife around the garden whenever possible.

I got my greenhouse yesterday, but waited till this morning to put it together. I had an awful case of sinuses after we got back from river rafting and it didn't go away until today.

This is the end results! I haven't done any planting yet, but plan to do a little tomorrow morning.

The greenhouse fits on my deck perfectly like it was meant for that corner.

Greenhouse shelves

setting up greenhouse with planters

adding my tropical palms to greenhouse

greenhouse fits nicely on deck

I've decided to start a new garden in my front yard. There's an area beside my driveway that's been an eye sore for a long time - the sun bores down on that spot. I think it's time to dig up the grass, fence the area, and start a patch of garden. Now I just need to find the energy to do it all...

Before I forget, my Seed to Seed book arrived Thursday in the mail. I've started reading the first chapter and I'm getting excited about heirloom gardening and saving my own seeds year after year.

This morning, I ordered a used book off of Amazon.com on Common Sense Pest Control - I really have a problem with pesticides, killing off needed bees, and other creatures, so I'm looking for NATURAL remedies. I hate the thought of killing a poor frog or lizard because I went nuts with poison in the yard.

Speaking of bees... I think we have a honey bee nest nearby. I'm finding honey bees in our pool everyday. I guess this is a good thing as I'm sure going to need them with all this gardening!

At the library, I found a video about honey bees and watched it with Pamela. I honestly have more respect for these creatures now. It's little things like this that brings mockery to the evolutionists who deny their Creator. I can see God's handiwork in every creature outside, to the simplicity of a tiny leaf!

Looking Back

Looking back, this little greenhouse became the beginning of a much larger journey into homesteading, heirloom gardening, seed saving, and preparedness. What started as a simple gardening project eventually changed the way I thought about growing food and becoming a little more self-reliant.

Heirloom New Zealand Spinach: Heat-Tolerant Vegetables in Texas

Expired garden seeds: Do Garden Seeds Really Expire? The Truth About Seed Viability

I Hope My Thumb Gets Greener: Beginning Seed Saving and Heirloom Gardening

My Favorite Seed Saving Hack: Using a Photo Organizer Box

McKinney Roughs Colorado River Rafting Near Austin, Texas: A Homeschool Family Adventure

visitor center

Looking for an outdoor adventure near Austin? One summer we joined our local 4-H group for a guided rafting trip along the Colorado River at McKinney Roughs Nature Park. It turned into one of our favorite family outings, combining beautiful scenery, wildlife, and just enough splashing to cool off during a hot Texas summer.

About McKinney Roughs

McKinney Roughs Nature Park, located east of Austin near Bastrop, is known for its hiking trails, educational programs, wildlife, and guided outdoor adventures. The Colorado River provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting while the surrounding preserve offers excellent birdwatching and nature study opportunities.

 

What to Bring on a River Rafting Trip

• Swimsuit or quick-drying clothing
• Water shoes or old tennis shoes
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses with a strap
• Plenty of drinking water
• Waterproof camera or phone case
• Dry change of clothes
• Small towel

Tips for First-Time Rafters

If you've never been rafting before, don't worry. Guided trips are designed for beginners and families. Listen carefully during the safety briefing, wear your life jacket correctly, and don't be afraid to get a little wet. On a hot Texas day, you'll probably welcome the splash!

Why We Loved Outdoor Adventures

One of the reasons we enjoyed trips like this was that they encouraged our family to spend time outdoors together. Whether hiking, paddling, camping, or exploring Texas State Parks, these experiences helped us appreciate nature while building confidence and practical outdoor skills.

 

Today, Pamela and I headed for McKinney Roughs Park to go river rafting. We met up with some of our 4-H group. The park is about 30-something miles away. I left my house at 8:30 am and arrived at the park at 9:20 am --- not bad for Austin rush-hour traffic!

aquarium at Mc Kinney Roughs visitor center

With time to kill, we went into the visitor center and looked at their aquariums.

fish local to the Colorado River

 

gigantic river turtle 

catching the bus

A bus arrived to transport us to the river. It was a nice bumpy ride.

Bus ride to the river 

a bumpy bus ride

Several river guides explained to us water safety, how to wear our lifejackets properly and to talk a little about the Colorado river. My first question was in reference to the drought we had been experiencing, as the river didn't look like it had dropped any.

It was explained that due to dams, the river maintained a steady height and the energy (from the dams) is what kept Austin's power going.

