April 13, 2025
The wildflower reporters I comply with — and my very own eyes — say it is a poor yr for Texas bluebonnets and different spring wildflowers, particularly from Austin west into the Hill Nation. Our ongoing drought stored seedlings from germinating final fall, and there hasn’t been a lot rain this spring to nudge stragglers into bloom. However east of Austin, the image is brighter thanks to higher rainfall.
So when Lisa Negri of SummerHome Backyard in Denver came over final week (right here to provide a Backyard Spark speak) and advised me she’d by no means seen bluebonnets, I made it my mission to seek out us some blue. And we did!
For our wildflower safari final Thursday, we drove east to Giddings after which meandered alongside two-lane farm-to-market roads between Giddings and Independence. A blue haze within the distance lastly hinted at what was forward — a discipline of bluebonnets!
The solar was too excessive for good images (take an early morning or late afternoon drive for finest images), however our eyes weren’t disenchanted.
I used to be glad to see Lisa’s delight within the flowery meadows we discovered. It by no means will get previous for me both, hitting the jackpot of a bluebonnet discipline.
No complaints a couple of pink discipline of night primrose both!
Have a look at these beauties.
Another — so good with a backdrop of inexperienced farm nation.
We discovered a number of multi-colored fields too, with bluebonnets, pink Indian paintbrush, and yellow coreopsis.
I used to be stumped by this solitary white flower, however a Google search later ID’d it as Texas bullnettle. Not one you need to contact due to stinging hairs. Is anybody shocked to study a Texas wildflower can sting you? Not me. Be part of the fire-ant crowd, bullnettle.
Scissor-tailed flycatcher is one in all my favourite birds to see in farm nation, the place it swoops over fields in aerial stunts enabled by its lengthy, forked tail.
Bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush
A decrease view
Dwell oaks within the background full the Central Texas imagery. Nicely, no — there’s one thing lacking.
Right here you go — a Texas longhorn!
We ended our wildflower hunt at Previous Baylor Park in Independence.
Paintbrush and coreopsis had been layered throughout a small discipline.
A couple of bluebonnets too
A satin ribbon of pink-flowering grass as nicely
A solitary Indian paintbrush in ivory and inexperienced was a curious discover.
Final look
The Vintage Rose Emporium
We stopped at the Vintage Rose Emporium in Independence earlier than heading to lunch in Brenham. I all the time admire their show gardens, together with this large arch of braided terracotta pots.
Poppies had been popping all through the gardens.
A planted-up chest of drawers and watering can made a captivating welcome on a porch.
And naturally the roses had been having a celebration, with extra bluebonnets becoming a member of within the enjoyable.
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Digging Deeper
Store the Spring Native Plant Sale on the Girl Hen Johnson Wildflower Middle every weekend by April 27, 9 am to 1 pm (final entry at 12:30 pm). Plant sale admission is free. Convey your individual wagon or cart to move your treasures.
Tour 5 distinctive Houston gardens on Saturday, April 26, from 10 am to 4 pm, throughout the Backyard Conservancy’s Open Day Tour for Houston. Tickets should be bought on-line upfront by the Backyard Conservancy.
Come find out about gardening and design at Backyard Spark! I set up in-person talks by inspiring designers, panorama architects, authors, and gardeners a number of occasions a yr in Austin. These are limited-attendance occasions that promote out rapidly, so be part of the Backyard Spark electronic mail record to be notified upfront; merely click on this hyperlink and ask to be added. Learn all in regards to the Season 8 lineup right here!
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