March 26, 2024
Bluebonnets pop up off in Texas this spring, so much so that last Friday I found time for a second wildflower safari, heading east through the farm toward Independence. I shared the first part of that ride yesterday. Today, here’s part 2.
The rolling fields, farms and ranches between Giddings and Independence make up some of the most beautiful country in all of Texas. These two horses were frolicking in the middle of it, enjoying their blue field of dreams.
I thought they might walk over to say hello while I photographed the flowers. But the horse on the right was wary, and the one on the left barely stopped its grazing to take a quick look before turning back to him.
I love the blue of the bluebonnets with the new, yellow-green leaves of the mesquite trees.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, we enjoyed the rural beauty of East-Central Texas.
A piece of white, wild wildflower caught my eye.
Does anyone know the name?
At the top of a hill of exposed rock, we were greeted by a Hill Country style scene.
An overgrown gravel path followed the trail through wildflowers.
A cedar barbed wire fence also ran through it.
Coreopsis, I think
Cholla added its branching beauty to the rugged landscape.
Spiny-eared mouse too
One last look down the bluebonnet trail
The glow of the golden hour was beginning. We considered staying on the hill to watch the sunset, but I couldn’t help but think there could be even better views.
Found one!
And splendid mahogany horses
Old barn with Yellowstone energy
Ranch sign on the fence
A wonderful country
And curious cows
Live oak
And an even bigger live oak
What a beauty, especially with some blue bonnets and brushes
Another massive old tree — perhaps a declining oak? – in a field of blue bonnets he made me get out of the car again.
On a gnarled dead branch at the top of a tree, a large bird with a red beak – looking like a raptor – kept a keen eye. I took a few photos, wondering what it was.
After he spread his huge wings and took to the air, we did a reverse Google image search to identify him. It is a crested caracara, a falcon that is common in South and Central America but is only occasionally seen in Central Texas. I am happy that I was able to photograph one.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we entered Old Baylor Park in Independence, where an old log cabin overlooked a field of blue shutters and brush.
And the ancient live oak towering over the blue field.
And that concludes a great day of wildflower viewing.
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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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