in Austin, TX is like the "Mecca" for wildflower enthusiasts! Lyndon Johnson's wife loved the native Texas wildflowers and wanted to spread their beauty and help people appreciate them better. She initiated the planting of wildflower seeds along Texas' highways and interstates. In a good (non-drought) year, the highways are carpeted with wildflowers that have spread over the years through re-seeding. Alas, this was not a good year! Ironically, we literally "went through hail" to get to the center when we got caught in a violet thunderstorm on the road.
Pea Family Austin, TX (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center) March 27, 2009 I was intrigued by the common name of this small tree. The flowers were lovely, especially with fresh raindrops.
Buttercup Family Austin, TX (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center) March 27, 2009 These flowers can be purple, white or pink. I spotted this one growing in a field along a trail behind the wildflower center.
