Texas Wildflowers: Flower Power

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

It's time to stop and smell the roses--or at least the beautiful Texas wildflowers. During the month of April they can be seen along roadsides throughout the Hill Country. Native flowers--from bluebonnets to Indian paintbrushes to Mexican hats--fill the roadsides with color, beckoning travelers to get out and enjoy the blooms.

The San Antonio area is rich with wildflowers because it lies in the junction of several distinct geographic areas. It rests at the southern end of the Midwestern Prairies, the eastern side of the Chihuahuan desert, the northern boundary of the Tamaulipan Thorn Scrub, and the western reaches of the Southeast Woodlands. What does all that mean to the weekend traveler? A bloomin' good time!

Here's a roundup of top places to see wildflowers:

*Wildseed Farm, Fredericksburg. The largest working wildflower seed farm in the United States, this farm sells 70 species of wildflower seed and wildflower seed mixes, many grown on site. The Wildflower Farm and Market Center is open daily; for more information call 800-848-0078.

*Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center, Austin. This is the only facility in the nation devoted to native plants and flowers. Located in the southern reaches of the city at 4801 La Cross Avenue, the center was created by Lady Bird Johnson in 1982 as part of a national beautification project. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the meditation garden, a colorful stroll through the Butterfly Garden, or a sensory experience in the Fragrance Garden, all designed using native wildflowers and plants. During this season, a centerpiece of this attraction is the Wildflower Meadow, which explodes with color.

*Kerrville: The community that's often called the capital of the Hill Country is well worth a stop during wildflower season. Don't miss the Willow City Loop between Fredericksburg and Llano off of TX 16. (North of Fredericksburg on TX 16, take the second Willow City Loop turn to the right; there are three Willow City exits.) This 16-mile loop through unfenced ranch land includes canyon views, bluffs, spectacular wildflowers and wildlife. Another popular wildflower drive is TX16 South out of Kerrville towards Medina. For more on Kerrville, call 800-221-7958.

*Bluebonnet Trail. The bluebonnet trails winds through the communities of Llano, Burnet, Marble Falls, Buchanan Dam, and more, tracing a path along the Highland Lakes chain. This is a self-drive trail where you'll see beautiful displays along the roadsides. Finding the best displays is usually easy--just look for the cars! The best viewing is usually in early April.

*Burnet Bluebonnet Festival, Burnet, early April. This town celebrates its many bluebonnets with three days of fun that includes arts and crafts, live entertainment on the Square, a bed race, pet parade, golf tournament and a fishing tournament. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 512-756-4297.

*Wimberley. You might continue your look at area wildflowers with a drive from the center west to Wimberley by traveling west on US 290 then south on RR12. This small town is filled with activity during the spring months when travelers enjoy the many small shops and often extend their day trip with a stay in one of the area's many bed and breakfast inns. From Wimberley you can also take a scenic drive along the Devil's Backbone, often called one of the state's most beautiful drives. Continue south from Wimberley on RR 12 to the intersection of RR32. Turn west; the scenic drive winds to the community of Fischer. Call the Wimberley Chamber of Commerce, 512-847-2201.

*Boerne. Check out the wildflowers around Boerne; if you're inspired by all the greenery don't miss the Cibolo Wilderness Trail Plant Sale and Festiva. Held at the Cibolo Wilderness Trail, a 70-acre greenbelt in Boerne City Park just of TX 46, here you'll see some of the natural habitat of this area with a reclaimed prairie and marsh. You'll find several walking trails, including an historic farm trail, a prairie trail, a creekside trail, and a marsh loop. The trails wind past native plants and wildflowers as well as birds and animals indigenous to the Hill Country. Call the Boerne Chamber, 830-249-8000.

*Hotlines. Before you reach for the car keys, spend a few minutes listing to the various hotlines that pinpoint the best sites for flower power. The best resource is the Texas Department of Transportation. Call 800-452-9292; along with tourism information, this number offers the option to hear reports on wildflower sightings throughout the state. This material is updated weekly with news of spectacular roadside wildflower displays.

Copyright Paris Permenter & John Bigley