Remembering Don Freeman…a gardener’s life well-lived
We are so sad to report that treasured Austin Area Garden Council member Don Freeman passed away on Sunday night following a long illness. Don & and his wife, Pat, moved to Austin in the early 1970s, and he joined garden clubs at AAGC soon after. He was a founding member of the Austin Iris Society and Travis County Master Gardeners Association, as well as an active member of the Austin Rose Society and Garden Club of Austin (formerly the Men’s Garden Club), serving as President of each of those clubs through the years. Don served as AAGC Vice President of Horticulture for many years and spearheaded multiple projects in Zilker Botanical Garden. These projects included the Master Gardener greenhouse, the Taniguchi north gate, rainwater harvesting systems, installation and maintenance of the Iris beds, maintenance and improvements of the Rose Garden, trail and pond repairs, and much more. His roses, iris, ferns, and tropical plants won numerous awards at local flower shows every year. Through the years, he has served as a mentor to hundreds of new gardeners, always eager to share his knowledge and skills. Our condolences to Pat, Don’s family, and his many friends.
Don’s history with the founding of the Travis County Master Gardeners Association:
Travis County Master Gardener Association
An article about Don on the Texas Master Gardener Association website:
Texas Master Gardener Association
