Bountiful bluebonnets this spring

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Wildflower season is beginning to bud. There are little signs of spring at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Bluebonnets are not blooming just yet but Andrea DeLong-Amaya, with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, says 2010’s display will be better than last year’s when record drought conditions kept bluebonnets to a minimum.

El Nino’s influence on our weather pattern is behind the optimistic wildflower forecast this year. More rain means more wildflowers.

"We've had great rain since the fall which is critical for getting the wildflowers to germinate," said Andrea DeLong-Amaya, Director of Horticulture. “Then, the continuing rain helped with keeping those seedlings alive and growing.”

DeLong-Amaya says bluebonnets have a special draw because they are the state flower and have ties to Lady Bird Johnson. For many, it is a treat to see the sea of blue along Texas highways in the spring.

"When you see a big field of blue, that's a perfect opportunity for kids, for pictures of your kids, of the whole family," said Michael Wasaff, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center visitor. "Texas landscape is awesome."

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is gearing up for a spectacular season. Its calendar lists a variety of events to celebrate wildflowers this spring.