Hiding in plain sight in what may be the second-oldest building in Austin, the American Botanical Council is an undersung resource for herbalists in Austin and beyond. ABC provides “science-based and traditional information to promote the responsible use of herbal medicine,” publishing several peer-reviewed publications and books, maintaining a robust database online (accessible to members), and holding an annual free HerbDay in the spring. Their East Austin home, the Case Mill Homestead, dates to 1853, when it was 4 miles outside the city limits of the new capital of the still-infant state of Texas. Grounds that once included the area’s first flour mill now host some 25 different gardens; what goes around, comes around.
