Bluebonnets 2013

With the lack of rain due to the drought, this year's Bluebonnet crop was in question! Would there be bluebonnets this Spring? My husband and I drove up to Marble Falls from the Austin area today with the sole purpose of checking out this year's crop of wildflowers.

We found ourselves meandering on country roads through Liberty Hill and driving North on Highway 1431. Our best photos were taken on backroads in the Marble Falls area.

These photos were taken with my new IPhone. There was no traffic and we were able to pull over and walk the few feet required to snap a picture. It was my fortune to be wearing shoes instead of sandals for our afternoon adventure. My foot found a fire ant bed near a patch of bluebonnets. In a matter of seconds, my shoe was covered with ants, but I received only a few bites. With the help of a Benadryl, my ant bites felt better within the hour! Recent rain showers had washed the mound into the grass hiding its presence in the bright sun.

The drought has taken its toll on the Texas Hill Country. Many trees have succumbed to the lack of rain. The grasses along the roadways are not lush and green this year. That may change if we have substantial rain in the near future. The bluebonnets stand tall in areas where grass is brown and stunted.

Fields filled with blooming flowers are beautiful, but I love to see the bluebonnets surrounding a cactus plant, or growing next to a large rock or stone. One of the breathtaking sights today was a lush patch of bluebonnets next to a sprawling crisp white fence. The contrast was very appealing!

The other wildflowers often seen emerging with the bluebonnets were not found. Perhaps the weather is not warm enough yet for the Indian Paintbrush and pink Buttercups!

As the days pass, the bluebonnets will continue to grow. A little rain aids their survival. Hot temperatures will cause these flowers to wilt. They love moderate temperatures mixed with rainy or cloudy days!

Find time to take a drive and see the flowers this Spring! Don't forget your camera!!

Just one week later, the Central Texas bluebonnets are mature and lush. Rain showers during the week combined with mild sunny days have added rich color to the native flowers. In addition, the wild flowers have burst out with vivid color adding a full color pallet to the Texas landscape.

With warmer temperatures predicted this week, the longevity of the blooms may be threatened. Colder air is predicted during the middle of the week which may help keep our landscape gorgeous awhile longer.

If you have not been out to tour the local area and the gorgeous Spring terrain, plan a trip soon or you might miss our famous wildflower season! Watch out for those fire ants!