If there was flooding, the water would rise as high as 3/4th the height of the trees we were standing under. This made me think of the flooding that is happening right now in other parts of the country. Makes me very thankful for the dams in the area.

The route we would be rafting, would be past the dams--- so it was a straight shot from there to Matagorda to where the Colorado feeds into the gulf of Mexico. (Matagorda is an interesting small fishing town with shrimp boats lining the Colorado river. The last time we were there, people were fishing and catching sharks.)

We rafted for 5.5 miles and the bus met us at the end of our trip.

I went ahead and uploaded all the pictures I had. I used a water-proof disposable camera and took the film to 1-hour photo after we completed the rafting. I'm sharing these photo's with some 4-H families who didn't bring a camera and needed these for their record books --- so, I'm adding all I have.

We sure had fun, didn't we?!

rafts at the Colorado River 

paddling at the river

rafting

a lot of splashing on the river

We goofed off quite a bit, splashed one another, and played bumper boats. Several times the kids slipped off the raft. Pamela fell in twice. Our river guides were easy going (since the parents tagged along) and allowed the kids to swim and drift down stream.

A beautiful day to river raft

We took turns paddling the raft

It was a breezy 99 degrees. What a beautiful cloudy day!

climbing back into the raft

Some swam to cool off

goofing off

swimming and paddling

A fun group

I didn't swim, but I was comfortably soaking wet - due to all the fun and splashing! I'm just thankful I didn't get whopped in the head with somebody's paddle.

 

Wrapping up after a full morning! I was shocked to see it was only noon. Talk about a FULL DAY!

Heading back home

As usual (my family's tradition) Pamela and I spied the famous pecan store up ahead. They have one of the largest neon signs I've ever seen - advertising - CHOCOLATES - PECANS - PEACHES - etc.

Yum, yum... Pamela and I picked out the combo package of white chocolate pecans, milk chocolate pecans and cinnamon sugar pecans! (In fact, I hear somebody munching on them right now.) Save me some!

Afterwards, we spied a McDonalds up ahead and had our breakfast and lunch!

Pecan vending machine

This wasn't here the last we visited -- a pecan vending machine for those who are jonesing after hours.

Fun fun! See ya on the next adventure!

Brazos Bend State Park: Best Family Adventure and Ice Cream in Brenham Texas

ROAD TRIP: Palmetto Texas State Park, Zedler Mill, Gonzales & Lockhart Barbecue

SPEEDY SEEDS: Starting My Texas Heirloom Garden

My first shipment of heirloom vegetable seeds—the beginning of my seed-saving and homesteading journey.

Every garden begins with a handful of seeds and a little excitement. Looking back, this was the day my heirloom gardening journey truly began. I had spent weeks researching seed varieties, learning about seed saving, and waiting for my greenhouse to arrive. When the package finally showed up, I couldn't wait to get started.

Why I Chose Heirloom Seeds

I wanted to grow heirloom vegetables because they are open-pollinated, allowing gardeners to save seeds from one season to the next. Besides preserving older varieties, heirlooms often offer outstanding flavor, interesting colors, and a connection to generations of gardeners who grew them long before modern hybrids became common.

Seeds I Was Excited to Grow

• Tomatoes
• Black zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Lettuce
• Beans
• Herbs
• Bonus seeds

Why Bonus Seeds Are Fun

One of the pleasant surprises was receiving a few bonus seed packets. Small family seed companies often include extras as a thank-you, giving gardeners the chance to experiment with new varieties they might not have ordered otherwise.

Tips When Ordering Seeds Online

• Buy from reputable companies.
• Read growing information.
• Label every packet.
• Store seeds cool and dry.
• Order early before popular varieties sell out.

Got my heirloom seeds today! Now all I need to do is wait for the greenhouse to arrive - any day now! The seller packaged the seeds very well with nice planting instructions. He also included the bonus lettuce, and bonus Black Krim tomato seeds.

My green thumb (probably more yellow) is aching to plant!

Looking back, I had no idea this little package of seeds would eventually lead me into heirloom gardening, seed saving, greenhouse growing, food preservation, and eventually preparedness. Sometimes the smallest packages grow into the biggest adventures.

