A couple weeks ago, I went on wildflower safari south of Austin, east of San Antonio, and saw some good flower fields. But this above-average wildflower year called for a second safari. On Friday, my husband and I hit the back roads east of Austin, near tiny Independence, Texas. And wowza, what a bonanza of bluebonnets and other wildflowers we saw!

I like to head out in mid-afternoon and stay through sunset to get lower, more golden light for photos. One of our first good sightings was a yellow field of golden groundsel, glowing in late afternoon.

A crazy quilt of wildflowers was laid out along the highway’s edge.

The countryside is beautiful between Giddings and Independence/Brenham. Rolling fields, broad-canopied trees, and wildflowers galore greeted us around every bend in the road.

Indian paintbush and Texas bluebonnets — a favorite spring combo

Bluebonnets making a denim-blue haze on a green field

More paintbrush and bluebonnets, with a smattering of pink evening primrose in the foreground.

Farther along, bluebonnets dominated.

The sweet scent of bluebonnets by the thousands adds more delight to a scene like this.

Blues on the green, country style

Along one private drive, we spotted a swath of Indian paintbrush and bluebonnets. What a welcome home for the owners!

A closeup view

And a side view

Across the road, coreopsis (I think) added a splash of yellow.

Unfortunately, bastard cabbage is getting a toehold here, as elsewhere throughout our state. If you’re not familiar, bastard cabbage is a tall, airy, yellow, nonnative wildflower — pretty but terribly invasive — that is taking over and crowding out our native Texas wildflowers. If it shows up on your property, dig it up right away, before it goes to seed. I fear that we will one day lose our iconic wildflower vistas if bastard cabbage is allowed to continue to spread.

I mean, views like this are worth saving, right?

As we wound our way along back roads toward Independence, the sky grew dark with clouds, but the rain held off.

Blue on blue

A few miles outside of Brenham, I spotted a picturesque old church.

A rusting sign with a miniature of the church is barely legible: Old Gay Hill Baptist Church, it says.

Continuing along, we spotted a verge of bluebonnets — and a trio of miniature donkeys on the other side of the field. As soon as we stepped out of the car, these good boys or girls came trotting over to say hi.

The three amigos

So cute

Oh hello! Sorry we have no carrots for you, buddy.

Satisfied with a head scratch instead, they poked their heads through the fence and browsed the wildflowers.

Look at that little donkey smile.

Tasty bluebonnets? Who knew?

If only they liked bastard cabbage!

What a lovely scene

Especially with friendly donkeys enjoying the wildflowers too.

But wait, there’s more! Look for Part 2 of my wildflower safari coming up next, with horses, cows, and an unusual crested caracara to boot.

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Digging Deeper

March 30-31: Come see the Austin Cactus & Succulent Society Show at Zilker Botanical Garden on 3/30 and 3/31, from 10 am to 5 pm. Includes a plant show with specimen cacti and succulents, handcrafted pottery, daily silent auction and hourly plant raffles, and expert advice. Admission is included with paid admission to Zilker Garden, $5 to $8 for adults, $3 to $4 for children (under 2 free).

April 6: Come out to Austin’s Mayfield Park on 4/6 for the Mayfield Park Gardening Symposium & Fundraiser, 8:30 to 11 am. This annual benefit for the park includes a raffle, plant sale, and garden speakers.

May 4: Explore “brilliant backyards, perfect pools and pergolas, and outdoor rooms and gardens” on the ATX Outdoor Living Tour on 5/4, 10 am to 3 pm. Landscape architects, designers, and builders will be on hand to answer questions. Tickets are $33.85 for adults, $17.85 for kids age 10-17.

May 18: On Austin Home’s Great Outdoors Tour, held 5/18 from 10 am to 3 pm, find “Pinterest-worthy pools and outdoor kitchens to thoughtful plantings and stylish urban density solutions.” Tickets are $30.

May 18: Pop up to Dallas for the 2024 DCMGA Garden Tour on 5/18 from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $18 if purchased online prior to 6 pm on 5/17, or $22 after 6 pm on 5/17 or at the event. For a sneak peek, click here.

June 1-2: Take a self-guided, 2-day tour of ponds and gardens in and around Austin on the annual Austin Pond and Garden Tour, held 6/1 and 6/2, 9 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $20 to $25.

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!

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