Mexican plum and redbud may be blooming at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center by now. But last Sunday afternoon the gardens were still in the “grip” of an unusually mild winter. Flowers were few, but the tawny and russet hues of early February offer their own softer beauty.

In a bluestem meadow off the main path, a column of chiseled limestone and aqua glass makes a restful focal point.

Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana) shines in winter, when its sculptural, silver-gray trunks stand out against rusty grasses.

The mission-style arched entry to the main courtyard, accented with a blue-potted nolina or yucca.

Like an open-roofed arcade, the architecture frames a long view toward a window in the wall.

By the pond, seedheads held aloft remind us of summer’s flowers. I think this is a hibiscus.

Spiderwort (Tradescantia occidentalis) jumping the gun, warmed by surrounding stonework.

Pointillist-berried possumhaw (Ilex decidua) steals the show at this time of year, its blazing-red berries lighting up the gardens.

Christmas colors: green dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor) and red-berried possumhaw. Both work well for a rain garden too, as they appreciate extra water.

Framed by a stone window

Crisscrossing in front of the spiraling tower

This possumhaw’s berries glow more orange than red, shining against the backdrop of the big meadow.

How long until the cedar waxwings and mockingbirds devour them?

I love the softly hued meadows and savannas of Central Texas in the winter, fringed by dark-green live oaks and junipers.

The spiraling observation tower doubles as a water-collecting cistern.

A sprawling live oak, as wide as it is tall

Bleached grasses, hints of green starting to show, prickly pear and small trees, a backdrop of evergreens: a distinctively winter scene in Austin.

The path of water, with flattened grasses

Tenpetal anemone (Anemone berlandieri) in bloom, one of a few I saw amid the grasses.

But overall the meadow quietly awaits spring.

“What goes in here, comes out at Barton Springs” — a sign reminds us to be mindful of chemicals we spray or spread on our lawns (or dump in meadows or woods, not that anyone would), as they can quickly filter through porous limestone under the soil and flow into Barton Springs, polluting pool and creek.

A quiet spot to sit…

…and enjoy the view, or wave at people atop the tower.

Blue-green prickly pear with pretty yellow spines

A small cave opening in the middle of the meadow. A sign explains that the cave is about the size of a living room, and was used as a trash dump for many years before the Wildflower Center was established here. Why? is all I can think.

February is when we cut back last season’s growth on many woody perennials and grasses here in Central Texas. These grasses have been burned to regenerate spring growth, mimicking the natural process of prairie fire. (Don’t try this at home, kids.) They look like sleeping porcupines, don’t you think?

Huisache already leafing out above the bleached stems of muhly grasses.

In the Family Garden’s play meadow, a dad flies a kite for his little kid to chase as it dips and soars.

Up next: The Wildflower Center’s Family Garden and more possumhaws!

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Digging Deeper

Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Season 8 kicks off in fall 2024. Stay tuned for more info!

All material © 2024 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.