Bluebonnet fans dodged a bullet this season. The recent rains are going to help this year’s season stay strong.
“Rainfall was down more than 4 inches from average this year in Central Texas and wildflowers were starting to show drought stress in some areas. The much-welcome rains will extend bluebonnet displays and keep plants fresh in general,” said Andrea De-Long Amaya, Director of Horticulture with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
De-Long Amaya expects the flowers to perk up and stay golden for the next several weeks.
The Hill Country may be a place you want to check out.
“In one of my early years as a plant person, I made the drive through the Willow City Loop,” De-Long Amaya said. “The oceans of bluebonnets surpassed any stands I had ever seen. It was stunningly beautiful! But, what really impressed me was how strongly the flowers perfumed the air.”
You don’t have to go far to enjoy the state flower. McKinney Falls State Park has several patches in full bloom. And if you enjoy taking short road trips, there are several local hot spots the wildflower center recommends. A 90 minute drive east on U.S. 290 will take you to Brenham. West of San Antonio you will find The Bandera Loop. The Willow City Loop is a Hill Country favorite west of Austin near Fredericksburg.
The Department of Public Safety warns people not to stop on the side of the highway to snap photos. Those going to take photos should also be on the lookout for snakes and fire ants.
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