March 25, 2024
A few weeks ago I went on a wildflower safari south of Austin, east of San Antonio, and saw some good flower fields. But this above-average wildflower year called for a second safari. On Friday, my husband and I hit the back roads east of Austin, near tiny Independence, Texas. And wowza, what a bonanza of blue bonnets and other wildflowers we saw!
I like to go out mid-afternoon and stay until sunset to get the lower, more golden light for photos. One of our first good sightings was a yellow field of goldenbush, glowing in the late afternoon.
A crazy quilt of wildflowers was placed along the side of the highway.
The countryside is beautiful between Giddings and Independence/Brenham. Rolling fields, broad-topped trees and wild flowers in abundance greeted us around every bend in the road.
Indian Painter and Texas Blue Helmets — a favorite spring combination
Bluebonnets make a denim blue haze on a green field
More brushes and blue bonnets, with some pink evening primrose in the foreground.
Further, blondes dominated.
The sweet scent of bluebonnets in thousands adds more delight to such a scene.
Blues on the green, country style
With one private drive, we spotted a patch of Indian Paintbrush and Blue Bonnets. What a welcoming home for the owners!
Close up view
And the side view
Across the street, the coreopsis (I think) added a splash of yellow.
Unfortunately, the bastard cabbage is taking hold here, as elsewhere in our country. If you’re not familiar, bastard cabbage is a tall, airy, yellow, non-native wildflower — beautiful but horribly invasive — that is taking over and crowding out our native Texas wildflowers. If it appears on your property, dig it up right away, before it goes to seed. I fear that one day we will lose our iconic views of wildflowers if the bastard cabbage is allowed to continue to spread.
I mean, views like these are worth keeping, right?
As we wound our way through the back roads toward Independence, the sky darkened with clouds, but no rain fell.
Blue on blue
A few miles outside of Brenham, I spotted a picturesque old church.
A rusty sign with a miniature church is barely legible: Old Gay Hill Baptist Church, it says.
Continuing on, we spotted a border of blue shutters — and a trio of miniature donkeys on the other side of the field. As soon as we got out of the car, these good guys or gals ran up to greet us.
Three amigos
So cute
Oh hello! Sorry we don’t have any carrots for you mate.
Instead, satisfied with the scratch on the head, they poked their heads through the fence and inspected the wildflowers.
Look at that little donkey smile.
Tasty bluebonnets? Who knew?
If only they liked bad cabbage!
What a wonderful scene
Especially with the friendly donkeys who also enjoy the wildflowers.
But wait, there’s more! Look out for the second part of my wildflower safari to come, with horses, cows and the odd crested caracara.
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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: Go 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 will begin in the fall of 2024. Stay tuned for more information!
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