March 15, 2024
Texas bluebonnets color fields and roads a month earlier this year, and are already at their peak in certain areas. I follow the Texas Wildflower Report Facebook page every spring to find out where good fields have been spotted. So when I found a free afternoon on Wednesday, I grabbed my camera, jumped in my car and headed through downtown Austin to pick up my husband from the SXSW event. We then drove southwest to tiny Marion and New Berlin, about 30 miles east of San Antonio, to see what we could find along the back roads.
We found the blue bug home in Marion.
Their sweet scent on the warm breeze made me think of other good years for wildflower safaris.
Then we spotted several Oreo cows — Belted Galloways — grazing in a field. One furry calf was curious about us while I took some photos.
His mom was obviously used to the paparazzi.
More denim blue fields appeared.
This bluebonnet road was on private property, so I just enjoyed the view from outside the fence. That’s the cardinal rule of wildflowers peeking out in Texas: stay on the public right-of-way and don’t weave through the flowers. Choose them only with your eyes. Bring them home on camera only.
When we arrived in New Berlin, we found several colorful fields.
The yellow coreopsis (I think) makes the bluebonnets even bluer and the Texas paintbrush even redder.
Such a beautiful combination
Horses and wild flowers — another good combination
In this exquisite field, brush and bluecaps appeared in long, rolling waves.
Indian paintbrush
One more
A longer view
Wild phlox added a purple streak here and there.
Phlox, paintbrush, bluebonnets and a few golden bushes for good measure
Here and there, a few white prickly poppies
More!
What a beautiful view this country home enjoys.
Golden hybrid with phlox and Indian paintbrush
More phlox and golden grind
Just before sunset, the sun broke through the clouds and cast a spotlight. He almost stole the show from the wildflowers.
What a celebration of earth and heaven.
And what a perfect afternoon for wildflower viewing!
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Digging Deeper
March 16: To attend the third annual Budding Out Plant Sale & Festival 3/16 at the John Fairey Garden in Hempstead. Rare and distinctive plants from the garden nursery and selected plant vendors will be for sale. Additional offerings include art, ceramics, jewelry, food, music and presentations. Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, children 12 and under free. Working hours: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; members receive early admission at 9am (membership available day of event).
30-31. March: Come see Austin Cactus & Succulent Society Show in the Zilker Botanical Garden on March 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Includes a plant display with specimen cacti and succulents, handmade pottery, a daily silent auction and hourly plant raffle, and expert advice. Admission is included with paid Zilker Garden admission, $5 to $8 for adults, $3 to $4 for children (under 2 free).
April 6: Come out to Austin’s Mayfield Park on 4/6 for Mayfield Park Gardening Symposium & Fundraiser, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This annual park benefit includes a raffle, plant sale and garden speakers.
May 4: Explore “splendid backyards, perfect pools and pergolas, and outdoor rooms and gardens” at ATX outdoor trip 4. 5. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Landscape architects, designers and builders will be on hand to answer questions. Tickets are $33.85 for adults, $17.85 for children 10-17.
May 11: Save the date for Austin Home’s Great Outdoors Tour on 5/11.
June 1-2: Take a two-day bar and garden tour in and around Austin at the annual Austin Pond and Garden Tour, held on February 1 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $25.
Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I host in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners several times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and request to be added. Season 8 begins in the fall of 2024. Stay tuned for more information!
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