First Peoples Demonstration Garden

The First Peoples Demonstration Garden is located near the SE corner of the BRIT building. This tiny garden attempts to show some plants that the First Peoples here used. Without recognizing that Native Americans harvested the wealth of the prairie, the story of this land is not complete.

Honoring Native American Past

We think the story of Fort Worth and our prairie starts with the coming of the cowboy. The real prairie story begins at least 10,000 years earlier.

First Peoples as Foragers (Gathering, Hunting, Fishing)

Some plants in the garden represent flora used by seasonal nomads who lived here for millennia prior to European contact. At least 150 food plants were gathered by First Peoples.

First Peoples as Sedentary Horticulturalists

Even before Europeans came, some Native Americans quit foraging and planted gardens instead. The plants most commonly grown were the “Three Sisters”: corn, beans, and squash.

Hugelkultur for a Hot Climate

Dried logs were placed under the soil in this garden, and plants were placed on top of them. Logs retain water around the plant roots and slowly decompose to add nutrients.

Ollas – Clay Water Jugs

Native Americans in the dry southwest buried ollas, unglazed clay jars. Water in them stayed cool and didn’t evaporate. As it filtered through the clay, it irrigated garden plants. If you visit the garden, see if you can spot the tops of jugs.