Greener in Greenhouse: Starting a Year-Round Garden in Texas

Building My Texas Garden Tunnel: Cattle Panels, Raised Beds & Shade Cloth

I Hope My Thumb Gets Greener: Beginning Seed Saving and Heirloom Gardening

I Hope My Thumb Gets Greener: Beginning Seed Saving and Heirloom Gardening

Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners Today, I went online at Amazon and purchased the book, Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners. (Amazon affiliate link. I receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.)

This is all very new to me - propagating and saving seeds from home-grown garden veggies. I've always considered myself a modest gardener, so any and all information is very very helpful!

Last night, I went online and ordered several heirloom vegetable seeds. I DO plan to share my seeds with family and friends. This is what I ordered:

2 varieties of green beans
3 varieties of bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
3 varieties of tomatoes (2 red, 1 orange)
1 red hot serrano pepper
1 cucumber
1 zucchini
several varieties of lettuce (tossed in free with order)

Why Heirloom Seeds Interested Me

One thing that really drew me toward heirloom gardening is the idea of preserving older plant varieties that have often been passed down through generations.

Unlike some hybrid seeds, many heirloom vegetables can produce seeds that gardeners are able to save and replant year after year. For anyone interested in gardening, preparedness, homesteading, or simply reducing grocery costs, that feels like a valuable skill to learn.

Of course, I still have a lot to learn.

At this point, I’m very much a beginner when it comes to propagating plants and saving seeds correctly, but every season seems to teach something new.

My Favorite Seed Saving Hack 

Hoping to Learn More This Gardening Season

I’m especially curious to see:

• which vegetables grow best in Texas heat
• which plants produce the most seeds
• how well heirloom varieties perform compared to standard garden seeds
• whether I’ll actually succeed at saving viable seeds for next year

Even if everything doesn’t go perfectly, I’m excited to learn the process little by little.

Gardening has a way of teaching patience.

And honestly, there’s something comforting about learning skills that people once considered completely normal everyday knowledge.

This picture is for Aunt Patty... Pamela wanted to show her the quilt she had made for her doll, completely handsewn. If you look closely, you can see that the quilt was made from the scraps of her pioneer dress/pinafore (pictured above in the new blog heading.)

This is her first quilt, and she plans to make another one for her other American Girl doll. What fun!!!

Weekend Warrior: The Beginning of My Texas Heirloom Gardening Journey

Cleome plant

Looking back, this was one of the turning points in my gardening journey. What began as plans for a simple backyard vegetable garden soon grew into a passion for heirloom vegetables, seed saving, and becoming a little more self-reliant. This post captures that exciting season when I began making the transition.

Thought I'd better log on and update the blog -- it's been a busy busy week! Where do I start?

My brand-new dryer died on me this week. I started a load about two hours before I went to bed, and the dryer was still going when Alan got up for work! THANKFULLY the dryer is still under warranty and I saved the receipt! Tomorrow, we get it serviced! (I always get a panicky feeling whenever my washer/dryer's act up -- Nothing I loathe more than laundromats!)

Malabar Spinache, bean plant

Malabar needs transplanting! (I said that about a week ago but just haven't done it yet! The Morning Glories are soooo ready to vine, that their tiny tentacles are reaching out to grab onto EVERYTHING!) (((Hint to self: TRANSPLANT!!)))

vegetables are doing well in the planters

Thriving!

growing on pool deck

Welcome Garden Helpers

Natural predators like owls, lizards, frogs, and beneficial insects all became an important part of my gardening philosophy.

Yes, I picked up Mr. Owl at the store this weekend. His head wobbles and I move him around every time I go outside or think about it. This keeps the squirrels and birds from thinking he's fake. Pamela asked me this morning if I had moved him from the steps and I gave her a poker face and said... No???.... (I couldn't fool her though.)

Okay, so anyways, this weekend, while Josh watched Pamela for us, Alan and I went to Academy so I could purchase my brand-new shotgun. The one I fell in love with was the 20-gauge Remington model... Oh la la! Love at first sight, and $100 more than I had wanted to pay. After the background check and retape, I walked outdoors with my shotgun. (Is it weird if a person hugs their gun?)

So let me set things straight: The whole time I was in the store, I was discussing ammo for the shotgun... The clerk kept saying which was better for "killing"... The thing is -- I'm not interested in "killing" anyone. It's only for self-defense and for SPORT. I'm starting to like going to the gun range and target practicing - even though I don't shoot worth a flip. For example: While target practicing with our pistol, Alan had two targets on top of one another -- mine was the green, his was the red... I did an awesome job of staying on the target... BUT, I was aiming for MY target and hitting Alan's!!

