Fields awash in Texas bluebonnets and other wildflowers
Galvanized by swaths of bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) coloring Austin’s urban roadsides, I drove east on Thursday morning to wander the dirt roads of Industry, a town of around 273 people. There I found farmsteads in rolling fields of denim blue.
The bluebonnets are showing off this spring, blooming a couple of weeks ahead of schedule and in abundance thanks to winter rains, at least around Austin and to the east and south. I don’t know if the Hill Country west of Austin has turned blue yet. If anyone reading this has a recent report, please share.
I’d never been to Industry, but it did not disappoint. The bluebonnets along its back roads are grand right now.
Other wildflowers are looking lovely too.
Bluebonnets mingling with Indian paintbrush and pink evening primrose
And with a tall yellow flower
Indian paintbrush and a weather-sculpted tree
Ka-pow! So many bluebonnets!
A Texas-proud gate sets the scene…
…for a sea of bluebonnets.
Bluebonnets and paintbrush
Another bucolic scene
And another lone star design
Horses and bluebonnets make a picturesque view.
One more
A weathered old building glows in the morning light.
Someone’s been cruising in this field of paintbrush.
Spring greens and a smattering of bluebonnets and pink evening primrose
I saw a cute calf and its mama lounging in blue flowers.
It looks like there’s a twin lying down.
A windmill beyond a field of blue
Indian paintbrush stands tall amid bluebonnets
Waves of blue
I was crawling slower than 30 mph to enjoy the flowers.
This field pops with magenta and yellow wildflowers in addition to bluebonnets.
Butterflies were swooping over the flowers.
Some fields were colored more subtly, including with green-and-copper prickly pear.
Layers of color
Paintbrush and bluebonnets
More
And more!
OK, one more
If you have time this weekend and can swing east, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
In fact, your heart might sing.
Go get your wildflower fix if you can.
Happy spring!
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Digging Deeper
Shop for native Texas plants at the Wildflower Center’s spring Native Plant Sale. Held on Fridays through Sundays, March 24 to May 7, from 9 am to 1 pm. The first weekend is just for Wildflower Center members, so join to enjoy this perk, plus get free admission all year and more.
Experience the Surreal Garden at Zilker Botanical Garden, an enchanting neon-art display throughout the gardens, with food and drink, music and dancing, surreal performers, and interactive art sculptures. Surreal costumes encouraged! 25% of event proceeds benefit the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy. Runs April 6 (VIP Night), April 7-8, and April 13-15, from 6:30 pm to 11 pm.
Add to your succulent collection at the Austin Cactus & Succulent Society Spring Show & Sale on April 15 and 16, from 10 am to 5 pm, at Zilker Botanical Garden. Come enjoy the plant show, shop for unique plants and pottery, and participate in a silent auction and raffles. Free with paid admission to Zilker Botanical Garden.
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.
Gorgeous photos! Thanks for posting.
I can’t believe how pretty the flowers are along MoPac this year, especially along some of the overpasses where flowers are almost eye-level out the car window. Nothing like the fields you saw, but more than I was expecting. It’s always great to see spring color.
It’s been such a terrific year for bluebonnets and other wildflowers, hasn’t it?
You were right in my own backyard, Pam. They really are outstanding this year!
Great photos as always.
Oh nice! You’re in a pretty area, Janelle. 🙂
Beautiful, Pam. Thanks for sharing these wonderful images.
My pleasure, Lisa. A wildflower drive has become an annual tradition of mine.
1431 from Lago Vista to Marble Falls had a lot of bluebonnets. Beautiful!
Great to know — thanks!
Thank you SO much for these gorgeous photos! A sight for sore eyes.
It’s my pleasure, Nancy. 🙂
OMG! I can never get enough of your bluebonnets. Thanks for sharing them, Pam.
I almost didn’t make a wildflower drive this year because of a busy schedule, but I’m so glad I didn’t skip it.
A joy to behold.
Aren’t they?
I always look forward to seeing your pictures wildflowers. Thay haven’t disappointed me this year. I love the post picture and the cow with calves in the bluebonnet.
I also like seeing gates with personality.
Happy spring.
Happy spring, Lisa!
Absolutely stunning pictures!! Never get tired if seeing them.
Thanks, Vicki. I love seeing the wildflowers.
We drove out to industry today on your advice and we’re not disappointed! Even though it was gloomy and sprinkling in places it was still worth the trip.
Good lord, were not disappointed. Stupid autocorrect.
I’m glad to hear you saw them too!
What a lovely and joyful post, Pam! Lucky bovines to have such a glorious back yard.
They seemed to be enjoying their bluebonnet pasture.
The first time I heard the word ‘Bluebonnet’ was in the movie ‘Open Range: Robert Duval’s character revealed that his first name was Bluebonnet… I google it, of course, and saw fabulous images like the ones you are sharing in this post. It is quite remarkable and breath taking. I can imagine waking up to this view with a cup of coffee in hand!
A glorious Texas spring makes up, to some extent, for a Texas summer. 😉 Funny about the movie character being named Bluebonnet!
My heart was singing just by seeing the photos online! I really have to see bluebonnet season someday. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos with us. Wow.
I’m glad you enjoyed them, Robin!