March 29, 2024
I headed west to the Hill Country on Wednesday for a THIRD wildflower safari, cruising the Willow City Loop between Fredericksburg and Llano. This famously scenic, 13-mile long ranch road winds through rugged canyons and over rocky hilltops with spectacular views, low passes and cattle to watch out for. Bluebells, white prickly poppies and other native Texas wildflowers are thick in puddles along the road and in the pastures.
If you go, I recommend avoiding the Easter weekend if you can and waiting until Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week. Otherwise, you’ll likely find yourself in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Many ranch owners along the loop are understandably tired of their traffic during wildflower season and have posted signs warning visitors not to stop, park or trespass, so keep that in mind. It’s easier to crawl around the Loop and stare at the flowers without becoming a distraction on a quieter weekday.
Mom and her puppy Lola accompanied me on this wildflower expedition. We drove north from Fredericksburg under broken skies that rumbled with thunder. The new leaves of the mesquite and the fields of wildflowers were even more beautiful under that threatening sky.
Verbena performed well early on when we headed into the Loop.
Grazing sheep added to the spring Easter scenery.
At the TK Ranch (which changed hands in 2023), old boots overturned on fence posts lined the road for half a mile or more. It’s always fun to see them.
Behind the TK, as the sprinkling of rain alternated with bursts of sunshine, we began to see thick clusters of bluebells.
I was on the lookout for a rainbow, and as we ascended, there it was—a great double arched rainbow.
He stretched the road in front of him, and one end went down into the valley, as if pointing to the legendary pot of gold.
Or maybe the gold was over this ridge.
A haze of blue eyelids spread around the exposed pink granite. The rocky cliffs behind them reminded me of the Fort Davis area in West Texas.
Big, fluffy white prickly poppies are mom’s favorite. We were both dazzled by the neon green color of the newly leafed mesquite.
Bluebonnets will always be a favorite of mine, pictured here with large live oaks bearing their brand new, yellow-green leaves.
Cows and flowers
Everywhere, really
Everything is so good this year!
Bluebonnets alternated with golden thunder under the mesquite.
The wire fence in the foreground created the effect of a flag.
The golden field behind the wire fence
And white prickly poppies
Wider scene with white prickly poppies, blue and gold mill
Golden Groundsel began to steal the show.
Although the blondes stood bravely along the fence line.
The “diamond” in the name of one ranch was represented by a diamond in the design of their fence.
Another charismatic old live oak with a curd of blue leaves
White prickly poppies and blondes
The black branches of the live oaks along the road framed the green fields.
But this time of year is really about the blues.
Bluebonnets with a single white poppy — like a full moon over ocean waves
More prickly poppies, lit by the afternoon sun
Mom saw a cardinal on a low branch and I leaned out the window to try and kill me. Well, the leaves are in focus!
Another blue field. It never gets old.
Prickly Pear Bluebonnets
*angels sing*
Longhorn cattle in a wooded pasture – what an iconic Texas scene.
Baby longhorn
A little further up the road, I saw a wild turkey scurrying through the blue hats.
And a few deer too
Another good bit of blue
And one more
The sun played hide and seek in the clouds, creating a moody light that enhanced the blue wildflowers and fresh green leaves.
Mesquites and bluebonnets
A sculpture of a shaman with his arms raised beckoned visitors to a ranch. Agave echoed on his cap.
Towards the northern end of Petlja, the white prickly poppy was making a big show.
Bluebonnets continued to favor roadsides, including this entrance driveway.
A few pink phlox joined the show near the chimney-like opening.
The blues, however, have my Texas heart.
Happy Easter to those who celebrate! And if you’d like to see wildflower safaris along the Willow City Loop from years past, click here for more flowers.
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Digging Deeper
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.
May 18: Come to Dallas on 2024 DCMGA garden tour 18. 5. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $18 if purchased online before 6pm on 5/17 or $22 after 6pm on 5/17 or at the event. For a quick overview, click here.
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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