That evening, we shared another potluck at the farm and fished, but it was HUMID! Not sure how much I can take of this 100-degree weather. Let me tell you how bad it is...

I went to the store to buy a new water sprinkler for our (fast turning yellow) lawn and the store was completely SOLD OUT -- in fact, all area wide stores are SOLD OUT!

Building a Bigger Garden

I've been thinking a lot about my garden and Alan and I decided to plant additional gardens in the area behind our pool that is good and sunny. We plan to dig up my Canna's and transfer them to the front yard, along with two banana trees. On top of that, uproot some bamboo-like tall grass. I've decided on a raised garden bed, so I'll have to hunt for some lumber.

Discovering Heirloom Seeds

At the time, heirloom gardening was still fairly new to me. I was fascinated by the idea of growing open-pollinated vegetables and saving seeds from one season to the next instead of purchasing new seed every year.

Why Seed Saving Matters

Saving seeds isn't simply about saving money. It also helps preserve older varieties that have been handed down through generations of gardeners. For many homesteaders, growing open-pollinated vegetables is one way to become more resilient and less dependent on annual seed purchases.

I've also been researching on HEIRLOOM seeds and plan to start growing nothing but HEIRLOOM vegetables, this way I can cultivate my own for each growing season. I no longer wish to purchase HYBRID vegetable seeds. 

So anyway, I'm transferring over to nothing but Heirloom vegetables for next year's garden and for the garden I start as soon as I receive the greenhouse. I really like the idea of saving my own seeds and being self-reliant, rather than being at the mercy of the stores and their prices. Two weeks ago, I visited Walmart's to buy green bean seeds and the store had removed all garden seeds - telling me the season was OVER - (Probably getting ready for the Christmas decorations!)

I found a book on Amazon that I wanted really badly, but the cheapest copy is $95!! Sooo, I went online with my local library and they just happen to have a copy! It's already checked-out, but I placed a hold. Can't wait to receive it! The book is called, HEIRLOOM VEGETABLE GARDENING - Read their editorial reviews! http://www.amazon.com/Heirloom-Vegetable-Gardening-Gardeners-Planting/dp/0805060898/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214238638&sr=1-1

THINK ABOUT IT: Do you want your own cultivated open pollinated seeds? Or do you want to depend next year on what's available in the stores? Each year, certain varieties are not available on the shelf - some going extinct. Also, many hybrid varieties are grown for appearance sake, not nutrition/taste!

Looking Back

Looking back, I smile because this post marked the beginning of a journey that continues today. That simple decision to grow heirloom vegetables eventually led me into seed saving, greenhouse gardening, food preservation, and many of the preparedness topics I still write about years later.

EXCERPT: William Woys Weaver has written an important book in Heirloom Vegetable Gardening--important for the kitchen gardener, the cook, the historian, and any American who might wonder what our forebears were up to when they sat down to eat. What was the food on their table? Where did it come from? How did they get it? All these questions are addressed in Weaver's elegant prose.
But there's another side to the story, and Weaver meets his reader there, too: Where is food headed, and what's an individual to do?

We have seen the rise of hybrid crops in the years since World War II. They are good for the seed business because the grower can't just let a few plants grow to seed, save the seed, then plant that seed next season. Hybridized plants don't yield seed that's true to the character of the plant, so the grower has to return to the seed rack year after year. Buying seed on a commercial level is a big deal, as is growing enough of it to meet the market. A lot of tillable land in South America isn't growing food for hungry South Americans, but growing corn seed for American farmers, and the biggest use of corn in this country is animal feed. Not many hungry South Americans get to eat corn-fed American beef and pork. In one sense, he who controls seed controls food. Or, he who owns seed owns food, and the highest bidder takes all.

Heirloom seed, then, is more than a trinket or curiosity from the past. It represents the chance of survival in the future. Should an as-yet-unknown plant virus come along and take out the American hybrid corn crop (something that has in fact come close to happening), it's the genetic diversity available in heirloom, open-pollinated seeds that will save the bacon. Governments maintain plant gene banks, but individuals can do much the same, and authors like Weaver show how.

