Photo: Diana Leblanc
Did you know that there are 5,000 different species of wildflowers in Texas? Neither did I. Did you know that of those 5,000, there are 5 different species of Bluebonnets? I didn’t know that either!
If I had to boil down the things that I love in Texas the most, the yearly wildflower bloom would be number 1, or 2. I get so giddy when I see the first blooms of the season. This year, because of the rains, they came a little bit early; of course you won’t hear any complaints from me. Nothing gets my motor running like seeing the season’s first bluebonnets.
Photo Credit: Diana Leblanc
The bloom season usually progresses in a wave: early March in Big Bend to mid-March in coastal cities, late March in Houston, early to mid-April in Central Texas and late April in the Panhandle. But, as I mentioned before, they are just a touch early because of the rain.
If there is one piece of advice I can give to all of you, it’s to take the time to stop and smell the flowers. I’m a big advocate of living life and not letting things get in the way and that means stopping along the highway (please be careful) to take family photos in the fresh blooms. You can never have too many bluebonnet pictures!
Let me be the first to say however, watch where you’re stepping. There are two things that can make your wildflower picture excursion less than fantastic. First, you really need to be aware of the land that you choose to take pictures on. You obviously want to stay off of private property. More so, you need to look for hazardous wildlife, rattlesnakes in particular. A nice bouquet of flowers can also mean nice shade for rattlers. Just shuffle your feet and let them know you are coming. If they are there, they’ll let you know. Keep your ears open. And finally, don’t trample the flowers; save some of the beauty for other folks. It doesn’t take much to crush a roadside bloom.
Texas has some of the most amazing wildflowers in United States. Take some time to embrace your inner Texan and appreciate the amazing blooms along our highways.