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by Christopher
Dow • photos by Tommy LaVergne
 Beyond
the gate in the split-rail cedar fence is an enchanted world. Large
pecan trees shade the small gravel parking lot from the Texas sun,
and the air is redolent with fragrances of herbs and flowers. Straight
ahead rests a cluster of rustic stone and wood buildings. To the
right, spreads a delightful tapestry of herbs and flowers in a circular
garden that nearly overflows a large sunlit field. Within the circle,
the stone-bordered beds and walkways are laid out in a five-pointed
star, though the pattern is readily apparent only to the birds that
flutter about the top of the rose-covered windmill at the star's
center. From that vantage, they can see over the other gardens and
buildings that rest on the grounds of this plant lover's paradise
called the Fredericksburg Herb Farm.
Established in 1991 by
Sylvia '78 and Bill Varney, the Fredericksburg Herb Farm has become
a must-visit spot in the Texas Hill Country community. And no wonder.
Every space, outside or in, is as visually appealing as it is aromatic.
From the gardens to the quaint historic buildings to the garlands
of drying herbs hanging from the ceilings inside, the whole place
exudes charm and tranquility yet is vibrant with a sense of peaceful
purpose.
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by:
Christopher Dow
photos by:
Tommy LaVergne
Originally
Published in
Sallyport
The Magazine
of Rice University
Summer 2001
Click on any of
the small photos
to view full size
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