Each year, the first full week of May – May 2-8, 2016 – is designated as National Wildflower Week, a time to celebrate the brightly colored blooms that brighten our landscapes. Celebrate them when you can – they come and go at different times – but this is the week we can all stop and smell the flowers together.
Wildflower Days
Wildflower Days are upon us. Contact the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower – The University of Texas at Austin for more information and to register for events.
Wild Thing Photo Exhibit
As part of National Wildflower Week, Texas Highways teams up, again, with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for our annual showcase of curated wildflower photography. The Center’s McDermott Learning Center is transformed into a garden of native flower images from professional photographers Theresa DiMenno, Rob Greebon, and Joe Lowery for this year’s Wild Thing Photo Exhibit, which runs through May 30.
While there, don’t miss the 3-D paper sculptures of artist Shou Ping, also on display through May 30.
Also:
Check out our Texas Wildflower guide
Corralling classic wildflowers from the Magnificent Seven regions across Texas
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which works year round to nurture and tout the true value of wildflowers – help conserve water, reduce mowing costs, provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife and protect the soil from erosion – host special activities for the week. Visit the Center’s website for more information and to register for the activities, including:
Tuesday, May 3, 10-11 a.m.: Walking Among Wildflowers
Take a tour to explore the gardens to learn about the beautiful wildflowers and the history of the Wildflower Center, including Lady Bird Johnson’s role in its existence and the Center’s ongoing efforts in research, conservation efforts and landscape design projects.
Wednesday, May 4, 8 –10 a.m.: Birds & Blooms
Join Audubon Society and Wildflower Center guides for hikes along lesser-traveled trails as you learn about the wildflowers and birds that inhabit the Wildflower Center. Bring binoculars.
Wednesday, May 4, 10 – 11 a.m.: Sprouts: Wildflowers Taking Shape
Preschoolers meet in the in the Center’s Luci and Ian Family Garden classroom to explore the world of plant parts and wildflowers by using shapes and patterns. They also get to help with plant pollination.
Wednesday, May 4, Noon – 1 p.m.: Watershed Walk: Botany of Boggy
Spend your lunch break exploring the plants along Boggy Creek with City of Austin staff. They also will share information about treatments used on this portion of the creek including channelization, engineered restoration, and Grow Zones.
Wednesday, May 4, 6– 8 p.m.: Flowers and More of the Violet Crown Trail
Join the Hill Country Conservancy and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center guides for a two-hour hike along a future segment of the Violet Crown Trail from the Center. Learn about . Walk, which is limited to 15 participants, is full, but those interested can be placed on the waitlist.
Friday, May 6, 10 – 11 a.m.: Sprouts: Wildflowers Taking Shape
Preschoolers meet in the in the Center’s Luci and Ian Family Garden classroom to explore the world of plant parts and wildflowers by using shapes and patterns. They also get to help with plant pollination.
Saturday, May 7, 9 – 11 a.m.: Wildflowers of Spring Lake Preserve
Spend the morning walking Spring Lake Preserve at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.
Saturday, May 7, 10 – 11:30 a.m.: Wildflowers of the Elisabet Ney Museum
The Elisabet Ney Museum is celebrating National Wildflower Week by hosting a walking tour of the landscape.
Sunday, May 8, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Flowers for Mom
Don’t settle for a bouquet. Treat your mother to a garden full of flowers for this Mother’s Day stroll through the Center’s garden, led by Dr. Karen Clary, plant conservationist program manager at the Center.
Sunday, May 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Walk on the Wild Side: Explore Wildflowers of Blunn Creek
Hike the urban trails of Blunn Creek Nature Preserve to check out volunteers’ beautification efforts – planting trees, wildflower seeds and removing invasive species – at Blunn Creek Nature Preserve include wildflower seed plantings, tree plantings, and invasive species removal. Where: Blunn Creek Nature Preserve.
