Meet William “Bill” Varney
A life rooted
in herbs.
A garden. A fragrant leaf. Something wonderful at the table. For Bill Varney, the pleasure of herbs reaches into everyday life.
Discover the person and the family story behind URBANherbal—a business that began in 1985 and continues today in San Antonio’s historic Monte Vista neighborhood.
Herbs belong
in everyday life.
In the fragrance you wear, the care you give your skin, and the flavors you bring to the table. That spirit connects the many corners of URBANherbal.
A family story, still growing
From a small shop
to a world of possibilities.
The Varney family opened Varney’s Chemist Laden in Fredericksburg, Texas, in 1985. Toiletries and small potted herbs were part of the beginning. Herbal vinegars, seasonings, and potpourris followed as customers discovered more ways to enjoy herbs.
The business grew into Fredericksburg Herb Farm, with gardens, a greenhouse, a tearoom, and a place for visitors to stay. After the farm was sold in 2007, the family returned to a more intimate herbal experience as URBANherbal.
Today, Bill’s story continues in Monte Vista: botanical goods, herbal knowledge, and the pleasure of finding something special.
Growing since 1985
A few chapters along the way
The first shop
The Varney family opens Varney’s Chemist Laden in Fredericksburg, Texas.
Room to grow
Fredericksburg Herb Farm brings together gardens, a greenhouse, hospitality, and herbal goods.
Back to the roots
The farm is sold, and a new chapter begins as URBANherbal.
At home in Monte Vista
URBANherbal moves to its current San Antonio home on East Woodlawn Avenue.
Bring the story home
Find your own herbal inspiration
A moment for yourself
Explore botanical creams, soaps, lotions, and everyday body care.
Follow your senses
Discover signature fragrances and sample a scent that speaks to you.
Make room at the table
Bring herbal vinegars, seasonings, and flavorful favorites into your kitchen.
Herbal wisdom, in Bill’s words
Bring a little of Bill’s
world home.
The Urban Herbal
by William Varney
A collection of herbal lore, wisdom, and recipes, accompanied by artwork from local artists. A book to browse, cook from, and return to whenever you need a little herbal inspiration.
Beautifully designed in a petite coffee-table format, it makes a thoughtful gift for an herb lover—or a treat for yourself.
San Antonio, Texas
Come meet us in Monte Vista
Discover historic Monte Vista →
Visit URBANherbal at 137 E Woodlawn Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212. Call ahead to arrange your visit or local pickup.