What Weaver injects into the tale is the incredible pleasure that comes of growing heirloom crops and saving seed, and of eating from a table laden with 17th- and 18th-century foods. He shares his own history and his family's history, all of it tied up in gardening and sharing and caring. This lovely book is an extension that can reach into any garden being dug today. In other words, don't hesitate with this title, whether history, science, gardening, or a rich enthusiasm for constructive ways the individual can affect the future drives your interest. --Schuyler Ingle --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

I Hope My Thumb Gets Greener: Beginning Seed Saving and Heirloom Gardening

Green Living Expo in Austin: Backyard Chickens, Gardening & Sustainable Living

Gone GREEN Again: Can You Use a Greenhouse in a Texas Summer?

Greenhouse ideas

Every gardener eventually runs into the same challenge—protecting young plants from hungry wildlife and unpredictable weather. After finding evidence that a nighttime visitor had been digging through my containers, I decided it was finally time to invest in a small greenhouse. Looking back, it became one of the best additions to my garden.

Why I Decided to Buy a Greenhouse

My goals were simple:

• Protect seedlings from squirrels and birds.
• Start vegetables earlier in the season.
• Extend my growing season into cooler months.
• Have one place dedicated to starting heirloom vegetables.

Can a Greenhouse Get Too Hot in Texas?

That was one of my biggest concerns. A greenhouse can become much hotter than the outside air during a Texas summer if it's not ventilated properly. Opening doors or windows, using shade cloth, and providing good airflow are important during periods of extreme heat. During the cooler months, however, that extra warmth becomes a real advantage for starting seedlings and extending the growing season.

Wildlife Is Part of Gardening

Over the years I've learned that gardening isn't just about growing vegetables—it's about sharing the space with birds, squirrels, insects, bees, frogs, and lizards. While they sometimes create challenges, many also help create a healthier backyard ecosystem. Finding practical ways to protect young plants without harming wildlife has become one of my gardening goals.

After arriving home from our trip to Hamilton Pool Preserves... 

Hamilton Pool Preserve

We discovered a critter (more than likely a squirrel) had been digging around the garden.

Squirrel damage in container plants.

Holes were dug in pots, and an Impatient was uprooted from the ground.
Between this, and the problem with birds stealing our tomatoes, I went online and purchased a small greenhouse (identical to the one pictured above.) Probably a pipe dream for protecting my vegetables, but I figured it would be less unsightly than having all kinds of netting and everything else draped over my plants.

The only thing is that I'm not sure how to maintain a greenhouse in sweltering central Texas. Today we hit 103 --- Imagine how much hotter it would be inside the greenhouse? Before I turned on my AC today, my house got up to 88. My pool water hit 80. What would a greenhouse maintain?

If anything, I'm hoping to be able to grow vegetables this winter and get an early start next spring...

Looking back, that little greenhouse became the beginning of many future gardening projects. It gave me a place to experiment with heirloom vegetables, seed saving, and season extension—skills that eventually became a big part of my homesteading and preparedness journey.

WANTED Dead or Alive: How to Stop Squirrels from Digging in Your Garden

Greener in Greenhouse: Starting a Year-Round Garden in Texas

Hamilton Pool Preserve: One of the Most Beautiful Swimming Holes Near Austin, Texas

Hamilton Pool, Austin Texas

Editor's Note (2026): We visited Hamilton Pool Preserve in 2008. Since then, visitation rules have changed. Reservations are now generally required, and swimming is sometimes prohibited depending on water quality, rockfall hazards, or environmental conditions. Always check the preserve's current conditions before making the trip.

Planning Your Visit

• Reservations are generally required.
• Check current swimming conditions.
• Bring plenty of drinking water.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes.
• Arrive on time for your reservation.
• Expect a steep hike back to the parking lot.
• Bring a camera.

Can You Still Swim?

Swimming is no longer guaranteed. Depending on bacteria levels, rockfall hazards, or weather conditions, the preserve may temporarily prohibit swimming. Even if swimming isn't allowed, many visitors still come to enjoy the spectacular scenery and hiking trails.

Wildlife and Plants

• cypress trees
• ferns
• cliffs
• creek
• canyon
• golden-cheeked warbler (seasonal)
• native ferns
• bald cypress
• limestone grotto
• butterflies
• dragonflies

What Makes Hamilton Pool Unique?

• collapsed grotto
• limestone dome
• thousands of years old
• spring-fed pool
• part of the Texas Hill Country

For Father's Day, we decided to spend the day at Hamilton Pool Preserve - A collapsed grotto (cave) and canyon that was formed by thousands of years of water erosion. It's been several years since we'd been out there and we were anxious to go hiking and swimming.

