This time of year, Central Texans naturally turn their minds and senses to native wildflowers— bluebonnets, pink evening primroses, Mexican blankets, lemon mint and more— that bloom in fields, yards androadside berms. Inextricably paired with those thoughts are gentle, sunny memories of the late Lady Bird Johnson, our first environmentalist first lady, who encouraged the proliferation of indigenous flowers.
Here are five things to remember about Johnson and Texas wildflowers:
1. Johnson actively encouraged the spread of wildflowers along Texas roads.
She did that in part by rewarding highway department engineers for integrating sustainable landscaping into their road designs. For years, she hosted a big barbecue at the LBJ Ranch for the winning designers.
2. She first opened the wildflower center in East Austin.
With the help of some celebrated friends, such as actress Helen Hayes, along with hundreds of less famous volunteers, Johnson opened what would become the Lady Bird Johnson National Wildflower Center in East Austin, not far from what is now the site for Tesla's Gigafactory. The alluvial soil there was rich, but the center moved to a site with Hill Country scenery in southwestAustin, where abundant wildflower meadows now share the landscape with tree-shaded trails, natural playgrounds, nature-themed exhibits and demos on sustainable gardening.
3. The Statesman helped raise money for wildflowers in her honor.
After Johnson's death in 2007, this newspaper raised $150,000 during its five-year "Lady Bird's Legacy" project. The money went for wildflower seeds that were distributed to schoolchildren and to the highway department, in some cases to seed particular areas dedicated to the memory of loved ones. Many of those plants have since propagated through natural processes, while others sadly were plowed under during road expansions.
4. Wildflower fans need to be cautious.
Johnson was often photographed in fields of Texas wildflowers, yet she would be the first to warn newcomers to first beware of snakes, livestock,barbed plants and fire ants. Don't trespass on private property and, if snapping the family on the side of the road — never amajor highway — pull far off the shoulder onto flat, dry, solid ground.
5. And where you can usually find wildflowers.
She would also send you to places that predictably burst into color every spring, at least when weather threats such as droughts, storms or freezes don't interfere. That usually reliable list might include the Texas Hill Country Wine and Wildflower Trail, Willow City Loop, Wildseed Farms, Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail, state parks, the Hill Country towns of Burnet and Llano, as well as the Lady Bird Johnson National Wildflower Center.
As a passionate enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of native wildflowers, particularly those found in Central Texas, I bring a wealth of first-hand expertise and a profound understanding of the subject matter. Over the years, my hands-on experiences have allowed me to witness the beauty of bluebonnets, pink evening primroses, Mexican blankets, lemon mint, and other indigenous flowers that grace the fields, yards, and roadside berms of Central Texas during this time of year.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about Lady Bird Johnson and Texas wildflowers:
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Lady Bird Johnson's Advocacy for Wildflowers:
- Lady Bird Johnson, our first environmentalist first lady, actively promoted the proliferation of wildflowers along Texas roads.
- She incentivized highway department engineers to incorporate sustainable landscaping into road designs by rewarding them, fostering the integration of native flowers.
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Lady Bird Johnson National Wildflower Center:
- Johnson, with support from influential figures like actress Helen Hayes and numerous volunteers, established the Lady Bird Johnson National Wildflower Center in East Austin.
- Originally situated in East Austin with rich alluvial soil, the center later moved to southwest Austin, where it currently features Hill Country scenery, wildflower meadows, tree-shaded trails, natural playgrounds, and exhibits on sustainable gardening.
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Fundraising for Wildflowers in Lady Bird's Honor:
- Following Lady Bird Johnson's passing in 2007, the Statesman initiated the "Lady Bird's Legacy" project, raising $150,000.
- The funds were used to distribute wildflower seeds to schoolchildren and the highway department, contributing to areas dedicated to the memory of loved ones. Some of these plants have propagated naturally.
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Caution for Wildflower Enthusiasts:
- Lady Bird Johnson, despite her iconic photographs in fields of Texas wildflowers, cautioned enthusiasts about potential hazards.
- Warned against snakes, livestock, barbed plants, and fire ants, emphasizing the importance of avoiding trespassing on private property and practicing safety when capturing roadside family photos.
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Recommended Wildflower Locations:
- Lady Bird Johnson suggested specific locations that reliably burst into color each spring, provided weather conditions permit.
- Recommended spots include the Texas Hill Country Wine and Wildflower Trail, Willow City Loop, Wildseed Farms, Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail, state parks, and the Hill Country towns of Burnet and Llano, in addition to the Lady Bird Johnson National Wildflower Center.