Steep downward hike to Hamilton Pool 

The area used to be inhabited by the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache's. The pool was named after Morgan Hamilton in the 1800's, whose brother had served as the 10th governor of Texas.

Hiking trail to the pool

The Cypress trees, tropical ferns, and diverse foliage almost feel prehistoric. (Don't forget to click photos to enlarge.)

Beautiful Cypress Trees at Hamilton Pool Preserve

If anyone is thinking of visiting this preserve, arrive EARLY. The park only allows 75 cars and will start turning people away. We left our house at 9:00 a.m. and tried to beat the crowds. The preserve is only 30 miles Southwest of Austin. A gorgeous drive through the hill country.

Creek near Hamilton Pool

The path we took followed alongside a creek.

Swimming beneath the waterfall.

The grotto, and people (the early birds) swimming!

The famous collapsed grotto.

swimming under the grotto

We didn't waste time jumping in...

Josh, wearing his new Hawaiian shirt that his fiancé' (and future sisters-in-law) had purchased for him. He wanted me to make sure to take this picture so they could see him wearing it. haha

hiking around the grotto

I decided to hike around the grotto before jumping in the water...

stairs around the grotto

up close to the waterfall and grotto 

One of Texas' most photographed swimming holes

standing under the water fall 

Hamilton Pool is one of the most unique places to visit

refreshing swim under the shade of the grotto 

Truly a unique experience in Texas 

beautiful grotto. 

50-foot cascades...

I spotted several (what looked like cave entrances) throughout our hike.

Go Cowboys!

Pamela...

Lush ferns...

Due to the drought, the waterfall had been reduced to a trickle...

After we swam, we decided to hike to the Pedernales river. This is a 1.5-mile hike that tags alongside the creek...

Fun hike to the river 

At the river and less crowds! More than likely we were the crazy ones for hiking in 100+ degree temps. Over my shoulder, I carried a large tote bag filled with apples, bottled water, beef jerky, camera, and everyone's wallets and keys... Yes, I'm the pack mule.

Pedernales River 

A refreshing swim in the Pedernales - it was truly wonderful. Every so often our feet caught the cool currents of the aquafer... What a beautiful day!

Afterwards, we lugged back up the hill and followed the trail... (For those who decide to visit the park, the trail is DOWN HILL to the grotto, but UP HILL back to the parking lot. The trail from the river and the grotto meets at a fork, but BOTH take the same trail back to the parking lot.)

Prehistoric trails at Hamilton Pool Preserve

We arrived at the car, gulped down more water and blasted the air conditioner. It was around 1:30, and after a couple miles of hiking, we were ready for LUNCH! By the way, as we pulled out of the park entrance there was a LONG LINE of cars being turned away. Get there EARLY!

Nutty Brown Cafe

Nutty Nathan

Every time we're near highway 290, we stop at Nutty Brown Cafe to eat. (This restaurant used to be a praline shop - Nutty Brown Mills - a former roadside attraction known for their candy and neon cowboy sign welcoming folks to Austin.)

We like going there for their live music and good food.

Modern note about Nutty Brown

One thing changed.

Nutty Brown Cafe has changed ownership and location over the years.

2026 Update: Since this trip, the historic Nutty Brown Cafe & Amphitheatre has closed, and the original Highway 290 location is now home to an H-E-B grocery store. Although the restaurant is gone, I still remember it fondly for its live music, Texas barbecue, and the giant neon cowboy sign that greeted travelers heading toward the Hill Country. It was always one of our favorite stops after a day exploring Hamilton Pool Preserve.

 

Parrot at Nutty Brown Cafe 

 

live music stage at Nutty Brown 

Chicken Fried steak dinner

By the way, check out their chicken fried steaks. Their burgers are yummy too!

Nutty Brown Famous sign 

Back home to Austin 

Homeward bound! I think my nose has a sunburn...

Looking Back

Looking back, Hamilton Pool Preserve remains one of my favorite day trips near Austin. Even if swimming isn't available during your visit, the scenery alone makes it worth experiencing. Between the towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear water, and lush vegetation, it's one of the most beautiful natural places in Central Texas.

Pedernales Falls State Park

Free Things to Do in Austin: Mount Bonnell, Austin Nature Center, Zilker Botanical Garden & Whole Foods

4th July Road Trip: Belton, Dinosaur Valley, Mother Neff & Meridian State Parks